13 Little Blue Envelopes

13 Little Blue Envelopes is a travelogue and a coming-of-age novel. Maureen Johnson merges the two genres to explore the theme of travel as a form of self-discovery. In the novel, travel requires Ginny to solve problems in unfamiliar environments and exposes her to new people and new things. Aunt Peg puts Ginny through this experience across Europe not only for her to understand Peg’s final moments but also to give her niece a unique space for growth. Through these experiences, Ginny learns to trust herself and develops a deeper understanding of her own skills as well as her desires.

Ginny’s first solo experience on her travels demonstrates her lack of confidence at the opening of the novel. After arriving in London, she spends an hour wandering Harrods while Richard works. As soon as Ginny walks in, she is surrounded by crowds: “Massive, scary throngs of people pouring in through the doors […] She stepped tentatively into the crowd as was immediately absorbed into the flow of humanity” (33). This encounter does not end well for Ginny. She becomes so overwhelmed with the strangeness and busyness of Harrods that she nearly passes out and is forced to call Richard to rescue her.