Having moved
from India to Victorian England, Sara Crewe is sent to Miss Minchin's
boarding school. As the daughter of a very wealthy army captain, Sara
has every luxury lavished upon her.That is until news arrives that her
father has lost all of his money in a bad business deal and died from
the shock.
As her mother has already died, Sara is left a
penniless orphan in the hands of the cruel Miss Minchin and must endure
a life of servitude. It is only with the help of a few close friends
and a wonderful imagination that Sara is able to get through each day.
One day Sara wakes up to find that a secret visitor has been into her
room during the night, transforming her depressing atic room. The
events that follow see Sara's life also transformed in the same way as
her room. But can she escape the evil Miss Minchin and resume her
previous status and princess-like lifestyle?
A Little
Princess is a classic story that has stood the test of time. Despite
being over a hundred years old, it is still just as delightful today.
The
character of Sara Crewe is beautifully created, as a reader it is hard
not to love her generous spirit and kind hearted nature. The fact that
she continues to be so considerate when faced with poverty and hatred
as well as kindness and wealth only adds to her appeal. But what really
makes her so special is her wonderful imagination. One of my favourite
parts of the story is when the girls turn their dirty, cold attic into
a beautiful party.
The story is very moving and will have you
feeling sorrow and joy in equal measures. This is another book that I
have read many times over the years and still adore! I think that the
tale is probably better suited to girls, aged 8 years and upwards.