Laddie: A True Blue Story follows the lives and adventures of families in Midwest rural America during the late 19th century.
First published in 1913, Laddie follows the titular character, and the adventures and ethos toward life he brings to the locality. The narrator is 'Little Sister', a young girl whose good perceptions and outspokenness occasionally lands her in hot water in the quiet and unassuming country community.
A charming story which depicts life in Indiana towards the close of the 1800s, Laddie shows the United States as it was during a bygone era. The natural world, for which Porter had great personal affinity, is described with a simple and sensuous beauty, enriching the narrative. Owing to the flow of adjectives, we feel immersed in the story and its period: even the food, clothing and households of the families receive great description.
Where the characters are concerned, the story told emphasises the traditional family and Christian values which were strong and influential during the era. Poetry and frequent allusions to the characters' religiosity gives the book further authenticity as a portrait of country life at the time. Although old-fashioned, this novel paints a sweet and happy picture of country living, with enough mystery and adventure to keep the plot engaging.