The Harding Sisters Revisited by Carol E. Plimpton is a fascinating book that narrates the real story of the Harding sisters and their families with slightly fictionalized elements woven in. Lyman and Nora Harding, who lived on Sterling City Road, Connecticut, had eleven children: ten girls and one boy. Beginning with the story of the youngest sister, Grace, the book takes readers through the life experiences of the different sisters using a bit of creative storytelling to tell their story.

It is essential to note that the author, Carol E. Plimpton is the granddaughter of Maria, one of the Harding sisters. The story follows three generations of Hardings: from the birth of the Harding sisters in the 1880’s to Betty Plimpton’s death in 1994, who was the author’s mother and Maria Harding’s daughter. Carol uses the third-person perspective to narrate her family’s history in an engaging manner which keeps the reader quickly flipping pages. The reader watches each sister grow up and find their own place in society while navigating family dynamics and drama.

The story of the Harding sisters propagates traditional family structures that were prevalent at the time, with marriage being the most important part of the children’s lives, especially women’s. Ruth is the only sister who never married or had any children, being an independent woman and a successful teacher. The book ends with the author, Carol E. Plimpton, visiting the graves of her mother and great aunts in the epilogue. In this way the story comes full circle, starting with the birth of the sisters to their deaths, and it left me feeling satisfied even if a bit misty-eyed.

The Harding Sisters Revisited imparts upon the reader a variety of life lessons. This book also helped me understand how big of a role death plays in the progression of other’s lives and made me reflect upon the temporary nature of life. I heartily recommend this book to readers looking for a heartfelt family saga. I am sure that different readers will come away with different lessons, but all readers will certainly walk away with a deeper appreciation for the Harding sisters.

Pages: 177 | ASIN: B09MXLN2Y3