Minnesota Child... a Memoir

Come along with Lorraine on a rollicking ride through rural Minnesota. From her birth in the “little house” to her dad’s moonshine still, from various incarnations of ‘the backhouse’ to adventures in decorating, from combating aggressive farm animals to little Loren’s wild ride, her recounting of this period of American history is told through personal stories. Often witty and tongue-in-cheek, yet sometimes heartbreaking, the author shares reflections of life during the Great Depression from a child’s perspective. Lorraine has written this book for children all over the world, to illustrate that joy can be found in life’s smallest pleasures, and that imagination, hope and determination are all greater than adversity.

Come along with Lorraine on a rollicking ride through rural Minnesota. From her birth in the “little house” to her dad’s moonshine still, from various incarnations of ‘the backhouse’ to adventures in decorating, from combating aggressive farm animals to little Loren’s wild ride, her recounting of this period of American history is told through personal stories. Often witty and tongue-in-cheek, yet sometimes heartbreaking, the author shares reflections of life during the Great Depression from a child’s perspective. Lorraine has written this book for children all over the world, to illustrate that joy can be found in life’s smallest pleasures, and that imagination, hope and determination are all greater than adversity.

Lorraine Smalley has lived a life of enthusiasm and creativity. Her childhood in rural Minnesota during the 1930s presented the opportunity to develop her natural gifts for resourcefulness and aesthetics. She moved to the Pacific Northwest as a young woman, where she raised a vibrant family while rehabilitating several older homes with grace and style. Her love of adventure led her to accompany her husband and friends on travels throughout the United States, culminating in solo trips to Puerto Rico and China in her seventies. She has painted beautifully detailed landscapes and crafted vintage beaded bags, delighting in their recent exhibits. A passionate humanitarian, she has participated in anti-war demonstrations and presented petitions to the US Congress. The passion for writing led her to this book, an accounting of trials and humor, of finding joy in the everyday process of living. She lives currently on an island in Washington State, visiting with devoted friends and family.