Daisy Ashford

The Young Visiters, or Mr Salteena's Plan

This book, written by a nine year old in 1890, and published many years later in 1919, is probably the best thing I've read this year so far. It was published with all the spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes intact and I can definitely say it's all the better for it. Any novel that begins: "Mr Salteena was an elderly man of 42 and was fond of asking peaple to stay with him." is a sure winner in my estimation.

I read it in 45 minutes, cackled like a madwoman throughout, then stormed in on my busy husband and forced him to listen to extracts: 

"Oh Bernard she sighed fervently I certinly love you madly you are to me like a Heathen god she cried looking at his manly form and handsome flashing face I will indeed marry you."

"I shall put some red ruge on my face said Ethel because I am very pale owing to the drains in this house."

It's hilarious, a great satire (whether intended or not) and the story actually makes sense. (Quite honestly I'm not sure if I could write a novel now, even a short one, and have it make ANY sense) and everything is tied up in a neat bow at the end. A tremendous accomplishment for a nine year old.

5 stars, rounded up to, like, a MILLION.

The Young Visiters, or Mr Salteena's Plan

Reviews

Highlights