A review by graypeape
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was sweet and good and happy, and my only complaint is that it wasn't longer - there were some parts that I thought could've been fleshed out a bit more, but at the same time I respect that the author didn't feel the need to describe everything that happened, that she felt her audience was smart enough to deduce what happened (and I did know what had happened in these parts, I just would've enjoyed reading it, I enjoyed Porter's vibe). This isn't enough of an issue that I'd take any stars off though. Also, yes, the story is kinda predictable, and there's a good amount of convenient plot devices and coincidences, but it's a book written for kids - not just any kids, but kids who lived long before the internet - it doesn't need subtlety. The book handles a lot of heavy topics; there's death of parents, poverty, not feeling wanted in the place you're in, the puzzling behavior of adults... and throws a girl at them who is determined to find things about them to be glad about. When tragedy strikes, Pollyanna is finally faced with something she can't be glad about, and it hurts because, c'mon, this is Pollyanna! And then the people she's helped come to tell her how she helped them, how she made their lives better, and good heavens, what a wonderful message to give to a child, that they, small though they may be, can have such an effect an another person's - even an adult's - life! Adults will definitely benefit from reading this too, we need the reminder. I'm sorry I missed reading this as a child, the glad game would've made a lot of things easier, but I'm so glad I've read it now!