Frances Hodgson Burnett lived from 1849 to 1924. She was born in Manchester and lived in great poverty after the death of her father in 1853. She escaped the horror of her surroundings by writing stories and often returned to a rags-to-riches or a riches-to-rags theme. In 1865 her family accepted a relative's invitation to emigrate to America. They were still poor but the wide open spaces of Tennesssee were better than the slums of Manchester. Frances had to earn money so began writing short pieces for American magazines. In 1873 she married Dr Swan Burnett, and it was under her married name that she became a world-famous children's writer.Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote over forty books; the two that are best-known today are The Secret Garden and Little Lord Fauntleroy. In later life she became rather eccentric, turned to spiritualism and mystic cults and took to wearing frilly clothes and titian-coloured wigs - this earned her the nickname 'Fluffy'.
Gr 3-6-This recording of Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's classic provides an entertaining and atmospheric introduction to the original. The abridgement allows for all the characters and their interactions to develop believably, but on occasion large chunks of time are unaccounted for. Lucy Whybrow narrates this version, and her clear rendition of Sara Crewe is a pleasure to listen to. Classical music adds to the enjoyment. Whybrow portrays the gently determined attitude, the sweet and charming manners, and the intelligent seriousness of this timeless heroine very well. With her father in India, Sara begins her life in England as a very rich boarder at Miss Minchin's school. When her father's business reverses and fatal illness leaves her an orphan and a pauper, Sara is determined to act as a princess in every way no matter how demeaned her situation. Whybrow captures her spirit, making this version a worthwhile addition to a collection that includes abridged versions of classics, perhaps as an inducement to young readers to try the original.-Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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