Laughing Last

"Laughing Last" by Jane Abbott is a coming-of-age tale about a fifteen-year-old girl, Sidney Romley, who is eager to escape her family's shadow and find her own place in the world. Frustrated by her life as the daughter of a famous poet, Sidney feels like an outsider and dreams of a life filled with excitement and independence. The story follows Sidney's rebellious spirit as she challenges her family's expectations, highlighted by her fight for a share of her father’s royalties, called "the Egg". This conflict fuels her desire to leave her small town and experience new adventures. Through interactions with her sisters, who have different views on their family life, Sidney realizes the importance of discovering her own identity. These relationships and experiences ultimately push her to connect with distant relatives and embark on the adventure she has always imagined.