I suppose I picked this book up for a rather odd reason, after reading in Joss Whedon: The Biography that it was Joss' favorite book. As someone I look up to creatively, I quickly went on a search to find this book and find it I did. I hadn't ever heard of it prior and didn't know a thing about it before turning the first page. Sometimes that's the best kind of way to enter into a new story, knowing little of it. I was truly delighted by this book, and particularly by Sara. 
 While rich, Sara was never struck with greed nor self-interest as I would expect a young child of her circumstances to be. Instead she was humbled by the love of her father. And when all that she loved was taken from her she didn't react in a way many would, when forced to become a servant - to feel the pain of hunger. Though she hurt, she found story and hope in everything. Gosh to have her ability, I would be a much less anxious person. I would worry much less if I too found story in everything. Sara has taught me a great deal and reminded me that everything boils down to the way you look at it. She chose to find friends in mice, to make believe things weren't the way they were - and that she was instead a princess, to give when she too was in need. She wasn't delusional. She knew her chilling circumstances. She was hopeful. She was a dreamer and she shared her dreams with all so that they too would have enough hope to be able to smile that day. I loved this little story and all its characters and look forward to reading more from Mrs. Burnett.