Finishing Becca: A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold - Softcover

Ann Rinaldi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0152008799 ISBN 13: 9780152008796

Publisher: Graphia, 1994

Synopsis

An independent-minded young maid tells the story of social-climber Peggy Shippen and how she influenced Benedict Arnold’s betrayal of the Patriot forces. Revolutionary Philadelphia is brought to life as Becca seeks to find her “missing pieces” while exploring the complicated issues of the war between the impoverished independence men and the decadent British Tories. “This tale of treachery comes alive under [Rinaldi’s] pen.”--Kirkus Reviews

About this title

About the Author

ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer and newspaper columnist for twenty-one years, Ms. Rinaldi attributes her interest in history to her son, who enlisted her to take part in historical reenactments up and down the East Coast. She lives with her husband in central New Jersey. Visit her online at www.annrinaldi.com.

Reviews

Grade 7 Up-In 1778, Becca Syng, 14, becomes Peggy Shippen's maid and enters another world. For over a year, she assists Peggy in her revelry, culminating in her mistress's marriage to General Benedict Arnold. Like the Arnolds, Becca is faced with decisions about loyalty: to her country, to her family and, above all, to herself. This first-person historical novel has some major problems. First, since Becca is not a direct participant in Shippen-Arnold affairs, Rinaldi continually relies on the fortuitous overhearing of conversations, chance meetings, and convenient letters to develop her plot. Too much history is crammed into dialogue, and too much confiding in animals occurs to update readers. Second, the author relies on talk, thought, and feelings at the expense of action. Consequently, the story drags. Given Becca's age and inexperience, her perceptiveness is unrealistic; her overwrought language is better suited to a Gothic romance. Finally, Shippen and Arnold are such unpleasant characters that nothing excuses Becca's enduring them for so long. Their complex personalities, apparent in adult biographies, are absent here-she's spoiled and manipulative and he's merely a selfish egotist. This one-track approach not only does these individuals a disservice, but it also becomes tedious to read.
Ann W. Moore, Guilderland Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Graphia
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0152008799
• ISBN 13: 9780152008796
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384