Paper Chains

by Jane Langton

A young woman discovers a new world of experiences and fascinating friends during her first semester at college.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Novels, School Stories

172 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1977

About the author

Langton was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She studied astronomy at Wellesley College and the University of Michigan, receiving a bachelor's degree in 1944. She received an M.A. in art history from the University of Michigan in 1945, and another M.A. from Radcliffe College in 1948. She studied at the Boston Museum School from 1958 to 1959.

In 1961 Langton wrote and illustrated her first book for children, The Majesty of Grace, a story about a young girl during the Depression who is certain she will some day be Queen of England. Langton has since written a children's series, The Hall Family Chronicles, and the Homer Kelly murder mystery novels. She has also written several stand-alone novels and picture books.

Langton's novel The Fledgling is a Newbery Honor book. Her novel Emily Dickinson is Dead was nominated for an Edgar Award and received a Nero Award. The Face on the Wall was an editors' choice selection by The Drood Review of Mystery for 1998.

Langton lives in Lincoln, Massachusetts, near the town of Concord, the setting of many of her novels. Her husband, Bill, died in 1997. Langton has three adult sons: Chris, David and Andy.

Series:
* Hall Family
* Homer Kelly Mystery

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Langton, an author best known in the world of juvenile fiction for her series of fantastic mysteries featuring the Hall Family - The Diamond in the Window , the Newbery Honor Book The Fledgling , and so on - turns in this 1977 young adult novel to the world of college, chronicling Evelyn Underhill's freshman year at Middlesex University. Immediately caught up in the social life at school - her friendships with her roommate Kayo and her dorm-mate Frankie (AKA Frances Anne Fisk), her polite antipathy to Frankie's roommate Prudence (AKA Pruneface), and her crush on her philosophy instructor, Professor J. Halverknap, Evelyn is also very much a student - in her classes, and in her life - and keenly conscious of all around her.

I enjoyed Paper Chains, which I found refreshingly school-oriented, for a college novel - so many examples of this genre from the early twentieth century, when it flourished, are focused almost exclusively on the social aspect of school - although I cannot say I found it particularly riveting. It could just be bad timing - I am exceptionally busy just now, and much preoccupied with some fairly sweeping life changes - but I never felt particularly compelled to continue with Evelyn's story. Nor did I entirely grasp the significance of the "paper chains" metaphor, unless we are meant to understand it as representing some idea of interconnection, or perhaps of one thing leading to another. Still, although I wouldn't describe it as destined to become a personal favorite, it was interesting, particularly as it offered some insight into American college life in the 1970s. I thought the inclusion of Frankie's character - from a close-knit Catholic family, she is the former valedictorian of her parochial school - was telling, as so many earlier examples of college novels would have depicted a WASP-only, or heavily WASP-dominated world. I also enjoyed the inclusion of What Dog (pictured on the front cover of the book), and appreciated that Evelyn, with her great height, startling laugh, and bright red hair, was not your typically beautiful "college girl." Recommended to readers who enjoy college novels and school stories.

[CLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn's first year of college at a university that strongly resembles Harvard is delightful. At the beginning she sort of resembles an exuberant puppy (and there is a dog in the book - called Down Boy) but matures as the year goes on. This book is intended for an older audience than the Hall Family stories, and for anyone who ever wondered during her (or possibly his) freshman year if she really fit in. They will find it poignant and enjoyable.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in the '70s, this novel has an older feel, sort of an American I Capture The Castle goes to college. The story takes place in just a few short months during the main character's first semester at college. There was a very authentic feel to the brand-new but deep friendships and the horrors of schoolwork. The main character is charming because she's very sensitive and alive to the beauties of philosophy and art but has a sense of humor about it, and her personality makes classic storylines like "first love" feel fresh.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather odd. Maybe because it's from the year I was born. Characters were very likeable. Mrs. Langton has caught the true whirlwind of that first semester of college. This took me back to the time when we didn't have cell phones, internet, email,and social media. When staying in touch with someone actually required effort!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evelyn's report (partially through unsent letters to an adored professor) of her first year of college. Her voice is funny, odd, and poetic, and she captures the urgency, excitement, alliances, and bewilderment of that time of life. Very enjoyable. My first Jane Langton, and it won't be my last!

[Muff · Rating 3 out of 5]

reminds me a little of Daddy-Long-Legs, without the drawings.