Kate Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Synopsis: When Sara Crewe, the seven-year-old daughter of a rich and loving father, arrives at her new school in London from India, she is nicknamed the Little Princess by her classmates. She has all the comfort and fine things she could want, but she also reveals a kind and loving heart, a lively mind and a rich imagination. When her father dies, bankrupt, Sara is suddenly reduced to a life of poverty and is forced to live in a cold, damp attic, with only her dreams to support her. But will they be enough? I remember seeing this film when I little with my Granny, and I remember really enjoying it (and also it making me cry!) I was excited to read this book, having such fond memories of the film - and I must say, I loved the book! I listened to it - a download from Librivox, and it was well worth downloading. The story is fairly well known: little Sara is beloved by her father but sent to a school in England, away from him. He dotes on her and makes sure she has all the luxuries she needs. That is until he dies and it becomes clear that his latest venture into diamonds had not paid off and he was left bankrupt. Sara soon finds herself an orphan who is living in awful conditions in the attic of the school working as a servant. But her luck is set to change, thanks to her mysterious next door neighbour. This is a touching story of a little girl's endurance. I loved Sara. She included others and made them feel loved. She was able to persevere through life thanks to her amazing imagination and her ability to face whatever is thrown at her. And I loved her friends. Even when Sara was banished to the attic she had girls come up and visit her - she was still a princess to them. They are a lovely bunch of girls. This is a great read. I find that I love Frances Hodgson Burnett and the stories he conjures up. He jumps right into my imagination and I am transported to another world. A Little Princess has love, warmth, hardship, poverty and happiness, it is a real delight to read. This is a children's book and I imagine I would of loved this when I was little, like I loved the film. As an adult, I really enjoyed this story and am happy to recommend it to adults as well as children. Top marks from me! Download: http://librivox.org/a-little-princess-by-frances-hodgson-burnett/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted June 10, 2010 Share Posted June 10, 2010 Aww, I loved this book as a child, and the BBC did a wonderful series of it shown on a Sunday evening in the 70s (can't remember exactly when). I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'd like to read Little Lord Fauntleroy at some stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidsmum Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Is the movie version the one with Shirley temple in it ? If so i loved the film but haven't read the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 There was a more recent film of it in 1995 directed by one of my favourites, Alfonso Cuar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate Posted June 11, 2010 Author Share Posted June 11, 2010 There was a more recent film of it in 1995 directed by one of my favourites, Alfonso Cuar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alder Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 I loved Frances Hodgson Burnett's books when I was wee, though I think I preferred 'The Secret Garden'. I haven't read 'A Little Princess' for ages...wonder where my copy is... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 I read this and The Secret Garden one after the other when I was a teenager and even though The Secret Garden is better known I prefered this one. I remember loving the film too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mexicola Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I adored the film (1995 version) when I was younger and am quite surprised that I missed out on reading the book! If I come across it, I'm definitely going to pick it up. Just thinking about a certain part of the film brings tears to my eyes! I'd like to read The Secret Garden too as that was another of my favourite childhood films. Great review, Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrysalis_stage Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I too adored the film as a little girl and still have it on video, I would be interested in reading the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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