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The Princess and the Suffragette
It is 1913, nine years after the end of A Little Princess saw Sara Crewe escape Miss Minchin's orphanage.
Lottie, the smallest girl from the original story, learns about the Suffragette movement from Sara, who returns to visit from time to time. Soon Lottie finds herself sneaking out of the orphanage to attend a demonstration, in defiance of her cold, distant father. A father who has a secret to hide about her own missing mother...
It's a story about lost mothers turning up in unexpected situations, the power of friendship and female empowerment.
Lottie, the smallest girl from the original story, learns about the Suffragette movement from Sara, who returns to visit from time to time. Soon Lottie finds herself sneaking out of the orphanage to attend a demonstration, in defiance of her cold, distant father. A father who has a secret to hide about her own missing mother...
It's a story about lost mothers turning up in unexpected situations, the power of friendship and female empowerment.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Holly Webb
303 books409 followersHolly Webb is one of Britain's best-loved children's writers. She has written over a hundred books for children, and her work has been translated into over thirty languages. Holly lives in Tilehurst, just outside of Reading, Berkshire, with her husband, three children and several cats.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 13, 2017
I've been really interested in Webb's recent turn towards some of the classics of children's literature. She's not alone in this of course, Jacqueline Wilson delivered the delightful Four Children And It, whilst Kate Saunders wrote the powerful Five Children On The Western Front.
Webb turned towards the rich grounds of The Secret Garden with the sequel: Return To The Secret Garden and in The Princess And The Suffragette delivers a sequel, of sorts, to Sara Crewe, Or What Happened At Miss Minchin's (also known as A Little Princess). I say 'of sorts' because this is both a sequel and yet also a sort of spin-off, taking the character of Lottie and exploring the circumstances that bought her to Miss Minchin's Seminary. It's an interesting angle to take what with Lottie being, to be fair, a bit of a moppett in the original books and locating the subsequent story within the confines of the school. I don't know about you but (spoilers!) when Sara left, I left as well. These books don't look back. Not much of children's literature does (oof, there's a sweeping statement; forgive me, we'll explore this more at a later date...!).
Where Webb shines is in how accessible and genuine she make all this feel. Lottie's slow political awakening, and the parallels to A Little Princess, never feel forced. They never feel definite either, edged with more questions than answers, and that's another credit to Webb. Books provide answers, sure, but they should never be pat or glib, and sometimes presenting an answer as another question is the truest thing that a story can deserve. And that's what Webb achieves here; Lottie questions her assumptions and decisions, and Sara, thankfully, is mostly in the background. This isn't a book which attempts to appropriate Sara, with all the goodwill of the original book, and repurpose her narrative for some forced, farcical reasons, but rather a book that seeks to understand the charged social atmosphere that the young ladies of that time were being asked to exist within. And I like that.
I am grateful to the author for a review copy.
Webb turned towards the rich grounds of The Secret Garden with the sequel: Return To The Secret Garden and in The Princess And The Suffragette delivers a sequel, of sorts, to Sara Crewe, Or What Happened At Miss Minchin's (also known as A Little Princess). I say 'of sorts' because this is both a sequel and yet also a sort of spin-off, taking the character of Lottie and exploring the circumstances that bought her to Miss Minchin's Seminary. It's an interesting angle to take what with Lottie being, to be fair, a bit of a moppett in the original books and locating the subsequent story within the confines of the school. I don't know about you but (spoilers!) when Sara left, I left as well. These books don't look back. Not much of children's literature does (oof, there's a sweeping statement; forgive me, we'll explore this more at a later date...!).
Where Webb shines is in how accessible and genuine she make all this feel. Lottie's slow political awakening, and the parallels to A Little Princess, never feel forced. They never feel definite either, edged with more questions than answers, and that's another credit to Webb. Books provide answers, sure, but they should never be pat or glib, and sometimes presenting an answer as another question is the truest thing that a story can deserve. And that's what Webb achieves here; Lottie questions her assumptions and decisions, and Sara, thankfully, is mostly in the background. This isn't a book which attempts to appropriate Sara, with all the goodwill of the original book, and repurpose her narrative for some forced, farcical reasons, but rather a book that seeks to understand the charged social atmosphere that the young ladies of that time were being asked to exist within. And I like that.
I am grateful to the author for a review copy.
February 16, 2018
This book is set 3 years after A Little Princess. Unfortunately it doesn't follow the same style as Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic.
August 23, 2018
First, before I get all nitpicky, about what I didn't like about this book, I do have to say I loved the idea of this, that a girl from this time, from Miss Minchin’s, would get involved in the Suffragist movement. I do love the historical events that are covered in this book. For that alone, this book might get youth interested in the history of the movement.
I love how the Coronation March is what introduced Lottie, and that she struggled on, trying to get more and more information about it, despite being in the boarding school, which she couldn't leave.
I love that they saw the martyrdom at the Derby, where Emily Davison walked in front of the king's horse. It is very cool to see how these characters react to these events, which must have seemed very strange to them.
But, having said all this, although it has the characters of A Little Princess, including, from time to time Sarah, it does not read with the same language as the original.
I love the Little Princess. I re-read it every few years. I have even attempted to write a sequel myself. But it is tough writing in the original style, so that you can go from the original to the new book, and this book suffers from that problem. It isn't written in the same style of the original, rather it is written in a modern style, with modern vernacular. It is a little jarring.
Part of it could also be the American "translation", as I am going to assume that Lottie refers to her mother as Mum, rather than Mom, as she does in the American version of this book. (As a note, I hate it when publishers feel they have to do that.)
The story is about Lottie, several years later from when the author assumes the original story took place. Since A Little Princess was published in 1905, the events in this book apparently are taking place in 1911, although the original short story was published in 1888. I only bring this part up, because the first version was written under Queen Victoria, but was published in Edwardian times.
So, although I would recommend this for completists, for people who want to read all variations that have been done to this story, I would not recommend it to people who are purists, that want to have the original, and no other.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I love how the Coronation March is what introduced Lottie, and that she struggled on, trying to get more and more information about it, despite being in the boarding school, which she couldn't leave.
I love that they saw the martyrdom at the Derby, where Emily Davison walked in front of the king's horse. It is very cool to see how these characters react to these events, which must have seemed very strange to them.
But, having said all this, although it has the characters of A Little Princess, including, from time to time Sarah, it does not read with the same language as the original.
I love the Little Princess. I re-read it every few years. I have even attempted to write a sequel myself. But it is tough writing in the original style, so that you can go from the original to the new book, and this book suffers from that problem. It isn't written in the same style of the original, rather it is written in a modern style, with modern vernacular. It is a little jarring.
Part of it could also be the American "translation", as I am going to assume that Lottie refers to her mother as Mum, rather than Mom, as she does in the American version of this book. (As a note, I hate it when publishers feel they have to do that.)
The story is about Lottie, several years later from when the author assumes the original story took place. Since A Little Princess was published in 1905, the events in this book apparently are taking place in 1911, although the original short story was published in 1888. I only bring this part up, because the first version was written under Queen Victoria, but was published in Edwardian times.
So, although I would recommend this for completists, for people who want to read all variations that have been done to this story, I would not recommend it to people who are purists, that want to have the original, and no other.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 8, 2018
1.5/2 This is the story of Lottie, Sara Crewe's young friend from A Little Princess. Sara has moved next door and appears periodically, but it's Lottie learning about the suffragette movement and befriending a servant that is the focus of this middle grade novel meant as a sequel. As Lottie becomes more involved she learns that the people around her have all lied to her and she and her new friend Sally try to make things right. The story is engaging enough, but I was overall left wondering why this was written.
The element I most appreciated in this book was Sally. Sally is able to point out the problems with a class based society. She is smart, able to both forcefully and gently guide Lottie to better and more nuanced understandings. At least sometimes. She helps Lottie find out about the suffragette movement and learn about the wider world outside of Miss Minchin's.
That said, I had some serious issues with this book. I do love A Little Princess in many ways, BUT, it is a dated book. For it's time, the take on class within the original story was important, but doesn't hold up today. Some of the same problems that plague the book are also in this new sequel, despite the effort to focus on suffragettes. Becky is still Sara's servant (albeit one who takes tea with her mistress regularly.) Sally and Lottie are friends, but while Sally points out the privilege that Lottie enjoys, Lottie continues to frequently be envious of Sally, Though one can see that the message is that each person has their own hardships, particularly in that Miss Amelia and Miss Minchin do become slightly more complex, overall it feels flat. Part of the issue is that, while this is a historical fiction, the modern reader isn't likely to have as complete a sense of the issues at play in this book. Even if one is familiar with the original book, there is a lot here that just feels uncomfortable by today's standards.
But then there's the not quite literal elephant in the room. Colonialism. This is the thing that goes completely unaddressed in this new story. Mostly it remains tied into Sara's story more than Lottie's. However, while Webb actively is attempting to create a character in Lottie working toward more modern viewpoints, Sara seems to be stuck. She sort of supports Lottie, but not fully, and at no point are any of the trappings of colonialism questioned. We are supposed to just see as fun the elephant style saddle that gets sent for her dog for the monkey to ride in; clearly nothing has improved in this regard from the original book. If this was written to provide a stronger modern counterpoint, I don't feel it was as successful as it should have been. But then, I'm also not convinced that this a story that needs to be revisited again.
The element I most appreciated in this book was Sally. Sally is able to point out the problems with a class based society. She is smart, able to both forcefully and gently guide Lottie to better and more nuanced understandings. At least sometimes. She helps Lottie find out about the suffragette movement and learn about the wider world outside of Miss Minchin's.
That said, I had some serious issues with this book. I do love A Little Princess in many ways, BUT, it is a dated book. For it's time, the take on class within the original story was important, but doesn't hold up today. Some of the same problems that plague the book are also in this new sequel, despite the effort to focus on suffragettes. Becky is still Sara's servant (albeit one who takes tea with her mistress regularly.) Sally and Lottie are friends, but while Sally points out the privilege that Lottie enjoys, Lottie continues to frequently be envious of Sally, Though one can see that the message is that each person has their own hardships, particularly in that Miss Amelia and Miss Minchin do become slightly more complex, overall it feels flat. Part of the issue is that, while this is a historical fiction, the modern reader isn't likely to have as complete a sense of the issues at play in this book. Even if one is familiar with the original book, there is a lot here that just feels uncomfortable by today's standards.
But then there's the not quite literal elephant in the room. Colonialism. This is the thing that goes completely unaddressed in this new story. Mostly it remains tied into Sara's story more than Lottie's. However, while Webb actively is attempting to create a character in Lottie working toward more modern viewpoints, Sara seems to be stuck. She sort of supports Lottie, but not fully, and at no point are any of the trappings of colonialism questioned. We are supposed to just see as fun the elephant style saddle that gets sent for her dog for the monkey to ride in; clearly nothing has improved in this regard from the original book. If this was written to provide a stronger modern counterpoint, I don't feel it was as successful as it should have been. But then, I'm also not convinced that this a story that needs to be revisited again.
September 24, 2018
This book has a really good premise, and I did enjoy the story. It was a very easy read with lots of interesting detail about the suffragettes. However, having read it straight after 'A Little Princess' I felt that the writing style was not really in keeping, it felt like it was written for a younger audience than the original book. There were also some plot holes that made some moments confusing. I did enjoy the friendship between Lottie and Sally however, which was more equal than the Sara-Becky friendship in the original book.
March 3, 2018
I'm not big on classics and I've never read The Little Princess, but I don't feel I've missed out as Holly Webb does a great job establishing the backplot before taking us off on a great adventure. I'm an old hand at feminism and I'm thrilled to see suffragette history being made accessible to girls today. It's crucial we don't forget where we came from. I'll be making sure my daughters get a copy, and one for the school library too.
ETA: if you have a YA reader/library, you want Things A Bright Girl Can Do. Same period, less gentle. The two together should be available to all our kids.
ETA: if you have a YA reader/library, you want Things A Bright Girl Can Do. Same period, less gentle. The two together should be available to all our kids.
February 28, 2021
Ugh. I wanted to like this, but I hated it. The tone was so different from the original. All my favourite characters were blah. Hated the suffragette thing. It felt so forced. Plus it happened later than when “A Little Princess” was published.
Luckily I was able to cancel my Indigo order of this book. Ugh it has left a bad taste in my mouth. I need to read the FHB original tonight.
Luckily I was able to cancel my Indigo order of this book. Ugh it has left a bad taste in my mouth. I need to read the FHB original tonight.
July 9, 2021
Another sequel to A Little Princess! This was such a fun quick read, with some important issues at its core. Women’s rights. This books has some things that actually happened in history as well-like the suffragettes. While I don’t agree with some of the more violent means of protests some chose to do, I can understand their anger & frustration that led them there. Back then women had no say in ANYTHING. If your dad said you would marry a certain man-you more than likely would. If for some reason there was a divorce & the husband decided he wanted to keep the kids-that was it. No discussion, no court-he got them. If a husband said his wife was acting crazy or something like that, & wanted her taken to an asylum or hospital-she was taken. No questions asked. That’s just a few things. Loved reading in the authors note how the author marched in the Women’s March in London in 2017, & came home home to work on this thinking it was more important than ever to talk about these things. That women are still fighting for some of the same things as we were then is so crazy & so sad. This sequel was from Lottie’s POV, & it’s a few years later when she is around 11-13(the book progresses over a year or so). She’s no longer the tantrum throwing, spoiled little girl. I absolutely loved her & Sally & their friendship. Not going to even compare it to the original, but this stands as a wonderful story of its own. The twist at the end blew me away! I was so shocked! Absolutely loved that ending. Loved this! Absolutely beautiful cover by Sara Gianassi too!💜
March 19, 2018
Okay I was not to excited to read this book being the not really interested in other Of holly Webb’s books but if you have patience I promise it gat’s better later i the book if you are unsure whether to read this or not just read it a good read for 4-7 graders!
August 26, 2019
A book that does need to be in Libraries, especially when we are still so far behind in terms of wage equality, freedom from violence....
Well told tale of a young girl discovering the Suffragette movement.
Well told tale of a young girl discovering the Suffragette movement.
June 3, 2020
This wasn't a bad book but it felt a little slow in places and it sometimes felt as if it was trying to parallel too closely with A Little Princess.
I really appreciated the afterword from Webb highlighting that there is still a long way to go.
I really appreciated the afterword from Webb highlighting that there is still a long way to go.
March 25, 2018
I really liked this book it has a happy but sad ending.
July 1, 2018
Really sweet and heart-warming follow up to The Little Princess! Wonderful message about standing up for what you believe in too.
Read
June 6, 2020This book was amazing .It was the book that brought me into th world of womens rights and feminism.
August 6, 2021
highly enjoyd this book as the same charcter are from the original story. Its a great nook based off Burnetts original world. highly worth the read.
February 22, 2025
i ❤️ kids books
July 27, 2025
It was epic! But the scene where Lottie and (I forgot her name) the maid are being harassed by the boys o felt so scared for them but so glad that they found their passion and had their protest!x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2017
The Princess and the Suffragette is a really good continuation novel to Frances Hodgson Burnett’s A Little Princess. I enjoyed having an older Lottie as the central character and how Sara was there but in the background. It weaves the suffragette movement as witnessed by Lottie which I thought was done in a great way.
November 6, 2023
(third read)
This book is nowhere as good as the original. But it's still incredible. I am forever grateful that I found this book in the clearance bin at Shiploads. Never knew it had a sequel!
This book is nowhere as good as the original. But it's still incredible. I am forever grateful that I found this book in the clearance bin at Shiploads. Never knew it had a sequel!
September 28, 2018
This story was cute, but to me lacked some essentials. Sara Crewe from The Little Princess is a side character, but I didn’t feel her portrayal was accurate. In this novel, Sara is non-committal to a major issue and seems fearful of her guardian. This doesn’t line up with the Sara I remember. Our main character of Lottie is well thought out and watching her grow is effective. The storyline of suffragettes in England is a main part of the novel, but I feel is dropped at the end and loses some effectiveness. I don’t feel that a child reading this book would truly understand what the good and bad of the suffrage movement really looked like.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews