Books › The Saturdays
The Saturdays
First published 1955 · 192 pages
A warm, nostalgic stroll through a bygone New York City, fueled by childhood independence and fierce sibling loyalty.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a sunlit, bustling New York City of yesteryear, wrapped in the absolute safety of a loving family. The narrative unfolds at a steady, episodic pace, inviting you to savor the distinct flavor of each child's independent adventure. Enright's prose is a marvel—rich, sensory, and entirely respectful of a child's inner life, never once talking down to its audience. The atmosphere is deeply cozy and nostalgic, capturing that fleeting, golden era of childhood where a few pooled coins can unlock the entire world. It is a perfect comfort read for anyone who delights in vintage children's literature, offering a gentle emotional arc that leaves you feeling profoundly anchored and warmed by the enduring bonds of siblinghood.
- Mood
- cozy
- nostalgic
- bustling
- innocent
- sun-warmed
- Tone
- warm
- affectionate
- gentle
- wry
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- sibling bonds · childhood independence · the magic of the city · creative freedom · family warmth
- The writing
- Richly descriptive, evocative, and respectful of a child's intelligence, with a timeless, classic cadence.
- The arc
- Moves from restless anticipation to a deeply satisfying, cozy contentment as each child discovers a piece of themselves and the wider world.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave gentle, character-driven vintage children's literature filled with sibling camaraderie and safe, independent adventures.
Content notes
- outdated cultural references
- mild childhood peril
About the book
New York City, the year before Pearl Harbor. The four Melendy children and their father -- a brilliant, impecunious scholar and lecturer -- live in a dilapidated house in the city, under the care of a strict but loving housekeeper. Their allowances don't stretch to much as individuals, so they decide to pool their cash and on each of four subsequent Saturdays one sibling gets to blow the lot. This is a well-written book that doesn't talk down to its audience; the chapter where the youngest boy goes to the circus, gets lost, and comes home riding a policeman's horse should be read out loud for the flavor of the prose.
Description from Open Library.
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