
THE REAL DIARY OF A REAL BOY
By Henry A. Shute
INTRODUCTION
DIRY
THIRTY YEARS (OR MORE) AFTER
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
A curious young boy uncovers an old, lock‑filled box in his father’s shed, revealing a collection of faded toys, fishing gear, and a weather‑worn copy‑book labelled “Diry.” The introduction frames this find as a portal to a bygone era, inviting readers to share the simple pleasure of revisiting a childhood steeped in imagination and the everyday wonders of early‑20th‑century New England.
The diary itself captures the boy’s candid voice as he records schoolyard skirmishes, family conversations, and the rhythms of village life—from rainy mornings and church gatherings to the occasional mischief with friends. His spelling and phrasing, full of earnest humor and earnest ambition, bring the period to life while reminding us how universal the desire to be heard has always been. Listeners will feel the charm of a bygone world, seen through the eyes of a boy who insists on writing his own story, no matter how modest.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (120K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Kent Fielden, and David Widger
Release date
2004-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1856–1943
Best known for warm, funny stories of small-town New England, this lawyer-judge turned everyday boyhood memories into lively fiction. His "Plupy" tales, especially The Real Diary of a Real Boy, helped keep the mischief, language, and charm of 19th-century Exeter alive for later readers.
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