Reviews

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

lilsoliver's review against another edition

4.0

Daddy-Long-Legs follows a young orphan named Judy, who has been given the scholarship to attend college by a mysterious benefactor. The only catch is she must write him letters informing the benefactor of her progress in school. This is partly an epistolary novel and is made up of Judy's letters to her benefactor, who she calls Daddy Long Legs.

This novel was definitely a two reads kind of book. I felt very weird about the love story between this adult man and the girl he is sending to college the first time around. It felt very creepy and manipulative. The second time around, I focused more on Judy's character and saw that she is, in fact, a very independent and strong female character.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read. Though, in some ways, the romance does seem really creepy and weird. Judy's character development is the best part of the story and makes the read worthwhile.

catburglar_'s review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

3.75

if you like anne of green gables you’re going to LOVE this.

the book is written in letter format from a girl who is in an orphanage to the man who sends her to college, giving her allowances etc but he remains anonymous and his one condition is that she writes him often on her progress which is beneficial as she has high expectations of becoming an author. 

for less than 150 pages this short story is phenomenal and well worth a read. there are little illustrations throughout which is just so adorable and i loved seeing her excitement of the things many of us take for granted. so many book references throughout too such as: jane eyre, little women, wuthering heights, treasure island  and whenever i see characters enjoy literature it makes me all the more excited to read. 

there is a romance in this too.

quotes i like:
“In the spring when everything is so beautiful and green and budding, I feel like turning my back on lessons, and running away to play with the weather. There are such lots of adventures out in the fields! It's much more entertaining to live books than to write them.”

“It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh— really think that requires spirit.”

“Most people don't live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose all sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesn't make any difference whether they've reached the goal or not.”

“my only quarrel with life is that the days aren't long enough to write all the beautiful and valuable and entertaining thoughts I'm thinking.”

“I hasten to assure you that I am young and happy and exuberant; and I trust you are the same. Youth has nothing to do with birthdays, only with alivedness of spirit, so even if your hair is gray, you can still be a boy.”

robnob's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

annashiv's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely loved it. It reminded me of many other books like A Little Princess, and Jane Eyre, and even Harry Potter. All of which I love. Judy was just so likable most of the time and funny. I would have read it all in one sitting if I could have. I suspect I will reread this book and recommend it to many.

aquila83's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

4.5

valkinbabe's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I absolutely love this book. Judy is just so funny, and her letters are so amusing, I love it. 

larissa_4444's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

eggjen's review against another edition

5.0

This book sucked me in from page one. The main character is so amiable, interesting and intelligent and the writing style so inviting. It felt like talking to a very good friend and made for a book that was read quickly and deeply enjoyed. It's hard to believe it was written 100 years ago, it easily could have been written today.

ghadeerbook's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

4.0

I expected the plot twist but it was a fun read nevertheless 

bungadinding's review against another edition

3.0

menyesal karena pada akhirnya cuma bisa memberikan tiga bintang :(. sebenernya ini cerita yang manis... manis banget, potensial bikin diabetes *heh*. sayangnya karena cuma diceritakan lewat sudut pandang surat2 Judy, aku merasa banyak plot yang hilang di sini :(. pasti lebih menarik andai pembaca juga bisa 'mengintip' gimana rasanya jadi si Daddy LongLegs yang harus terus2an menutupi jati dirinya dari Judy padahal sekaligus dia mengenal Judy *ups, spoiler dikit deh xD*. gimana dia harus seolah punya kepribadian ganda di depan Judy. kepingin banget ngeliat itu dari sudut pandang si Daddy Long Legs-nya :((.