Harriet the Spy

First published in 1964, Harriet the Spy is the story of eleven year old Harriet M. Welsch, who wants to be a spy and a writer. Harriet lives in Manhattan with her preoccupied socialite parents, so her main companion is her nanny, Miss Golly.

For a character written in the 60s, Harriet is an atypical heroine: she sneaks around her neighbourhood spying on school friends, their families and other locals. As a child, I was intrigued by Harriet: she was fearless and determined, and honest to the point of rudeness. She roamed the streets freely, looking for unique sights and situations. Her intense interest in the nuances of people’s lives and her compulsion to write in her notebook, always close at hand, inspired me to write too.

I also enjoyed the emotional depth of the book as Harriet faced some of the inevitable conflicts of growing up – learning how and when to compromise, and ultimately how to be true to herself.

Annie Condon