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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
It was a cute story. It was how remembered it from the movie. The movie had a more dramatic ending but I enjoyed the moral behind the story all the same.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
(Edited review - added a footnote)
The elegance! The wisdom! A book I can’t wait to read to my future kids InshaAllah
Sara is a well-mannered girl who has lived a trouble-free, affluent life, never being denied anything by her rich and loving father. Despite this, she cannot be ascribed the typical qualities of an average spoilt child; in fact, she is surprisingly empathetic and quick-witted compared to any child her age. Her emotional intelligence and self-awareness is clear when she says:
‘Perhaps I have not really a good temper at all, but if you have everything you want and everyone is kind to you, how can you help but be good tempered? I don't know, how shall I ever find out whether I am a really nice child
or a horrid one? Perhaps I'm a hideous child, and no one will ever know, just because I never have any trials.’
The book is riddled with sweet and beautiful reflections such as this, straight from the mouth of children, particularly Sara. Her temperament is a pleasing contrast to the main adult of the story, Miss Minchin, who has become hardened by selfishness and pride. Such extreme ends of the moral spectrum are often only expressed so bluntly in children’s stories - the lesson of which is; kindness, patience and chairty make a person loved whatever their trials (yes, Sara does eventually undergo trials), while greed can only lead to ugliness and despair. It’s theoretically obvious, but sometimes you need it spelled out to you to really internalise it. This book does it beautifully.
I also think the scene with the six buns is a perfect way to instil the idea of charity in children. It’s also important to note that despite the multiple lessons, the plot is not neglected at all. Not to mention that the children sometimes talk like adults and are effortlessly funny.
The copy I own also has sentimental value - it’s more than 12 years old, given by my 6th grade teacher, tattered and coffee stained, with some beautiful scribbled illustrations. A reminder of simpler times.
Edit: just want to mention that the author seems to have a very stereotyped image of Indians, as was also pretty evident from her other book, ‘The Secret Garden’ (I mentioned it when I reviewed it). I didn’t initially mention it in this review because 1. It’s a classic and most classics are racist in some way or another so I’m not surprised and 2. My enjoyment of the book overshadowed what bothered me about it.
But if I were reading this to a child I would probably switch around the wording for those parts.
The elegance! The wisdom! A book I can’t wait to read to my future kids InshaAllah
Sara is a well-mannered girl who has lived a trouble-free, affluent life, never being denied anything by her rich and loving father. Despite this, she cannot be ascribed the typical qualities of an average spoilt child; in fact, she is surprisingly empathetic and quick-witted compared to any child her age. Her emotional intelligence and self-awareness is clear when she says:
‘Perhaps I have not really a good temper at all, but if you have everything you want and everyone is kind to you, how can you help but be good tempered? I don't know, how shall I ever find out whether I am a really nice child
or a horrid one? Perhaps I'm a hideous child, and no one will ever know, just because I never have any trials.’
The book is riddled with sweet and beautiful reflections such as this, straight from the mouth of children, particularly Sara. Her temperament is a pleasing contrast to the main adult of the story, Miss Minchin, who has become hardened by selfishness and pride. Such extreme ends of the moral spectrum are often only expressed so bluntly in children’s stories - the lesson of which is; kindness, patience and chairty make a person loved whatever their trials (yes, Sara does eventually undergo trials), while greed can only lead to ugliness and despair. It’s theoretically obvious, but sometimes you need it spelled out to you to really internalise it. This book does it beautifully.
I also think the scene with the six buns is a perfect way to instil the idea of charity in children. It’s also important to note that despite the multiple lessons, the plot is not neglected at all. Not to mention that the children sometimes talk like adults and are effortlessly funny.
The copy I own also has sentimental value - it’s more than 12 years old, given by my 6th grade teacher, tattered and coffee stained, with some beautiful scribbled illustrations. A reminder of simpler times.
Edit: just want to mention that the author seems to have a very stereotyped image of Indians, as was also pretty evident from her other book, ‘The Secret Garden’ (I mentioned it when I reviewed it). I didn’t initially mention it in this review because 1. It’s a classic and most classics are racist in some way or another so I’m not surprised and 2. My enjoyment of the book overshadowed what bothered me about it.
But if I were reading this to a child I would probably switch around the wording for those parts.
I remember reading the book and watching the movie. They seemed to be very different to me and I was surprised it was based off the same story. I remember thinking that I really enjoyed both though.
4.5 ⭐
One of my favorite children's classics. I love Sara's imagination and kindness. This Barnes and Noble edition is gorgeous with illustrations throughout, guilded pages, a ribbon bookmark, and a beautiful cover.
One of my favorite children's classics. I love Sara's imagination and kindness. This Barnes and Noble edition is gorgeous with illustrations throughout, guilded pages, a ribbon bookmark, and a beautiful cover.
Reread 2016 - Still as lovely and wonderful as ever. What a good choice for the first book of the year. Sara never lets others or her circumstances dictate her happiness. She chooses make the best of things. It also shows how much good you can do by heling just one other person. You might not change the world but you can change one person's world. I adore Sara and there are so many great supporting characters. I'm always afraid I'll reread it at some point and think it's too sweet but so far it's held up.
(Reread, 2022, for a book club read hosted by Millie Florence.)
Ahhh, this book was a childhood favorite, and I still love it.
Ahhh, this book was a childhood favorite, and I still love it.
Another favorite! This was exactly what I needed for a pick me up. I grew up watching the Shirley Temple film and while adorable, it's not exactly true to the text. I also really enjoy the beauty of the 1996 version, but again, not true to text. (The most accurate film adaptation I have seen is the 1986 version.)
I really loved finally reading the book! Frances Hodgson Burnett will officially have to be one of my favorite authors! Reading A Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and now A Little Princess has solidified for me that reading her books are like a warm hug. They are a safe place to go back too when the real world gets a little too real.
Read it!
I really loved finally reading the book! Frances Hodgson Burnett will officially have to be one of my favorite authors! Reading A Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and now A Little Princess has solidified for me that reading her books are like a warm hug. They are a safe place to go back too when the real world gets a little too real.
Read it!
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No