The story in one page
The Nowadays Girls arrive in the Adirondacks expecting a peaceful summer of boating and social outings. Their plans quickly pivot toward concern when Sylvia’s brother, Roy, becomes the center of a local mystery involving his health and a valuable lost invention. Between dance hops at the hotel and canoe trips, the girls navigate capsized boats, awkward social interactions with local boys, and the eerie, unexplained silence of a deserted bungalow that is suspiciously prepared for dinner. After intense search efforts and a series of wilderness mishaps, the group finds Roy, recovers his secret formula, and finishes the season with a celebratory dance, proving that high-society habits survive even in the deep woods.
Who's who
- Sylvia
The central girl concerned with her brother's mysterious recovery.
- Roy
Sylvia's brother who possesses a vital, missing scientific discovery.
- Aunt Theodora
The reliable guardian who manages the girls' summer logistics.
- Alice
A club member who survives a dangerous canoe collision.
What it's really about
- Social Propriety
- Maintaining urban etiquette while navigating rugged mountain wilderness.
- Scientific Discovery
- Valuable research formulas serve as the central plot catalyst.
Why it's memorable
- Eight men in bathing suits diving into the lake to rescue capsized girls.
- A table set for dinner in a deserted bungalow, abandoned with lights burning.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Roy successfully retrieves his lost formula from a scrap of birch bark, ensuring his future wealth and reputation. The Nowadays Girls conclude their summer with a final waltz before heading back to the city.
For your book club
- How well do the girls' social dances integrate with their search missions?
- Why does the plot rely on a piece of birch bark for its climax?