I don’t tend to rate classics in the same way as I do more recent books. I try to take into account the fact that language evolves over time, as do things like culture and societal customs, all of which can inform storytelling.

I say this because if I were reading this story as a new release, I probably wouldn’t rate it 4 Stars. Sarah Crewe is the epitome of a Mary Sue. She’s amazing at everything and spoiled beyond belief, but also incredibly kind, thoughtful, and compassionate at the same time.

The conveniences of the plot are absolutely staggering as far as the ending is concerned. The odds that any of that would happen are zero.

But I don’t care. That is kind of the point of this book. It is fairytale-like in the story and execution, complete with the evil stepmother-esque character in Mrs. Minchin. Looking at it through the lens of fairy tales, it was absolutely wonderful.

I enjoyed this far more than The Secret Garden, which I found slightly difficult because of the use of dialect and also the fact that Mary Lennox was horrid through a good chunk of the book. I also loved the movie as a kid, so this was very nostalgic for me.