Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
Winner, 1981 Newbery Award
Quick Summary
Thirteen-year-old Louise tries to escape from the shadow of her sunny, gifted twin sister Caroline on Rass Island in the 1940s.
Favorite Quote
The last thing I needed to hear that day was the story of my sister's life, in which I, her twin, was allowed a very minor role.
About the Author
Katherine Paterson is the author of more than 30 books for children and young adults. In an interview with Scholastic, she mentioned Jacob Have I Loved as the book she's proudest of because it was so difficult to write. It was inspired by adults who never let go of their childhood difficulties. Her book Bridge to Terabithia won the Newbery Award in 1978.
My Project
The background features an old map of Chesapeake Bay and an old island home. I've painted the entire piece a dark blue to reflect the moodiness of the book. I added a hand stamped copper piece with "Romans 9:13" which is the Bible verse that gives the book its title: "Jacob have I loved, but Esau I have hated." I wanted the stamping to give a sense of permanence and to reflect Louise's sense that this particular Bible verse was engraved on her at birth by God. I added an anchor charm to highlight the strong sea theme throughout the book and to add a touch of brightness, as the sea is something that Louise loves.
Final Thoughts
This was a favorite book growing up, so I was a little nervous about re-reading it as an adult. I'm happy to say that it holds up very well. I mainly remembered the island setting and the family dynamics; I had totally forgotten that it was a historical book and all the scenes involving the captain. On this later read, I felt like the last couple of chapters which details what happens to Louise after she graduates from high school were unnecessary. It's not a lighthearted book, but the author's use of language is so masterful that I felt swept along with all the drama. I found the portrait of the irritable, mean-spirited grandmother especially fascinating, since most fictional grandmothers in children's books come across as overly sweet or charmingly dotty.
If you read this book, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments.