Review of "A Little Princess"

"There's nothing so strong as rage, except what makes you hold it in--that's stronger."

     Today we review a classic children's tale of courage in the face of adversity. Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Little Princess tells the story of little Sara Crewe, whose father has decided to provide her with a proper education by sending her to Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, a boarding school in London. The school is populated by dozens of rich girls, but none of them can hold a candle to Sara, who is considered by many to be a princess even without the plethora of dolls and fancy dresses her father provides for her. Kindhearted, even-tempered, and remarkably intelligent, Sara brings warmth and love into every friendship. When her father dies, leaving her penniless, Sara is faced with the hard life of a scullery maid. Now she must make a choice: to lower herself to her newfound position, or to remain a princess despite her rags.

     Many authors, were they to write this story, would focus their narrative on the horrible things that happen to Sara, from losing her father to having all of her possessions, save one doll, taken from her. They might write about her tears, or her grief, or a feeling of bitterness toward Miss Minchin and the staff, or envy of the girls in the classrooms. Burnett does not focus on these things. While she does write about the hunger, the scoldings, and the hard work, the focus is primarily on Sara and her method of coping--pretending. Sara is an imaginative creature with the ability to tell stories in such a way that those around her almost believe her, and it is these "suppositions" that get her through her troubles, combined with her friends and her belief that "the worst never quite comes."

     The characters in A Little Princess are as unique and rounded as real people. From the simple, lovable Ermengarde to the spoiled Lottie, the overworked Becky, and the unpleasant Miss Minchin, every character is distinct and perfectly portrayed. The elder pupils are spoiled and snobbish; the little ones are curious and well depicted; and the people Sara meets on the street are fascinating. 

     Throughout the book, Sara pretends she is a princess to ensure she will never speak harshly or be uncharitable. While she doesn't always succeed, everyone sees how hard she tries, and that is what they admire. But Sara is not perfect; she is incredibly proud, which gets her in trouble almost as much as it helps her to cope. She does not ask for help or beg for compassion. In her mind, if one does not wish to treat her well she must bear it with all her strength--only imagine what it would be like if the others realized she was a princess!

     This plot does not contain action, mystery, lies, or intrigue, but it is still full of hardship. Sara has become little more than an indentured servant, subject to the whims of a heartless headmistress, and must find a way to remain kind and loving despite her position. From trips to the bakery on an empty stomach, to the discovery of rats in her attic bedroom, our heroine is faced with great troubles that only someone with true strength of character can overcome.

     A Little Princess is a story about friendship, hope, and the power of imagination. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a classic story for their kids, or to a young girl who likes to dream. While I don't think it would make for a very good boy's read, there is no saying certain boy wouldn't like it. For excitement, sympathetic characters, and a heroine with lots of heart, I award Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess five stars out of five.