The Little Princess Book Review by Difan Li

 The Little Princess Book Review by Difan Li

The Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, may be deceiving by its title. This novel is more than just a simple story about princesses set to appeal to young readers, but a story of persistence, courage, friendship, and imagination. It follows the life of Sarah Crewe, who is sent to boarding school for girls in London after having lived in India all her life. Despite having an incredibly rich and doting father, she is a generous and kind child, qualities that she holds with her throughout the novel and the struggles she faces. When news comes of her father’s death and the loss of her fortune, Sarah is suddenly thrust into the life of servitude, and works, through the abuse and harsh treatment of the school mistress, at the boarding school. The challenges that Sarah faces are able to reflect in the reader and are representative of the struggles that we may likewise face in our lives. Sarah is a symbol of strength, and despite the challenges she faces, she holds onto her inner goodness and childhood innocence. This book is one of my favorites, and one that I look back to reading again every once in a while, each time with great anticipation to see the transformation and journey that the characters face and to experience the inspiring messages that their actions convey.