Betty: The Story of Betty MacDonald, Author of The Egg and I
In 1945 Betty MacDonald published The Egg and I, a lightly fictionalised, hugely funny account of her life as the wife of a chicken farmer in the remote American Northwest. The book was an immediate success, selling a million copies in less than a year, and was eventually translated into over thirty languages. A Hollywood movie of the book appeared two years later and eight further movies based on the popular Egg and I characters Ma and Pa Kettle were to follow.
In the decade following, Betty wrote a number of much loved children's books (including the famous Mrs Piggle-Wiggle) and three more semi-autobiographical works. Her four comic memoirs of a life in the West range from a rough mining community in Montana to the lush Olympic Peninsula and the bright lights of big city Seattle. Her life may even be viewed as a paradigm of early twentieth-century American experience: pioneering, homesteading, the Great Depression, war, and finally prosperity.
To a great degree Betty's life is in her work, but because of its fictional elements and humorous exaggeration her voice is often an unreliable one. She was, after all, writing to amuse. Questions remain for every fan of Betty's books. What really happened? What happened to Betty in the end? What became of Betty's family?
This is Betty's true story.
Amazon reviews of Betty
Fascinating account of popular American writer's life
Much needed biography of hugely popular American author. Meticulously researched account of her life which fans of her books will find fascinating with its sympathetic attention to detail and painstaking chronicle of the reality behind the books, which are humorous accounts of the author's own experiences. These in turn reflect a crucial period of American social history which anyone interested in the country will enjoy. In her day MacDonald won a massive following with her witty, sparkling prose and sheer, page-turning readability. Wellman's own writing is clear, workmanlike and precise, and MacDonald fans will be grateful finally to discover what really inspired her stories. (4 out of 5 stars)
Excellent book
I adore Betty Macdonald's books. I can't emphasise enough how much fun they are and also how relevant they are even now, 70 years on. I've long wondered about her life, and there's been nothing for her fans to read until now. A thoroughly enjoyable book, well written and researched and Anne Wellman deserves a huge pat on the back for bringing Betty's fans some much needed information and insight into this great lady. (5 out of 5 stars)
This is one I will read many times just as I have with all of Betty's books
I have waited for years for this book! At the age of 10 I discovered The Egg and I in my mother's book collection and have been a devoted fan of all things Betty since that day. Fortunately our small town library had The Plague and I, Anybody Can Do Anything and Onions In The Stew. I kept my 5th grade classmates entertained with my book reports which resulted in Betty becoming a very popular author among my fellow readers. These books are so important and I still treasure my well read, tattered copies. Thank you Anne, well done. (5 out of 5 stars)
A DEFINITE purchase for Betty MacDonald fans
As a long time fan of Betty MacDonald, I was THRILLED to see this excellent biography by Anne Wellman. I have spent HOURS on line looking up every and anything concerning Betty, her family, and her life, and was so happy to see all I uncovered and much much more in this well-paced, interesting book. (5 out of 5 stars)
Beautifully written
I’ve just finished reading your book ‘The Story of Betty MacDonald’. Ive always loved her books and you did the most amazing job relating her life story. It was beautifully written and I started reading it at about two o’clock this afternoon and have just finished it at eleven thirty tonight (with a few breaks). Thank you so much for such an enjoyable read… (feedback by email)
Loved it
Love Betty MacDonald books so thoroughly enjoyed this. Lots of incidents taken from the books mixed with unknown facts. Fascinating. Would love her to do a follow up about the lives of her family. (5 out of 5 stars)
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