Scan barcode
b_lownds127's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
One of my favorite classics to read aloud (with a few edits).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Racism, Classism, Colonisation, and Racial slurs
fandomsandfiction's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I just unlocked a new comfort read š„ŗš
It brought me such joy and solace during a rather difficult time in my life and I can see myself rereading this book many times in the future. How peculiar that I'm learning patience, perseverance and other life lessons from a little girl, who begins this book at the age of 7, while I am already a grown woman of 21! Sara really is most precious.
I doubt you would find kids with this kind of mindset, especially in this day and age, but that's the beauty of literature! It doesn't HAVE to be real or realistic in order for it to be life-changing.
It brought me such joy and solace during a rather difficult time in my life and I can see myself rereading this book many times in the future. How peculiar that I'm learning patience, perseverance and other life lessons from a little girl, who begins this book at the age of 7, while I am already a grown woman of 21! Sara really is most precious.
I doubt you would find kids with this kind of mindset, especially in this day and age, but that's the beauty of literature! It doesn't HAVE to be real or realistic in order for it to be life-changing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
godessoftrees's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
inkdrinkers's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
My first time reading this was an experience. I never grew up knowing this story or being familiar with the movie - therefore I went in with no knowledge of it at all.
In short, it's not a bad story but I definitely didn't like it. Pushing aside the clear issues of classism, racism, and body shaming from 100 years ago - this story just didn't resonate with me. Sarah is continually put through the seven levels of hell and is such a perfect character she carries on with unflinching determination. I also found it SO creepy that the choice was made to have a grown man creep into her bedroom to bestow gifts on her. This book has the logic of a fairytale and lacks the charm of them.
Also justice for Becky because she deserved more than just becoming a paid maid at the end.
In short, it's not a bad story but I definitely didn't like it. Pushing aside the clear issues of classism, racism, and body shaming from 100 years ago - this story just didn't resonate with me. Sarah is continually put through the seven levels of hell and is such a perfect character she carries on with unflinching determination. I also found it SO creepy that the choice was made to have a grown man creep into her bedroom to bestow gifts on her. This book has the logic of a fairytale and lacks the charm of them.
Also justice for Becky because she deserved more than just becoming a paid maid at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Death of parent, Classism, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
jfield351's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a good book. Iāve never read it before, only seen the movie and I think they changed some details in the movie. Sara was a beautiful character and the story was very lovely. I read this very fast on the 26th and 28th of feb 2022. It helped me to relax and therefore helps me complete the dymocks reading challenge for āa book that helps you relaxā.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Child abuse
Moderate: Bullying and Slavery
Minor: Colonisation, Death of parent, War, Body shaming, Racism, Xenophobia, and Chronic illness
bexi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Okay, I watch/listen to *a lot* of BookTube content and everyone who recommends this book NEVER mentions the fact that there's a character who basically spies on the MC night after night, and then proceeds to sneak (break) into her room one night and completely redecorate it. Look I know it was completely innocent and was supposed to be sweet and magical, but that's wild and creepy AF if you really think about it. Like why does nobody mention it when talking about this book? ššš
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Grief, Racism, Classism, Death of parent, and Child abuse
Minor: Religious bigotry, Blood, Colonisation, and Slavery
peachypenny's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I find Sara Crewe to be a bit annoying, as there is little character developmentā after all she is repeatedly said to be perfect and well mannered throughout the book. No character development, period-typical (but not excusable) racism, and classism that makes the book āickyā. Nevertheless, I love the bit where Sara pretends and describes what could be: Magic. A few good quotes and a classic orphan finding home makes for a good ending however.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Child abuse, and Classism
luciaartworld's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
āIf nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of thatāwarm things, kind things, sweet thingsāhelp and comfort and laughterāand sometimes gay, kind laughter is the best help of all.ā
I'm so glad I decided to give this book a try. I remember loving the 1995 film as a child and I can safely say the book is just as good.
The story of little Sarah Crewe warmed my heart once more. The plot is a very simple one and quite possibly something that you have read before.
When reading it you have to remember the times when this book was written and that this is a story of a child. It includes many cruel and real parts but it also includes fantasy worth of a fairy-tail book.
I think this is a fantastic small read for both children and adults to enjoy.
I'm so glad I decided to give this book a try. I remember loving the 1995 film as a child and I can safely say the book is just as good.
The story of little Sarah Crewe warmed my heart once more. The plot is a very simple one and quite possibly something that you have read before.
When reading it you have to remember the times when this book was written and that this is a story of a child. It includes many cruel and real parts but it also includes fantasy worth of a fairy-tail book.
I think this is a fantastic small read for both children and adults to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
katsusho_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Sometimes, you sit down to read a classic, and itās immediately so clear why itās a classic. Frances Hodgson Burnettās books are like that, but A Little Princess has a special place in my heart. I grew up watching the 1995 film over and over, and even though I didnāt read the book until I was an adultā¦ Saraās imagination and grace shines so bright.
Itās Sara that draws me to this book ā it has always been Sara Crewe. Although she is repeated called out by certain peers and adults as being odd, her hopeful personality is a thing I strive to. It seems a bit silly for an adult to say: āI want to be like this child in this hundred year old bookā, but little Sara has a lot to teach us about looking for silver linings, writing a better story, humility, compassion, dignity, inner strength, and friendship. Sara is the reason why A Little Princess is a classic and is still, more or less, relevant today. The lessons she teaches are necessary for anyone in any time period.
A product of its time, there are a few moments in A Little Princess that donāt shine as bright as I wish they would. While there are no outright racial comments, there is language and depictions that didnāt age well of the Indian servant who lives next door. Ram Dass is intelligent, kind, and layered ā something that can likely not be said of many other minor characters from books written by white people of the time. But he nonetheless is a bit of a caricature. His way of speak, in particular, doesnāt seem right to me.
Itās difficult for me to be objective of the plot because I have known the story for as long as I can remember. I donāt think itās cliche because this story came before so many others that at the time of its writing it would have felt more originalā¦ but it is a bit too easy. The puzzle pieces for Sara fall perfectly into place, and although she certainly struggles, her struggling does not affect the outcome of the book. It may not be the most satisfying read, for all it is heartwarming.
Saraās imagination is delightful and there is no scene more memorable in the book than when Sara and Becky wake to a room altered by āmagicā one day and itās all such a lovely thing ā the novelty of it and the warmth that there are some people out there good enough to orchestrate such things. If you arenāt interested in the book at all but want a quick readā¦ this scene makes it all worth it. A Little Princess is an all-around darling read, but itās this moment that makes you feel as though there can always be a little sunshine after the rainfall. I love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Colonisation