Bess and the Sphinx

by Elizabeth Coatsworth, Bernice Loewenstein (Illustrator)

An autobiographical novel about an awkward, chubby little girl who traveled with her family through Europe and especially to Egypt near the turn of the last century. Written with great faithfulness from a small child's point of view (not at all precious or dramatized). A vivid memory of Coatsworth's own voyage in 1888-1889 as well as a story which depicts the moment when the inner life began. "If I were a tree, Bess would be the heartwood."

88 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth was best known as the author of Away Goes Sally, The Cat Who Went to Heaven, which won the 1931 Newbery Medal, and the four Incredible Tales, but in fact she wrote more than 90 books for children. She was extremely interested in the world around her, particularly the people of Maine, as well as the houses and the surrounding land. She also loved the history and myths of her favorite places, those near her home and those encountered on her countless travels.

Coatsworth graduated from Vassar College in 1915 and received a Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1916. In 1929, she married writer Henry Beston, with whom she had two children. When she was in her thirties, her first books of adult poetry were published. For over fifty years, she continued to write and publish poetry in collections and to weave poems between the chapters of her books of fiction.

Reviews

[Katya Starling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet, easy read that gives hints of what Egypt was really like back in the late 1800s and has Christian elements surprisingly all throughout the story. I take it down a star because of a certain present that is given the main character that did not have to be involved in the story (the present, that is, not the girl) and the fact that another storyline seems completely forgotten up until the very end. The author could have handled that part better, but for the most part, it's a very delightful story. I'm actually still tempted to give it five stars because of the bonus that it is by the same author who wrote The Cat Who Went To Heaven, something I loved from my childhood and another story I highly recommend. All in all, if you want a taste of Egypt or desire to give your child an enjoyable story that will make them think more of our Lord and Savior, I highly recommend this little book. It's a classic definitely not to be taken for granted!

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting little story of a child's family trip to Egypt, interspersed with related poems. Helps give a little of the flavor of the visit.

[CLM]

Born in 1893, Coatsworth attended Buffalo Academy, then Vassar, perhaps overlapping with Carney/Marion. This is a memoir of her childhood.