Reviews

The Prince and the Pauper: (annotated) (Worldwide Classics) by Mark Twain

lt7315's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? Yes

3.75

justinebt2114's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

lily_lydkins's review against another edition

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4.0

Daddy Miles Hendon was my favorite character

carmenpeerezm's review against another edition

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4.0

“ ¿Qué sabes tú de sufrimientos y de opresión? Yo y mi pueblo lo sabemos, pero no tú.”



Lo he disfrutado muchísimo, además es de esos libros que tienen un final p-e-r-f-e-c-t-o.

Se me hizo un poco cuesta arriba en las partes históricas eso si, digamos que yo estaba más por la labor de saber que le estaba pasando a los niños que que llevaba puesto el conde nosecuantos. De todas formas el libro está muy bien escrito y ambientado.

Es más crudo de lo que pensaba, no se corta el autor si te tiene que contar una forma de castigo o una escena de pena de muerte, eso me sorprendió.

Y…aiii mis niños, que difícil es encariñarse de personajes en los clásicos pero en este caso me han enamorado los dos. Me parecen personajes muy bien construidos y con muchos matices, aunque mi favorito es el principito malcriado la verdad.

paigedent's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

dalaia's review against another edition

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Twas just bleh

projectfox's review against another edition

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5.0

Very funny at times and the plots put together well!

book_concierge's review against another edition

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4.0

Book on CD narrated by Steve West.

Two boys born on the same day in very different circumstances meet and discover they each envy the other’s experiences. But only when they exchange clothes do they realize how identical they are in looks. So much so that Edward, Prince of Wales, is ejected from the palace as a beggar, while the pauper Tom Canty is accepted as the prince, despite their protests to the contrary.

This is a wonderful classic that explores the difference in class in 16th century England, and the ways that appearance effects how one is treated. Both boys learn much from their experience as “the other.” Tom learns that a life of luxury is not all it’s cracked up to be; he chafes against the restrictions on his movements, the requirements for certain study, the constant presence of servants and guardians. Edward learns first-hand of the harsh life of his poorest subjects: their reliance on begging, the unfairness of the legal system, the lack of opportunities to improve their lot.

Tom uses his new-found position to change some of the laws of the land. Edward learns the value of compassion and kindness. It’s a wonderful lesson in “walking in the other person’s shoes.”

One thing that was a little difficult, though was Twain’s use of 16th-century English: “Dost not know thy father, child?” is one fairly easy example, but much of the dialect used makes it that much more difficult for a reader to appreciate the story. Still, it’s worth the effort to persevere. And I would recommend listening to the audio.

There are many editions of this classic available. The hardcover text edition I used to supplement my listening was the Oxford Mark Twain with an introduction by Judith Martin and an afterword by Everett Emerson. It includes nearly 200 illustrations by Beverly R David and Ray Sapirstein. It’s really a physically beautiful book.

The audio edition I listened to was narrated by Steve West. He did a fine job. He has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to differentiate the various characters.

saaturnslover's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was a fun read :0 I didn't even know Mark Twain wrote it in the 1800s, while the story takes place in the 1500s. I had always assumed it was written around the same time the story occurred. I find it interesting how many spin-offs are based on this, yet they change the fundamental plot. IN most Prince and the Pauper stories, the two boys switch places intentionally to see what the other's life is like. However, in the original text, it was a misunderstanding and the whole plot is the two characters trying to return to their original places and no one believing them when they say they're not who they seem. It has some good humor and my favorite character was definitely Miles Hendon.

acorn_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5