The Cinder Pond

by Carroll Watson Rankin

"The Cinder Pond" by Carroll Watson Rankin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the young protagonist, Jeannette "Jeanne" Duval, who lives with her unconventional family on a makeshift dock by Cinder Pond and Lake Superior. The narrative presents Jeanne's adventures as she navigates her life, facing both the challenges of her impoverished background and the budding excitement of self-discovery. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Jeanne and her unusual living situation, as well as the colorful array of characters that surround her, including her half-siblings and her father, Léon Duval. The opening chapter begins with an accident involving a boy named Roger Fairchild, leading to an unexpected encounter between him and Jeanne, which sets the stage for the dynamics of their relationships moving forward. The narrative beautifully paints a picture of Jeanne’s world, revealing her resourcefulness and the charm of her modest home life amid a backdrop of love and chaos, while also hinting at the themes of identity and belonging that are to unfold throughout the story.