Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands

Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands

Written by Alice B. Emerson

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand..." by Alice B. Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment follows the adventures of Ruth Fielding, a young woman who has already established herself as a capable screenwriter and moving picture actress. As she attends a wedding to support her friend Jennie Stone, Ruth finds herself caught in a series of unexpected events involving her friends and a mysterious old man, setting the stage for intrigue and adventure. The opening portion presents a vibrant wedding scene for Jennie Stone, highlighting Ruth's connections with her friends, including the envious Tom Cameron and the attentive Chess Copley. Amid the festivities, an accident occurs when a piece of plaster falls from the ceiling, nearly injuring Ruth. The chaos escalates when it becomes apparent that a rival producer, Mr. Horatio Bilby, is trying to encroach on the rights of Wonota, a promising actress of Osage descent who Ruth has a significant professional interest in. Ruth's determination to protect her friends and solve the emerging conflicts sets the tone for the story’s impending challenges.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • Adventurous
  • Mysterious
  • Wholesome

Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands is a classic juvenile adventure novel that sees the intrepid Ruth Fielding, along with her companions Helen and Tom Cameron, embark on a summer vacation filled with mystery and excitement. Their journey along the picturesque St. Lawrence River and through the enchanting Thousand Islands quickly turns into a thrilling quest as they encounter a reclusive and initially unsettling old man. What begins as a pleasant trip soon involves unraveling a local legend, navigating perilous situations, and ultimately discovering the truth behind the enigmatic figure and a hidden secret. The book champions themes of friendship, courage, and the thrill of discovery, cementing Ruth's reputation as a resourceful and admirable young heroine.

"The St. Lawrence! It sounds like a river of dreams and secrets, doesn't it, Ruth?"

Key themes

Adventure and Exploration
The entire narrative is built around the spirit of adventure and the joy of exploring new places. Ruth and her friends actively seek out new experiences, from navigating the St. Lawrence to investigating uncharted islands, embodying a thirst for discovery.
Friendship and Loyalty
The unwavering bond between Ruth, Helen, and Tom is a cornerstone of the story. Their loyalty to each other, even in the face of danger or disagreement, is consistently highlighted as a source of strength and support, enabling them to overcome challenges together.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Ruth Fielding consistently demonstrates immense courage in the face of the unknown and dangerous, coupled with remarkable resourcefulness in solving problems. She doesn't shy away from challenges and actively uses her intelligence to navigate difficulties.

Worth discussing

How does Ruth Fielding embody a 'modern' girl for her time, and what qualities make her an enduring heroine?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!