The Staircase

The Staircase is a historical novel set in 1870s Santa Fe, centered on the mysterious spiral staircase at the Loretto Chapel. The story follows 13-year-old Lizzy Enders, who is left at a Catholic convent school by her father after her mother's death on the Santa Fe Trail. As a Methodist in a Catholic environment, Lizzy struggles to adapt to life among the Sisters of Loretto and her fellow students. The nuns pray to Saint Joseph for help completing their choir loft, which requires a staircase, while Lizzy forms an unexpected friendship with Jose, a carpenter who takes on the challenging construction project. The novel explores themes of faith, acceptance, and the tension between different religious beliefs in 19th century American frontier life. Through Lizzy's perspective, the story examines the nature of miracles and the complex relationships that form in a close-knit religious community.

Readers appreciate Rinaldi's attention to historical detail and her portrayal of the Salem witch trials through the perspective of a teenage girl. Many note that the book serves as an accessible introduction to this historical period for young readers. Positive reviews highlight the emotional depth of the main character Purity and the authentic depiction of family dynamics during colonial times. Several readers mention the book helped them understand the complexities of Puritan society. Common criticisms include a slow-moving plot and confusing timeline jumps. Some readers found the ending rushed and unsatisfying. Multiple reviews note that the romantic subplot feels forced and underdeveloped. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (65 ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "The historical aspects were fascinating but the story dragged in places," writes one Goodreads reviewer. Another notes: "Strong protagonist but the pacing made it hard to stay engaged."

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🔸 The "Miraculous Staircase" at Loretto Chapel makes two 360-degree turns with no visible means of central support and was built without nails - only wooden pegs. 🔸 Ann Rinaldi has written over 40 historical novels for young readers, earning her the National History Award and inclusion in the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. 🔸 The Sisters of Loretto really did operate a school in Santa Fe starting in 1853, making the dangerous journey west from Kentucky to establish education for girls on the frontier. 🔸 The identity of the staircase builder remains unknown to this day - legend says he disappeared without accepting payment after completing the project in 1878. 🔸 The chapel's Gothic Revival architecture was unique for 1870s New Mexico, reflecting the French origins of the architect Antoine Mouly and incorporating native adobe construction techniques.