What do you think?
Rate this book
A Peep Behind the Scenes
Behind many smiling faces there hides a hurting heart, and for what may appear to be glamorous, there is usually a high price to pay. Mrs. Walton gives us a glimpse into the life of a disillusioned young actress. In her fabricated world of glamour and glitz, Rosalie finds solace in the words of a gentle old man who gives her a picture of a Shepherd who loves and cares for her. Her travels take on new meaning as she shares with the “down-and-outters” about this wonderful Shepherd who loves them too. This profound century-old story is still relevant in today’s entertainment-enmeshed culture. Often, hidden behind smiling faces are hurting hearts, and that which is attractive and alluring may be a facade, concealing the hard reality of life behind the scenes. This dramatic book is both powerful and sensitive, and sold over two and a half million copies in the 19th Century! It continues to be a favorite among our collectors.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1877
About the author
Mrs. O.F. Walton
43 books16 followersAmy Catherine Walton, better known as Mrs O.F. Walton, was a British author of Christian children's and teenage books, mainly but not exclusively fiction. She was born Amy Catherine Deck in 1849, and died in Leigh, Kent in 1939.
Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.
Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.
In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.
The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.
Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.
(from Wikipedia)
Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.
Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.
In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.
The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.
Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.
(from Wikipedia)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 13, 2020
*listened to it*
IT WAS SO GOOD AND SO EMOTIONAL JUST LIKE EVERY LAMPLIGHTER THEATER EVER. 💔💔💖💖💖😍😍😍😍😭😭😭😭
IT WAS SO GOOD AND SO EMOTIONAL JUST LIKE EVERY LAMPLIGHTER THEATER EVER. 💔💔💖💖💖😍😍😍😍😭😭😭😭
December 9, 2017
There was a lot of death the two parents died it was so sad but it was good
April 13, 2019
I haven't done a review in a while, and this was the perfect book to start back doing reviews.
A Peep Behind the Scenes is a historical fiction book I've owned for some time now. It is part of the Lamplighter Collector Series, which is a subscription company that focuses on old Christian literature. Every Lamplighter book is only distributed through that company, so you end up with a lot unheard-off books.
A Peep Behind the Scenes follows the life of a young girl named Rosalie, who is the Child of an Actress. Her father is the play-write and owner of the productions, but is emotional distant and unkind. Her mother however is a very kind woman that teaches her to read, particularly her little testament. To be brief, it follows Rosalie's journey from a very bad place, to ultimately a place of rest and peace. Though of her life is awful, and no one is there for her, she still rests on the truth of the character of God instilled in her by her mother.
This book is the perfect example of what it means to have a childlike faith. It definitely is a sweet reminder of who God is as our loving father. One of the ideas the book rests on is looking at God as the Shepard who is calling us home. Rosalie's favorite story is when the Shepard goes and leaves the 99 to find the lost sheep. In the dark times she draws her strength from what the Word says, because it's the only thing she has to hold onto, which is a big lesson we can learn from this book.
The writing in this book was very charming. Sometimes older books tend to do a bad lob character-wise when the person is younger, or a girl, if the author is a male. Thankfully, for the most part, that was not the case with this book. I was really able to connect with the character and the world around her and how she is experiencing it. The first 100ish pages we were a bit slow for me, but the rest is very fast paced. You are able to tell what happens at the end, but the plot still grips you anyway.
There was also some nostalgia for me going into A Peep Behind the Scenes. Lamplighter was introduced to me because my parents would read the books out loud to us every night. I have so many great memories of all of us crying and laughing when reading them. Those 'read-out-louds' were some of the best times. I got I similar feeling here to say the least.
I was so encouraged by A Peep Behind the Scenes. It is truly a lesson about what Childlike faith is, how to be a light to others, and how the only thing that is truly substantial in this world is our loving father. The one who leaves the 99 every day to go after the lost sheep.
A Peep Behind the Scenes is a historical fiction book I've owned for some time now. It is part of the Lamplighter Collector Series, which is a subscription company that focuses on old Christian literature. Every Lamplighter book is only distributed through that company, so you end up with a lot unheard-off books.
A Peep Behind the Scenes follows the life of a young girl named Rosalie, who is the Child of an Actress. Her father is the play-write and owner of the productions, but is emotional distant and unkind. Her mother however is a very kind woman that teaches her to read, particularly her little testament. To be brief, it follows Rosalie's journey from a very bad place, to ultimately a place of rest and peace. Though of her life is awful, and no one is there for her, she still rests on the truth of the character of God instilled in her by her mother.
This book is the perfect example of what it means to have a childlike faith. It definitely is a sweet reminder of who God is as our loving father. One of the ideas the book rests on is looking at God as the Shepard who is calling us home. Rosalie's favorite story is when the Shepard goes and leaves the 99 to find the lost sheep. In the dark times she draws her strength from what the Word says, because it's the only thing she has to hold onto, which is a big lesson we can learn from this book.
The writing in this book was very charming. Sometimes older books tend to do a bad lob character-wise when the person is younger, or a girl, if the author is a male. Thankfully, for the most part, that was not the case with this book. I was really able to connect with the character and the world around her and how she is experiencing it. The first 100ish pages we were a bit slow for me, but the rest is very fast paced. You are able to tell what happens at the end, but the plot still grips you anyway.
There was also some nostalgia for me going into A Peep Behind the Scenes. Lamplighter was introduced to me because my parents would read the books out loud to us every night. I have so many great memories of all of us crying and laughing when reading them. Those 'read-out-louds' were some of the best times. I got I similar feeling here to say the least.
I was so encouraged by A Peep Behind the Scenes. It is truly a lesson about what Childlike faith is, how to be a light to others, and how the only thing that is truly substantial in this world is our loving father. The one who leaves the 99 every day to go after the lost sheep.
April 10, 2016
I have been so curious about this book for over a year. Very glad I finally was able to read it. Lot's of examples of how to start a conversation and share the news of the Good Shepherd to others. How to use your faith in difficult situations and asking for Jesus's salvation. Looking forward to reading this to my kids but still debating on when. It has death of parents in the book and my kids are very sensitive to that, so I will be praying for God to guide me to the appropriate time to read this to them..krb 9/7/15
Gave the audio to Ellie for Easter. She listened to it and rated it 5 stars. She then gave it to Jacob to listen to and he rates it 4 stars. We are now listening to it in the car together..krb 4/4/16
Finished audio on our trip to LEGOLAND. 5 stars..krb 4/9/16
Gave the audio to Ellie for Easter. She listened to it and rated it 5 stars. She then gave it to Jacob to listen to and he rates it 4 stars. We are now listening to it in the car together..krb 4/4/16
Finished audio on our trip to LEGOLAND. 5 stars..krb 4/9/16
July 28, 2014
Twelve year Rosalie Joyce lives with her father Augustus and mother Norah, but they have no fixed abode. They are actors who travel from fair to fair in a caravan. Augustus is a cruel man who drinks and carouses. Norah ran away from home to marry him and lost all contact with her family, but she is now very ill. While at a fair in one town, a gentle old man gives the girl a picture of a Shepherd who loves and cares for her, so she and her mother begin reading about the Shepherd in the Bible, and Norah says that if something ever happens to her, Rosalie is to find her sister, Lucy Leslie, who married a minister.
A short time later Norah dies, and Augustus eventually remarries. Rosalie’s step-mother is also very cruel. Soon, the father is killed in an accident and his new wife plans to send Rosalie to an orphan home, so Rosalie sets off to find her aunt. Along the way several people help her and she in turn helps several others. But will she ever locate her aunt’s home? And how will she find the way? Mrs. O. F. Walton was born Amy Catherine Deck, the daughter of a minister. She married Octavius Frank Walton, who was also a minister, and became a British author of Christian children's books. Her career began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1877, A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known.
The basic premise of this tender story is that all that glitters is not gold. From Rosalie’s “peep behind the scenes,” she learns, and the reader will also learn, that we must not trust outward appearances, that there is no real joy in anything of this world, and that the only way of true happiness is found in keeping near the Good Shepherd. There are, of course, general references to Augustus’s drinking and carousing and one mention of a character fetching his pipe and tobacco, but there is no explicit detail. Not everyone will agree with how the way to be saved is explained, but the major emphasis is simply upon trusting in Christ for forgiveness and then striving to follow His word in everything one does. That is certainly refreshing. A Peep Behind the Scenes outsold The Scarlet Letter by over two million copies in the 1800s. I have also read and reviewed Christie's Old Organ and its sequel, Christie, the King’s Servant.
A short time later Norah dies, and Augustus eventually remarries. Rosalie’s step-mother is also very cruel. Soon, the father is killed in an accident and his new wife plans to send Rosalie to an orphan home, so Rosalie sets off to find her aunt. Along the way several people help her and she in turn helps several others. But will she ever locate her aunt’s home? And how will she find the way? Mrs. O. F. Walton was born Amy Catherine Deck, the daughter of a minister. She married Octavius Frank Walton, who was also a minister, and became a British author of Christian children's books. Her career began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1877, A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known.
The basic premise of this tender story is that all that glitters is not gold. From Rosalie’s “peep behind the scenes,” she learns, and the reader will also learn, that we must not trust outward appearances, that there is no real joy in anything of this world, and that the only way of true happiness is found in keeping near the Good Shepherd. There are, of course, general references to Augustus’s drinking and carousing and one mention of a character fetching his pipe and tobacco, but there is no explicit detail. Not everyone will agree with how the way to be saved is explained, but the major emphasis is simply upon trusting in Christ for forgiveness and then striving to follow His word in everything one does. That is certainly refreshing. A Peep Behind the Scenes outsold The Scarlet Letter by over two million copies in the 1800s. I have also read and reviewed Christie's Old Organ and its sequel, Christie, the King’s Servant.
September 4, 2013
There was a caravan that went to a fair and put on a show. Every little girl and boy wanted to be a part of the show. But, they did not know what it was really like behind the scenes. A little girl, named Rosalie, was the daughter of an actress and her father was the director of the show. Everyday, she woke up to hard work, mean language, and tiring rehearsals. Until, one day, a pastor visits and gives her and her very sick mother a picture that has a verse on it. This little scripture verse ends up saving Rosalie and her mother from the clutches of sin and death. They learn that even when death comes, they can still find life and happiness in Jesus. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 21, 2019
This book was fairly good, very close to the audio dramatisation. Why only three stars? Because it was manonatanis. Rosie moves somewhere, she leads someone to Christ by reading them the parable of the lost sheep, repeat about seven times. Also one of my favorite characters ended up dying in the end of the book for no reason. So, I would recommend you stick with the Lamplighter Theater version of this, its much happier, less monotanas and my favorite character doesn't die.
July 17, 2017
What a heart-warming story of faith, redemption, and reconciliation. My children selected this story to read together this summer. It was a bit wordy for me, as I felt myself wanting to skip some details to get to the plot. Yet, I found myself wanting more of the passages of Rosalee and her mother. All in all I think it was great, but I probably won't read it again. I do look forward to listening to lamplighters audio Drama as a family on our road trip this summer.
January 22, 2023
Very emotional - even when you know what is coming you cannot help but be moved by this young life.
February 18, 2021
Absolutely amazing book.
November 21, 2013
The story is about a young girl named Rosalie who is brought up as a part of a traveling theatre show. Her mother has taken ill and her Father, who runs the traveling theatre show is a very hard man, who is only interested in making as much profit as he can. A stranger gifts Rosalie a picture of a shepherd holding a lamb with a bible verse underneath it, which stirs up old memories in Rosalie’s mother. Soon Rosalie and her mother are learning the love Jesus has for them and that no matter how lost, he will always find you. This message strengthens Rosalie in the many trials she has facing her and this she shares with the many people she meets.
The one thing that really stood out to me about this book was how beautifully descriptive the text was. Every sentence was so rich and full, something that i think is greatly lacking in a lot of fiction today. It was different in the sense of being extremely descriptive like say, Moby Dick, it was more that each sentence was almost a line of poetry.
I found it hard to get into the story at first, it was slow and there were a lot of religious messages (which as a Christian i am not against, however i was trying to read this from a neutral perspective). However about halfway through the story the pace picked up a bit and i was turning the pages as fast as i could.
The characters were developed well and you couldn’t help but love Rosalie and pity this poor, sweet child. I found her mother a bit of a weak character however she was severely ill so maybe that was why.
Overall i really enjoyed this book and i would recommend it. It definitely makes you think about how everything may look wonderful on the surface but behind the scenes, all is not as great as one would think. The book also shares the love of Jesus in a non condemning way even though sometimes i felt the messages were a little bit too much and could have been a bit subtler.
www.readingforthemasses.wordpress.com
The one thing that really stood out to me about this book was how beautifully descriptive the text was. Every sentence was so rich and full, something that i think is greatly lacking in a lot of fiction today. It was different in the sense of being extremely descriptive like say, Moby Dick, it was more that each sentence was almost a line of poetry.
I found it hard to get into the story at first, it was slow and there were a lot of religious messages (which as a Christian i am not against, however i was trying to read this from a neutral perspective). However about halfway through the story the pace picked up a bit and i was turning the pages as fast as i could.
The characters were developed well and you couldn’t help but love Rosalie and pity this poor, sweet child. I found her mother a bit of a weak character however she was severely ill so maybe that was why.
Overall i really enjoyed this book and i would recommend it. It definitely makes you think about how everything may look wonderful on the surface but behind the scenes, all is not as great as one would think. The book also shares the love of Jesus in a non condemning way even though sometimes i felt the messages were a little bit too much and could have been a bit subtler.
www.readingforthemasses.wordpress.com
March 8, 2017
A Peep Behind the Scenes is such a gem! It is sad but sweet and full of beautiful, Christian messages. I certainly wasn't sorry that I read it, and, if you are looking for a pure, Christian story for your children or for yourself, I would highly suggest this one. This story seems very sad at times, but the writing style is very engaging and never seems to dwell too heavily on despair. The ending was happy and the whole book gave an important message about the vanity of this world's temporary enjoyments and the priceless worth of salvation.
Synopsis:
The fair is full of noise and glammor, with it's painted caravans and it's beautiful plays and attractions. As all the people gather to watch the actors perform, they envy the wild and exciting lives that these entertainers seem to live. But, if they only knew how things really were. If they could only take a peep behind the scenes. In this sweet tale, we follow little Rosalie, a twelve year old girl who lives in a tiny caravan with her sick mother. Being an actor isn't all it's cracked up to be, and the two feel trapped and miserable as Rosalie's heartless father drives his traveling theater from fair to fair, never considering how unhappy or unwell it makes his wife and daughter. But in their hearts, things begin to change when a kind old man gives Rosalie a gift; a little picture of a shepherd carrying his lost lamb home. As Rosalie and her mother realize that they are lost lambs in need of saving, they turn to Jesus, their own Good Shepherd. All the glitter and show of the theater loses it's beauty in Rosalie's eyes, but as her sad life turns from bad to worse, she nestles herself a little deeper in her Good Shepherd's arms and trusts him patiently.
Synopsis:
The fair is full of noise and glammor, with it's painted caravans and it's beautiful plays and attractions. As all the people gather to watch the actors perform, they envy the wild and exciting lives that these entertainers seem to live. But, if they only knew how things really were. If they could only take a peep behind the scenes. In this sweet tale, we follow little Rosalie, a twelve year old girl who lives in a tiny caravan with her sick mother. Being an actor isn't all it's cracked up to be, and the two feel trapped and miserable as Rosalie's heartless father drives his traveling theater from fair to fair, never considering how unhappy or unwell it makes his wife and daughter. But in their hearts, things begin to change when a kind old man gives Rosalie a gift; a little picture of a shepherd carrying his lost lamb home. As Rosalie and her mother realize that they are lost lambs in need of saving, they turn to Jesus, their own Good Shepherd. All the glitter and show of the theater loses it's beauty in Rosalie's eyes, but as her sad life turns from bad to worse, she nestles herself a little deeper in her Good Shepherd's arms and trusts him patiently.
September 1, 2011
This is an audio drama of a story written in the 1800's. Young Rosalie is traveling from town to town with her parents. They are singer/actors. Rosalie's mother is very ill and her father is too fond of alcohol to see or acknowledge her illness.
While they are stopped for a performance a man gives Rosalie a picture of The Good Shepherd. Rosalie's mother tells her about The Good Shepherd and how He seeks to find His lost sheep. While Rosalie's father continues to follow one scheme after another Rosalie and her mother learn more about The Good Shepherd.
Along their travels Rosalie tells other people about The Good Shepherd. She touches many lives. Unfortunately Rosalie's mother's health continues to worsen. She tells Rosalie what events led her to marry her father and become an actress. How she walked away from all the people she loved to pursue a life on the stage. She makes Rosalie promise that when she is gone Rosalie will look for her aunt in the hopes that the aunt will take care of Rosalie. Both Rosalie and her mother pray that The Good Shepherd will find them before it is too late.
I enjoyed the story and I enjoyed the audio. The problem I have though with listening to an audio book is that I have trouble remembering parts of the story. In a book I can look up names that I have forgotten or scenes that I have forgotten, but it isn't so easy in an audio book. The characters were portrayed very well, and the sound was very good. I thought it was a high quality audio with well played parts by the actors and actresses. I guess I should say that this is an audio drama, so it isn't just a book being read by someone, it is a book being acted out.
While they are stopped for a performance a man gives Rosalie a picture of The Good Shepherd. Rosalie's mother tells her about The Good Shepherd and how He seeks to find His lost sheep. While Rosalie's father continues to follow one scheme after another Rosalie and her mother learn more about The Good Shepherd.
Along their travels Rosalie tells other people about The Good Shepherd. She touches many lives. Unfortunately Rosalie's mother's health continues to worsen. She tells Rosalie what events led her to marry her father and become an actress. How she walked away from all the people she loved to pursue a life on the stage. She makes Rosalie promise that when she is gone Rosalie will look for her aunt in the hopes that the aunt will take care of Rosalie. Both Rosalie and her mother pray that The Good Shepherd will find them before it is too late.
I enjoyed the story and I enjoyed the audio. The problem I have though with listening to an audio book is that I have trouble remembering parts of the story. In a book I can look up names that I have forgotten or scenes that I have forgotten, but it isn't so easy in an audio book. The characters were portrayed very well, and the sound was very good. I thought it was a high quality audio with well played parts by the actors and actresses. I guess I should say that this is an audio drama, so it isn't just a book being read by someone, it is a book being acted out.
December 29, 2012
John Rhys-Davis introduces the story of each of these beautiful Lamplighter stories and the voice-actors all have a professional and sincere quality that enhances the story nicely. The music and background effects were just right to keep my interest of the story without going overboard. Lamplighter Theatre only increases my love for their Christ-like stories! :D
"Behind many smiling faces there hides a hurting heart, and for what may appear to be glamorous, there is usually a high price to pay...In her fabricated world of glamour and glitz, Rosalie finds solace in the words of a gentle old man who gives her a picture of a Shepherd who loves and cares for her. Her travels take on new meaning as she shares with the "down-and-outers" about this wonderful Shepherd who loves them, too."
This tale is of a down-on-their-luck acting troupe - father, daughter, bed-ridden mother, and friend/employee - going from town to town performing. It is a tale of broken hearts, love, and God's care over His children. Here we get a "Peep behind the scenes" - behind the masks and the glitter of the world - to find the love of the Good Shepherd waiting there, searching for His lost sheep.
To say I loved this audio would be a gross understatement! I ADORED it! I hadn't read this book yet so I do not know how it compares to the audio, but I entirely enjoyed this beloved tale. I laughed, and I cried, and I was encouraged. I give the Lamplighter Theatre audio's my stamp of approval! :)
"Behind many smiling faces there hides a hurting heart, and for what may appear to be glamorous, there is usually a high price to pay...In her fabricated world of glamour and glitz, Rosalie finds solace in the words of a gentle old man who gives her a picture of a Shepherd who loves and cares for her. Her travels take on new meaning as she shares with the "down-and-outers" about this wonderful Shepherd who loves them, too."
This tale is of a down-on-their-luck acting troupe - father, daughter, bed-ridden mother, and friend/employee - going from town to town performing. It is a tale of broken hearts, love, and God's care over His children. Here we get a "Peep behind the scenes" - behind the masks and the glitter of the world - to find the love of the Good Shepherd waiting there, searching for His lost sheep.
To say I loved this audio would be a gross understatement! I ADORED it! I hadn't read this book yet so I do not know how it compares to the audio, but I entirely enjoyed this beloved tale. I laughed, and I cried, and I was encouraged. I give the Lamplighter Theatre audio's my stamp of approval! :)
November 30, 2012
I just finished reading this book yesterday. A Peep Behind the Scenes was so good I already shared some sections with my wife and some of my 3 children (now in their 20s). It is the story of a sometimes happy, yet often hurting little girl who learned (from a picture and from her mother and others) that she is a lost lamb who needs a Shepherd, and finds herself surrounded by Jesus, our Good Shepherd. This story is beautifully written, yet you should read it yourself before reading it to your children, so you can decided what parts they are ready for. The book contains many examples of God's forgiveness and redemption. I enjoyed the hope for a better future for the girl and some of her friends which is at the conclusion of the book. It summed the story up perfectly. I don't think I will ever stop loving this book. It should be as popular as some of Dicken's greatest novels. I found it free or for 99 cents on my Kindle, even with a few pictures/drawing included. I want to listen to the dramaticised audio version soon.
March 27, 2016
Absolutely charming. It seems rather quaint since it is, after all, a classic in the world of Victorian Children's literature.
It reminded me in so many ways of Anderson's "Little Match Girl" in the descriptions of lonely little Rosalie looking so longingly into the windows of the homes in the many villages that the caravan passed through.
For the first years of her life, she lived with a traveling caravan. She was born to this life because of a mother who ran away from her home to travel with the caravan...
The edition I read was a re write since the original had a sad ending. I'm glad since I believe that if the story is long enough, the ending will be happy but then, I'm an incurable romantic..
I read the updated revised edition by Christopher Wright.
The character of Augustus, Rosalie's father, was one of the most hateful of characters you would ever want to meet.
There were a few other rather cruel characters but also many kind folk to meet along the way.
It reminded me in so many ways of Anderson's "Little Match Girl" in the descriptions of lonely little Rosalie looking so longingly into the windows of the homes in the many villages that the caravan passed through.
For the first years of her life, she lived with a traveling caravan. She was born to this life because of a mother who ran away from her home to travel with the caravan...
The edition I read was a re write since the original had a sad ending. I'm glad since I believe that if the story is long enough, the ending will be happy but then, I'm an incurable romantic..
I read the updated revised edition by Christopher Wright.
The character of Augustus, Rosalie's father, was one of the most hateful of characters you would ever want to meet.
There were a few other rather cruel characters but also many kind folk to meet along the way.
February 27, 2012
My Mom read this book aloud to me when I was young and then a few years later I read it book to myself when I was 10 years old.
Rosalie is the daughter of a traveling theater master and is envied by many young girls as she appears to live a life full of glamour, glitz, and glory. But beneath the happy smiling face is a hurting heart, a deep sorrow for her dying mother, and a wretched life. Follow Rosalie as she learns of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for her, and begins to trust Him for daily strength.
I read this book for LibriVox and it's cataloged here: http://librivox.org/a-peep-behind-the... 6hrs 43 min
Rosalie is the daughter of a traveling theater master and is envied by many young girls as she appears to live a life full of glamour, glitz, and glory. But beneath the happy smiling face is a hurting heart, a deep sorrow for her dying mother, and a wretched life. Follow Rosalie as she learns of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for her, and begins to trust Him for daily strength.
I read this book for LibriVox and it's cataloged here: http://librivox.org/a-peep-behind-the... 6hrs 43 min
April 17, 2016
Published in 1877, this bittersweet story of a 12 year old girl who travels with a theatre is full of rich language and the thought that Jesus is seeking us if we will just look to him, no matter how long you have been running. Also, good discussion possibilities on how other peoples lives look perfect and glamorous, but a peep behind the scenes can reveal heartache and pain. My kids have been listening to this free on Librivox and enjoy it so far. I loved this book as a young girl.
SPOILER: Both parents die in the book so be aware of that for the sensitive child. It does have a happy ending.
SPOILER: Both parents die in the book so be aware of that for the sensitive child. It does have a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2011
This is a novel written for eveanglism and to affrim the Christian faith. Consistently and repititiously it introduces characters who are ready to hear and receive the gospel. The situations seem very Dickinsonian with a nice summation of events and character resolutions. The era and tone were fascinating to me and I do believe in the orchestration of God's activity in this world, and the contrast of life's richness in Christ to the facade of appeal we achieve in this world of dramatic production. All that glitters is not gold. Read with my daughters aloud we enjoyed this book.
July 23, 2016
This book was published in 1877 and sold over two and a half million copies at that time. It is a classic story book written from the Christian perspective. Rosalie dances in a traveling circus, everyone who sees her thinks her life must be wonderful - but is it? One day an old man gives her a picture of a Shepherd who loves her and as she tries to find a better life she shares the Shepherd's love with others. An extremely touching story, it will be especially meaningful to Christians - but it is a fantastic read for anyone. They truly don't write books like this anymore.
May 21, 2018
A cute old-timey book.
August 6, 2016
A story about how the gospel works through the life of a poor little girl named Rosalie and all the lives of those she encounters. So many metaphors about our superficial endeavors, deprived state, and need to be found by the Good Shepherd. Such a heartfelt narrative, almost agonizing to read all the tragedies that occur to Rosalie, but her faith is inspiring, and though the book is a children's book, the story, theme, and metaphors are complex enough for adults to enjoy.
December 9, 2012
I read this book at an early age, and I loved it from the start. It's such a heart breaking, but beautiful book. It's a beautiful story about Christ being the only light in a young girls life and how she finds her way out of the darkness in her family. With a bitter sweet ending, this one is sure to make your heart cry.
May 8, 2017
I'm a sucker for stories about sweet little orphans. In this one, the author has quite a prejudice against fairs, theatres and circuses, however she still makes a good point. Behind glitz, glamour and fame there is often a reality that is far more painful and difficult than we could imagine. Things aren't always as they appear to be.
April 4, 2022
I loved it! So did my husband - I started listening alone but he was soon hooked and in the end he listened to the whole book with me.
It reminded me a bit of "The Tanglewoods' Secret" by Patricia Saint John because of the Good Shepherd theme but of course all the other themes are very, very different.
It reminded me a bit of "The Tanglewoods' Secret" by Patricia Saint John because of the Good Shepherd theme but of course all the other themes are very, very different.
January 14, 2013
A simple, touching story of the Good Shepherd seeking a lost little girl, and seeking other lost ones through her. I read it because Pastor House mentioned the story in a sermon on Luke 15. You can read it for free at Project Gutenberg.
February 27, 2013
This Book I read and finished in a day.
It was amazing but also sad....I think all lamplighters are a favorite to me!!!
Lamplighters are great book's to read out loud to children from all ages!
Amazing! A have to read!! (As all lamplighters!)
It was amazing but also sad....I think all lamplighters are a favorite to me!!!
Lamplighters are great book's to read out loud to children from all ages!
Amazing! A have to read!! (As all lamplighters!)
December 2, 2009
This book does a great job of reminding adults, and perhaps introducing to children in an understandable way, that things are not always what they appear to be. All that glitters is not gold.....
September 28, 2012
This was one of my most FAVORITE books of my childhood. Even now, I still enjoy reading it and I miss it terribly.
April 7, 2013
We haven't technically read the book, we have thoroughly listened to the audio drama produced by the same company, Lamplighter. Wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews