The Diary of Trilby Frost

by Dianne Glaser

Life in Sobby County, Tennessee, in the early 1900s is not easy for Trilby Frost, who longs to make something of her future. Her mother disapproves of her romance with Saul Edwards, the rebellious half-Indian boy who helps with the chores on the Frost farm. Then there are the Frosts' two boarders--a disreputable bootlegger who tries to woo Trilby's older sister, and a sophisticated teacher who tries to win Trilby's heart. Trilby writes everything in her diary, from her turbulent relationship with Saul to her days at finishing school. Her words tell of the tragedies and joys of life in a log cabin in the early twentieth century and show that the trials of growing up are timeless.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens

207 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Kelly]

As a pre-teen I found this book in the school library in the early 1980's. I loved this book and read it several times. It will always be a favorite.

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus]

My mother sent me this in a care box - seems I owned this way back in 1985 and never read it. So, I figured for nostalgia's sake, I would now. As I read through the first half, it was as I expected. The journal of a young farm girl, reminiscent of Laura Ingalls, is made for pre-teens. However, I actually became engrossed in the story and found myself reading it late into the night. There is no doubt that life in 1890 was a bit more difficult than it is now - by the time I was done, three people had died, all defining characters, and I found myself quite depressed. I realize this book will most likely never find itself on any pre-teen's shelf now, and I find that deeply sad. This innocent tale of a difficult life is how writing used to be for the younger readers - I miss it.

[Children's Literature Project]

This book takes place in the early 1900s in Sobby County, Tennessee. Trilby Frost writes everything in her diary, from her turbulent relationship with her half-Cherokee friend Saul, who helps with the chores on the Frost farm to her days at finishing school. Her mother disapproves of her romance with Saul. The Frosts' have two boarders--a disreputable bootlegger who tries to woo Trilby's older sister, and a sophisticated teacher who tries to win Trilby's heart. Through Trilby’s diary we learn of life in a log cabin in the early twentieth century. I would use this with a part of a history lesson. I could not find any leveling information on this book, but it would be good to use for fifth grades due to some of the advaned subject matter.

[Beth]

I first read this book back in 1979, in middle school. It made such an impression on me that I tried for years to remember it and find it. My hubs finally found it for me and got an old library copy for me for Christmas a few years back. It was every bit as rich and poignant as I remembered. The struggle of Trilby to make more of herself, to bring some sort of beauty to her life is heart-wrenching...the romance she finds and how it effects Trilby is something that will stay with you.

[Carol]

Mrs. Boyd read this book out loud to us when I was in the sixth grade. All of the classes would sit in the common area after lunch every day while she read a chapter to us. I remember Mrs. Boyd crying while trying to read the ending to us. I cried with her. Took me many, many years to remember, and then find the book again. It was just as good as I remembered. And just as sad.

[Deidre]

This book I read and sobbed over. I still remember where I was when I read it the first time. I can relate to this simply pure relationship as I had one that was similar when I was a teen with the boy down the street.. anyone who knows me has heard me mention him more than once.

[Lori]

I have been trying to remember the name of this book for years. I loved it in elementary school and never forgot the story.

[Sarah Rigg]

My journal from this time says I "cried at the end."

[Ciara Hartman]

I read this book years ago and it broke me. I ugly cried towards the end. I deeply regret giving the book away. I still think of this story often.

[Jennifer]

For what is probably the 30th time, I have re-read this book thanks to a public speaking class I was taking. We had to convince our audience of something and I decided to convince them that this was the saddest children's book ever written. Based on my feedback, they agreed.

When I was a kid spending my summers in Kansas City with my Oma, Opa and my three aunts, going to the Raytown branch of the Mid-Continent Library was a regular gig. One summer, I remembered a deliciously depressing book I had read the year before and I wanted to read it again. That was the first time I pulled what every librarian knows. I asked the librarian to help me find a book that was sad, was a diary of a girl a "long time ago", her best friend was an Indian and, wait for it, the cover was yellow. She was not amused and so I spent my time going through each and every single book until I found it.

Years later when I started working part time in the library while in college someone donated an old busted copy so I have one of my very own.

One sentence summary? A heartbreaking Little House on the Prairie tale.

[Diane]

Trilby is a teenage girl growing up in Tennessee in 1899. She records everything in her diary, including her relationship with a half-breed indian, Saul and a terrible secret that changes her life forever.

There's a lot of strong feelings expressed in this book, handled very well. You really get involved with the characters and care about what happens to them. I think the time period is well described, as well. I totally ADORED this book when I was a tween, reading it cover to cover and then starting over again.

[Mari J]

It didn't take long for me to get lost in this book, leaving me unable to put it down. I found myself getting attached to the characters, and even shedding a few tears during some of the emotional parts. Trilby and Saul experience many ups and downs of life together and manage to get through them. Very heartwarming, with an unexpected twist towards the end. I am so grateful to my art teacher for recommending me her mother's book and allowing me to borrow her copy to read.

[Maddie Steagall]

Such an old book, but I really loved how true to the time period it stayed and the overall structure of the book was so good. I was a little younger when I read this, and I own a VERY old copy but this is one book I will never get rid of even though it doesn't fit the vibe of the rest of my books. That's how good it was

[Danielle]

So sad.

[Chris Rasmussen]

Fairly realistic events. Definitly not pollyanna like. But well done.