Ellen Foster

Ellen Foster is a story of a redoubtable, young girl with a very abysmal life. Her father is a bad tempered drunk whose internecine behavior caused the death of her mother and eventually his own. She then lives with the art teacher, Julia, who reveals to her the kinder side of life but this memorable and happy time is quickly replaced with a harrowing one. She has to spend her time trying to tolerate or even overcome the loathing demeanor and offensive remarks of her relatives and still try to have a vivacious childhood. Her tenaciousness evokes a sense of caring and hope that she will find a better home while her perspicacity allows the reader to sympathize with her because she knows how factious her life really is.