1.03k reviews for:

Papa Longues Jambes

Jean Webster

4.04 AVERAGE


Somehow, I never read this book as a child, so I'm glad I had the opportunity to do so now. This is a lovely epistolary novel telling the story of Jerusha (Judy) Abbott, a girl who grew up in an orphanage never having known her parents. She's unexpectedly delivered from her life of servitude in the orphanage by a mysterious benefactor who declines to make his identity known. He'll send her to college and provide her with spending money, but she has to agree to write him a letter every month, to which he will not respond. This unusual arrangement leads Judy to imagine an entire life for her "Daddy Long Legs." This is a quick, sweet read, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
funny hopeful 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: Yes

It’s hard to know how to gather my thoughts about this book because I loved it so much. I can sometimes struggle to get through classics, but not this one! Aside from a few turns-of-phrase and older words, it felt like a modern novel. I’ve discovered that I love epistolary novels, so that was an especially favorite part of the story. 

And then: My all-time favorite parts of books—well-drawn, dynamic characters! Judy Abbott is a hoot. She’s naturally self-deprecating in the best way possible, able to poke fun at the most mundane things. I laughed at quite a few of her observations. Here’s one of my favorites: 

“I’ve burned a hole as big as a plate in the front of my chemistry apron, with hydrochloric acid. If the theory worked, I ought to be able to neutralize that hole with good strong ammonia, oughtn’t I?” 

The only thing I didn’t appreciate so much was her disregard for God. She’s almost anti-God several times, which is somewhat understandable, considering her background and what she observed growing up. Still, it was sad. 

Overall, I loved this read and would have gotten through the whole thing in an afternoon or two, if I had the opportunity. I can’t wait to read Dear Enemy and find out what happens next. I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up rereading this book at some stage, too. So. Much. Fun! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys epistolary works, and especially historical works with a dash of romance and a good dose of humor.

I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t this. The book was cute and fun and I like the whole concept of being all written letters. Judy was quirky and it was fun “watching” her figure out who she was.

Since I reread Daddy long legs and Anne of green gables simultaneously, I wonder what would happen if Judy and Anne met, would they get along,how would their conversation go? They have too much in common, I bet they could find good friends in each others. If there was a fanficion about it, I would definitely read it.
funny fast-paced
emotional funny 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: Yes

Let's just sa there is no character I relate to more than Judy.

The second time reading it because I got this new edition and I still like it.
adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

Ho vaghissimi ricordi del cartone animato, ma ricordo che era uno dei miei preferiti. Judy è una ragazza simpatica, intraprendente e indipendente. Il libro scorre via veloce, Tano che l'ho finito in un giorno. È un po' scontato, se letto da adulti, ma comunque tenerissimo.