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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Little Princess summary
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Brief summary
A Little Princess is a heartwarming children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It tells the story of Sara Crewe, a young girl who faces adversity with kindness and imagination, proving that true strength comes from within.
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A Little Princess
Summary of key ideas
The Charmed Life of Sara Crewe
In Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic tale A Little Princess, we meet Sara Crewe, a precocious and imaginative seven-year-old, who lives a privileged life in India with her devoted father, Captain Crewe. When her father enlists her in the prestigious Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies in London to ensure she gets a proper English education, her life takes a dramatic shift.
Upon her arrival, Sara is admired for her intelligence, grace, and charm. She is treated like royalty and enjoys several privileges such as having a beautiful private room, the best clothes, and even a personal French maid. Despite her pampered lifestyle, Sara is loved by her schoolmates, as her stories and imaginings provide an escape from their monotonous boarding school life.
The Fortune's Fickleness
The story takes a sudden turn when Sara's father dies, leaving her penniless. A diamond mine investment, which was thought to bring them more fortune, turned out to be worthless. Miss Minchin, not being charitable, turns Sara into a scullery maid to cover her debts. Despite the drastic change in her condition, Sara copes by treating it as another story, imagining she is a princess in rags and tatters.
Even in her most challenging circumstances, Sara maintains her kindness and generosity, choosing to share the little she has with those less fortunate. She stands up for the mistreated errand boy, showing the same grace she demonstrated while she was still a privileged student.
The Transformation of the Attic
One night, a mysterious Indian gentleman moves into the house next door. Sara, who is profoundly affected by the cold London winters, finds her dreary attic room transformed into a warm, plush haven filled with delicious food, much to her surprise.
The transformation continues, as Sara discovers new clothes that miraculously fit her. This change in her fate remains unexplained until a surprising discovery reveals the truth behind her transformed life: the Indian gentleman is Mr. Carrisford, her late father's friend, and the diamond mine they both invested in was not a failure but a success. Mr. Carrisford, feeling guilty for not being able to help Captain Crewe, had been searching for Sara to give her the fortune she rightfully owned.
A Tearful Reunion
When Mr. Carrisford's monkey escapes and finds its way to Sara's attic, the household staff discover her transformed room. This leads to a touching reunion, as Mr. Carrisford realizes that the scullery maid next door is indeed the little Princess, Sara Crewe.
In the conclusion of A Little Princess, Sara becomes an heiress to her father's wealth, ensuring her a comfortable future. She decides to show kindness to Miss Minchin despite her mistreatment. The book ends with Sara taking in the scullery maid and the mistreated errand boy, showing once again that despite a change in her circumstances, her compassionate nature remained unchanged.
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What is A Little Princess about?
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Sara Crewe who goes from riches to rags. Despite her change in circumstances, Sara maintains her optimistic and kind nature, inspiring those around her. The book explores themes of imagination, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Who should read A Little Princess?
- Those who enjoy heartwarming stories with strong female protagonists
- People who appreciate themes of friendship, resilience, and imagination
- Readers looking for a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by all ages
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