The Princess and the Suffragette by Holly Webb

The fact that the story is set against the turbulent rise of the suffragette movement adds another dimension to the book because it will make young readers aware that women have not always been on such a level pegging with men and cause young girls appreciate the work done by their female ancestors in securing better rights. As you can see, I should not have worried about a lack of substance. Stirred by the actions of Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Davison, the duo daringly involves themselves in the rise of the suffragette movement, unravelling a deep secret about Lottie's mother along the way. Just like Sara had done in the original, Lottie develops a bond with one of the school's young maids and together they embark on a friendship that sees them swept up into the politics of women's rights. She yearns for a life beyond the strict institution and the stifling life mapped out for 'young ladies'. Lottie has lived at Miss Minchin's school since the apparent death of her mother when she was just 4 years old. Lottie is now 10, and it was a pleasing to discover her as a more fiery and loveable character than before.

The plot centres around Lottie, the cry-baby who Sara mothered in the original. This is a whole new story, just in the same setting. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that this book is far more than merely an additional riff of 'A Little Princess'. I decided to take the book as a fun chance to see what happened to Sara and friends, and as an opportunity to wander nostalgically through the corridors of Miss Minchin's prim and proper school. On the other hand, I was sceptical that another writer would be able to match the warm and cosy innocence with which the original is written and I was worried that it would appear as a twee or weak imitation without much substance. On the one hand, I wanted to catch-up with the characters. I am a big fan of the beloved classic 'A Little Princess' by Frances Hodgson Burnett, but when I found out that Holly Webb had written a sequel, I wasn't sure whether to read it. A pleasing read whether or not you enjoyed 'A Little Princess'. The gnarly historical fiction element does not make the story any less charming and cosy than the original, and Webb has successfully written in an uncannily similar style to Frances Hodgson Burnett. This is a whole new story, just in the same setting, with the added dimension of a well-handled exploration of women's rights in the early 20th century.

Summary: This book is far more than merely an additional riff of 'A Little Princess'.

The Princess and the Suffragette by Holly Webb