"Yes, Santa Claus, there is a Virginia."
—back of the book
A book that professes to be written by schoolgirl Virginia Cary Hudson, it is a collection of essays written by her in 1904. At the time of writing, Virginia was going to an Episcopalian school, which shows in the various candid views on various religious events and subjects. That said, the book is primarily known for its humor, the world as seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl.
Topics written about include:
- ETIQUETTE -"What you are doing and saying when other people are listening. What you are thinking is your business."
- MARRIAGE -"Your sweetheart is waiting up by the preacher, if he doesn't forget to come, and you get a shiny gold band on your finger and leave town."
- EDUCATION -"What you learn in books, and nobody knows you know it but your teacher."
- EVERLASTING LIFE -"God gives it to you and you can't get rid of it."
- PERSONAL APPEARANCE -"Looking the best you can for the money. If you're born pretty that helps also."
The essays were reportedly rediscovered in 1962, which has caused some readers to consider the origin a bit shady. However, it is still a worthwhile read.
This novel provides examples of:
- Christianity Is Catholic : Averted
- Crystal Dragon Jesus : At times, the endings of the essays can seem this way, partially thanks to age, though they are typically taken from traditional Episcopalian prayers
- "O ye Sun and Moon, oh ye beans and roses, oh ye jigs and juleps, Bless ye the Lord, Praise Him and Magnify Him Forever. Amen."
- "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Selah. Oh lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, grant me peace and not zero. Amen."
- Discussed Trope
- Fluffy Cloud Heaven : Discussed in one section
- Fire and Brimstone Hell : Discussed in one section
- From the Mouths of Babes : The book is based around this trope.
- Funetik Aksent : 'Episckpalians'
- Hard-Drinking Party Girl: Visiting a friend, Virginia likes the wine she is given and has several glasses. Although she swears her doctor to secrecy, her mother finds out and makes her read the Women's Christian Temperance Union book from cover to cover.
- Loads and Loads of Rules :Particularly evident in the section 'Etiquette at Church'
- Mundane Afterlife : Discussed in one section
- Religious Stereotype
- Southern Belle
- Sweet Home South Carolina and Kentucky.
- The Fundamentalist
- Tomboyish Name : "Whoever heard of a mother named Billie?"
- Your Tomcat Is Pregnant : Discussed Trope