A well-written book relates the compelling and inspiring story of Maria Montessori.
A biographical novel explores the life and work of an educator and reformer.
In this book, Fuglei (Fermi’s Gifts, 2017) follows Maria Montessori, developer of the eponymous education system, from early childhood through the end of her life. Guided by a supportive mother—and occasionally impeded by a traditional father who takes longer to embrace his daughter’s brilliance—Maria pursues education not available to most girls in 19th-century Italy, eventually earning a medical degree and treating underserved populations in Rome. Her work with mentally challenged patients leads her to develop a theory of development that ultimately becomes the Montessori educational system, first implemented in one of Rome’s poorest neighborhoods. As Maria’s methods become popular around the world, she spends years traveling the globe, training teachers, and fighting—particularly against a duplicitous American magazine editor—to retain control of the program. Fuglei also examines Maria’s personal life, from her deep-seated sense of religious commitment to her loving relationship with her son, Mario, the product of a brief affair with a fellow doctor. The book is thoroughly researched, displaying the author’s knowledge of her subject without swamping readers in the minutiae of Italian political unification or turn-of-the-century medical practices. The writing is strong throughout, and Fuglei does an excellent job of telling Montessori’s tale chronologically while also highlighting the repeated themes—obedience and defiance, the value of trust, a sense of self-control—that draw the story threads together. Although the tone occasionally borders on hagiography (“We stood up to Garibaldi. But I wouldn’t want to face that little mite on the battlefield”), the author makes it clear that her subject merits readers’ esteem. (In addition, the book is published in a series that deliberately celebrates the lives of notable Italians and Italian-Americans, so the tone of admiration is intentional.) The result is an extremely enjoyable novel that is also informative, engaging readers in a dramatic tale based on historical events.
A well-written book relates the compelling and inspiring story of Maria Montessori.Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-947431-15-7
Page Count: 254
Publisher: Barbera Foundation
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2019
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
PERSPECTIVES
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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