Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 For Teenagers & Adults September 14, 2008
This is a real good book, however the old english can sometimes be confusing especially for younger readers but it is understandable once you get into it. Sara Crewe loses all her money and has nothing left and you just can't wait to find out what happen's next, the author of the book descibes evrything in very good detail that you can imagine the things that go on in the story. The ending was a bit obvious to me (hence the 4 stars) but the good thing is I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next which is why I kept reading this book.
 For princesses of all ages August 28, 2008
This must surely be one of the sweetest, loveliest books a girl could read in childhood. It's been a long time but reading it again all these years down the line (aged 21), it still holds such charm, wonder and profound messages about class, poverty and happiness that I know it'll be returning to my shelf to read again and pass on to my own children.
It tells the story of Sara Crewe, a rich little girl brought up in India by her beloved father, who moves to England to go to boarding school at the gloomy seminary belonging to the formidable Miss Minchin. She is the star pupil, dressed in finery and always happy to share her good fortune and vivid imagination with her classmates. But when a tragic twist of fate strips her of everything, Sara ends up a poor orphan working as a drudge in the seminary where once she was idolised by her fellow pupils. Miss Minchin uses this as a fine opportunity to take a sort of revenge on this strange little girl, who she has never understood but has always indulged thanks to her wealth. But no matter how hard her life becomes, she remains generous and polite to those around her, rich and poor alike, pretending that she is a princess in order to keep her morals and spirits strong. Finally, just as even her fiery spirit is at breaking point, an English gentleman who has been living in India moves into the house next door and magical things start to happen as their interest in each other grows. Of course everything will come right in the end, but I won't give away any more because it deserves to be read and enjoyed...
This is a beautiful, moving, and inspiring novel, whether you're 6 or 60! It is well written, with highly individual and well-rounded characters, and a wealth of description which makes it very atmospheric and allows even a child to see Sara's London in vivid detail. There are images in the book which I could still remember clearly and recognise years after I read it as a little girl, and even now I was holding my breath and waiting for everything to fall into place! In today's selfish modern society it also provides a reminder of how a little generosity and kindness goes a long way, and is a perfect fairy tale for littler princesses too. I'd also recommend 'The Secret Garden' for a slightly less girlie but equally sweet, timeless and beautiful story.
A truly brill story March 31, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
A Little Princess is a very good book. It tells of Sara Crewe, the daughter of a very rich man, who goes to work far away from Sara's boarding school. Miss Minchin, Sara's teacher,didn't think too much of little Sara, even thouh she was obviously talented in nearly all the aspects of her work, especially french. When her father dies, poor Sara has no-one to pay for her schooling or room, so, Miss Minchin, makes Sara a servant, and she is moved up to the attic, where rats scuttle around her bed. Miss Minchin also sells all of her extravagant items of clothing and toys, which her father had sent before he died. This book is very good and you can really get into it.
my favourite childhood book. September 16, 2001
5 out of 8 found this review helpful
When i read this book at 10 years old i was caught up in the magical world of sara crew. i loved her at the beginning of the book for believing that herself and everyone else was a princess and even more so that even when all the terrible things where happening to her she still managed to retain this view. The book managed to keep me entertained throughout I shared her joy and cried at several points during the book. I was so relieved with the ending when everything turned out fine. even though I am now 15 i still love this book and I would suggest that no girl (and maybe even boy) grows up without reading this book.
A children's book that anyone can enjoy June 7, 2000
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Being a 20 year old student, I technically should have stopped reading children's books a good few years ago... but not this one! It is a well crafted tale of a young girl's life that is thrown into turmoil after her father's death leaves her as a pauper, and she is forced to live the sort of lifestyle that she has never experienced before.Sara triumphs over the poverty, hardship and hunger that she must endure - her vivid imagination and loyal friends helping her along the way. However, when she meets the mysterious new neighbour who moves into the house next to the boarding school, Sara's life changes for the better as she becomes a little princess. Definitely a good read if you're a student who is fed up of reading Shakespeare, Austen, or whatever else. This book is classic escapism and a brillioant read - even if you don't want to go back to your childhood
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