The First Review of "The Charter Class"

 

I was so pleased to see this review on Amazon from Laura Pearl, author of Finding Grace and Erin's Ring:

 

 I have read three other novels by Anne Faye and enjoyed them all, but this might be my favorite one of the bunch. A lovely work of historical fiction, The Charter Class tells the story of the very first class of students at The College of Our Lady of the Elms in Springfield, MA ("Elms College" for short), an all-girls school that opened in the 1920's. In an era when few young women of modest means had opportunities for higher education, Mother John Berchmans (Mother Superior of the Sisters of Saint Joseph) envisioned an educational institution that would prepare its bright students--body, mind, and soul--for any future vocation, whether it be in the work force, in the home, or in the religious life. With the eager support of Bishop Thomas O'Leary, Elms College became a reality and welcomed its first charter class of 36 freshmen in the fall of 1928.

The story follows three girls from very different backgrounds: Katie O'Leary, the only child of a widowed farmer, whose mother's dying wish was that she attend Elms College; Nora Walsh, the vivacious and outgoing oldest daughter in a large, happy Irish-American family; and Beth Daviau, the older of two sisters in a dysfunctional household, with an alcoholic father who abuses his wife and daughters both verbally and physically. Katie and Beth become roommates and good friends at Elms. Nora's roommate is Rose Laroche, whose handsome brother Bob becomes a love interest for Nora. The book takes the reader through the school year calendar, with its stresses (both academic and social) and its joys (such as holiday breaks to visit with family and extracurricular activities at school). As the year progresses, the girls experiences change them in unexpected ways. There are a couple of love stories included, but they are sweet and chaste and appropriate for young adult readers.

All of the main characters are likable and real; they have their strengths, but their weaknesses as well. The same goes for the nuns who teach at the school: some start out seeming like they might be stereotypes for all the nuns you've ever found in fiction stories (you know, like the mean, grumpy one who raps knuckles with a ruler and appears to have no kindness or indeed any redeeming qualities whatsoever, and then the saintly one who appears to have no faults); however, it soon becomes apparent that these sisters are anything but that. Like the girls, they are fully fleshed-out and real, exhibiting the usual mixture of good and bad traits that all people have, dealing with the kinds of struggles all people face. I found them to be incredibly endearing--especially Mother Berchmans, whose tireless work for this school and its students is an inspiration.

This is definitely a work of Catholic fiction, where all the characters attend Mass and pray regularly. The story stresses the importance of God, of family values, of the commandments and the sacraments. However, even though it is steeped in Catholic tradition and teaching, it is not preachy at all and I believe it can be enjoyed by readers of all faiths. The Charter Class makes me nostalgic for my own youth, when we had nuns teaching at our high school. The messages you'll find in this novel are so positive, and reading it is a balm for a weary soul in a world that doesn't always make sense anymore. Go back to a simpler time with Katie, Nora, and Beth. I think you'll enjoy getting to know them!

 

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