Posted by Lyn on May 22, 2006 at 19:54:48 from 198.45.19.20 user LynMellone.
In Reply to: Plumbing and Laura Ingalls Wilder posted by Pam Adams on May 22, 2006 at 19:01:56:
I don't know about a "theory." I believe it may have been Rose herself who suggested that she was the one who polished up her mother's writing.
I do know that there is a distinct difference of tone noticable in The First Four Years, if not already in These Happy Golden Years. The "benefit of the doubt" that Laura seemed to be able to provide for her interpretation of motive for her Pa changes to a more realistic and personal viewpoint when it comes to her disappointments after her marriage.
[At least, that is my recollection. I admit that - although I didn't read these until I was an adult - it has been years since I first read them all.]