As an avid reader and fan of classic literature, I was thrilled to read “Mother Carey’s Chickens” by Kate Douglas Wiggin. This timeless tale, first published in 1911, has captured the hearts of generations of readers with its poignant story of a family struggling to make ends meet in coastal Maine.
In this comprehensive book summary, I’ll take you on a journey through the pages of this beloved novel, as well as explore its film adaptation, characters, quotes, and more.
Introduction to “Mother Carey’s Chickens” by Kate Douglas Wiggin
“Mother Carey’s Chickens” is a heartwarming story about a family of five children and their widowed mother, Nancy Carey, who live in a modest cottage near the sea. Despite their financial struggles, the Careys find joy in their simple life and the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, family, and resilience, and has been praised by readers and critics alike for its vivid descriptions and relatable characters.
Book Summary of “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
The story begins with the arrival of a new neighbor, Osh Popham, a fisherman who quickly becomes a friend to the Carey family. When the Careys’ financial situation takes a turn for the worse, Nancy is forced to take a job as a seamstress to support her family. Meanwhile, her eldest daughter, Penelope, falls in love with a wealthy young man named Kenneth Ford, but their romance is threatened by the differences in their social status.
As the story unfolds, the Careys face a series of challenges, including a devastating storm and the arrival of an unexpected visitor from Nancy’s past. Through it all, the family’s love and loyalty to one another help them to overcome their struggles and find happiness in the simple things.
Movie Summary of “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
In 1963, “Mother Carey’s Chickens” was adapted into a film starring Hayley Mills as Nancy Carey and Burl Ives as Osh Popham. The movie follows the same basic plot as the novel, with a few changes to accommodate the medium of film.
While some fans of the book may prefer the original story, the movie is still a charming adaptation that captures the spirit of the novel.
Setting: When and Where the Story Takes Place
“Mother Carey’s Chickens” is set in coastal Maine in the early 1900s. Wiggin’s descriptions of the rugged coastline and quaint fishing villages transport the reader to a bygone era and paint a vivid picture of the setting.
The contrast between the simple, natural beauty of the coast and the more formal world of the wealthy summer visitors who flock to the area is a recurring theme throughout the novel.
Film Locations of “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
The film adaptation of “Mother Carey’s Chickens” was shot on location in Maine, giving it an authentic feel. Some of the locations used in the movie include Camden Harbor, Owls Head Lighthouse, and the town of Rockport.
Fans of the novel who are interested in visiting the real-life locations that inspired the story may want to plan a trip to Maine to see them for themselves.
Character Analysis: Who’s Who in “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
One of the strengths of “Mother Carey’s Chickens” is its memorable cast of characters. Nancy Carey is a strong and determined mother who will do anything to provide for her family, while Osh Popham is a kind and loyal friend who becomes a surrogate father to the Carey children.
Penelope, the eldest Carey daughter, is a romantic at heart who dreams of a better life, while her younger sister Rachel is a tomboy who loves the sea. The youngest Carey children, Jack and Larry, are mischievous and playful, providing moments of levity in an otherwise serious story.
Memorable Quotes from “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
Wiggin’s prose is filled with beautiful and insightful quotes that capture the essence of the story. Some of the most memorable lines from “Mother Carey’s Chickens” include:
- “The best things in life are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.”
- “It is not what we have, but what we do with what we have, that determines our happiness or our misery.”
- “We never know what is going to happen, do we? Life is always throwing us this way and that. That’s where the adventure comes in. It’s the uncertainty of life that makes it so exciting.”
Soundtrack: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman’s Contribution
The film adaptation of “Mother Carey’s Chickens” features a charming soundtrack by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, the songwriting duo behind such classics as “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book.” The songs, which include “Femininity” and “A Whale of a Tale,” are lighthearted and catchy, adding to the film’s overall charm.
Curiosities and Fun Facts about “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
Did you know that “Mother Carey’s Chickens” was originally a play before it was adapted into a novel? Or that Kate Douglas Wiggin was a pioneer in the field of kindergarten education? These are just a few of the interesting facts and curiosities that surround this beloved novel.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing up as Nancy Carey and Osh Popham
If you’re a fan of “Mother Carey’s Chickens” and want to dress up as your favorite characters for a cosplay event or Halloween, there are plenty of ways to do so. Nancy Carey’s simple and practical style can be easily replicated with a long skirt, blouse, and apron, while Osh Popham’s fisherman’s attire can be recreated with a yellow raincoat, hat, and boots.
Kate Douglas Wiggin: A Brief Biography
Kate Douglas Wiggin was an American author and educator who was born in Philadelphia in 1856. She is best known for writing “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” and “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” both of which became beloved classics. Wiggin was also a champion of early childhood education and founded the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878.
Top 5 Works by Kate Douglas Wiggin
In addition to “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” Wiggin wrote many other books that are worth reading. Some of her other notable works include:
- “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm”
- “The Birds’ Christmas Carol”
- “Polly Oliver’s Problem”
- “The Story of Patsy”
- “The Village Watch-Tower”
Other Media Adaptations by James Neilson
James Neilson was a film and television director who directed the 1963 film adaptation of “Mother Carey’s Chickens.” He also directed several other family-friendly movies, including “Summer Magic” and “The Moon-Spinners.”
Similar Movies to “Summer Magic”
If you enjoyed “Mother Carey’s Chickens” and the film adaptation of the same name, you may also enjoy these similar movies:
- “Summer Magic”
- “Pollyanna”
- “The Parent Trap”
- “The Sound of Music”
- “Anne of Green Gables”
Book Club Questions for “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
If you’re reading “Mother Carey’s Chickens” for a book club, here are some discussion questions to consider:
- What do you think is the central message of the novel?
- Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
- How does the setting of coastal Maine contribute to the story?
- What role does class play in the novel?
- What did you think of the ending of the novel?
Top 10 Novels Similar to “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
If you’re looking for more books like “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” here are ten novels that you may enjoy:
- “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” by Kate Douglas Wiggin
- “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
- “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
- “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- “Cheaper by the Dozen” by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
- “All-of-a-Kind Family” by Sydney Taylor
- “The Railway Children” by E. Nesbit
- “The Moffats” by Eleanor Estes
- “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Fans of “Mother Carey’s Chickens”
If you’re a fan of “Mother Carey’s Chickens” or know someone who is, there are plenty of gift ideas and buying guides to help you find the perfect item.
Some ideas include a copy of the book or film, a set of vintage postcards featuring scenes from the story, or a charm bracelet inspired by the novel.
Conclusion
“Mother Carey’s Chickens” is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for over a century. Its poignant story and relatable characters continue to resonate with audiences today, and its message of love, family, and resilience is as relevant as ever.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel or discovering it for the first time, I hope this comprehensive book summary has given you a deeper appreciation for this beloved work of literature.
