A Little Princess

by Francis Hodgson Burnett

Overview

In "A Little Princess," Francis Hodgson Burnett weaves a poignant tale exploring themes of resilience, kindness, and the transformative power of imagination. Set against the contrasting backgrounds of privilege and destitution, the novel follows the story of Sara Crewe, a young girl who finds herself suddenly orphaned and relegated to a life of servitude at an oppressive boarding school. Burnett’s lyrical prose and vivid characterizations elevate the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Sara's whimsical fantasies as a coping mechanism amidst hardship. The book is a remarkable portrayal of Victorian societal norms, glimmers of hope, and the inherent dignity in every individual regardless of their circumstances. Francis Hodgson Burnett, a prominent figure in children's literature, drew upon her own experiences of childhood dislocation and social stratification to craft this timeless story. Her struggles as an immigrant in America and her keen observations of class disparities during the late 19th century inform Sara's resilience and empathy. Burnett's insights into the nature of suffering and the triumph of the human spirit resonate profoundly within her work. "A Little Princess" is an essential read for those who appreciate tales that delve into the complexities of human emotion and social commentary, celebrating both the strength of the individual and the possibility of urban fantasy. It is a book that warmly beckons readers of all ages to explore the depths of imagination and compassion, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an inspiring narrative.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788027333165
Publisher:	E-Artnow
Publication date:	04/15/2019
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.23(d)
Age Range:	1 - 2 Years

About the Author

Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was an English playwright and author. She is best known for her children's stories, in particular The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Little Lord Fauntleroy. Frances Eliza Hodgson was born in Cheetham, near Manchester, England. After her father died in 1852, the family eventually fell on straitened circumstances and in 1865 emigrated to the United States, settling near Knoxville, Tennessee. There, Frances began writing to help earn money for the family, publishing stories in magazines from the age of 19. In 1870 her mother died and in 1872 she married Swan Burnett, who became a medical doctor after which they lived in Paris for two years where their two sons were born before returning to the U.S. to live in Washington D.C. There she began to write novels, the first of which (That Lass o' Lowries), was published to good reviews. Little Lord Fauntleroy was published in 1886 and made her a popular writer of children's fiction, although her romantic adult novels written in the 1890s were also popular. She wrote and helped to produce stage versions of Little Lord Fauntleroy and A Little Princess. Burnett enjoyed socializing and lived a lavish lifestyle. Beginning in the 1880s, she began to travel to England frequently and bought a home there in the 1890s where she wrote The Secret Garden. Her oldest son, Lionel, died of tuberculosis in 1892, which caused a relapse of the depression she struggled with for much of her life. She divorced Swan Burnett in 1898 and married Stephen Townsend in 1900, and divorced him in 1902. Towards the end of her life she settled in Long Island, where she died in 1924 and is buried in Roslyn Cemetery, on Long Island. In 1936 a memorial sculpture by Bessie Potter Vonnoh was erected in her honour in Central Park's Conservatory Garden. The statue depicts her two famous Secret Garden characters, Mary and Dickon.