Thursday, July 25, 2013

Review: Daddy-Long-Legs

Daddy-Long-Legs, by Jean Webster. The GoodReads summary:
A trustee of the John Grier orphanage has offered to send Judy Abbott to college. The only requirements are that she must write to him every month, and that she can never know who he is. Judy's life at college is a whirlwind of friends, classes, parties, and a growing friendship with the handsome Jervis Pendleton. With so much happening in her life, Judy can scarcely stop writing to the mysterious "Daddy-Long-Legs"!
This was a short, cute read. It’s written as a collection of letters from Judy to her anonymous benefactor over the four years she’s at college. Judy’s pretty hilarious, and the book made me wish I was more of a letter writer because her letters are so entertaining. Even though the book was written in 1912, it didn’t feel that old—it was very readable and accessible. Some of the things she talks about obviously date the story, but Judy’s narrative voice itself felt surprisingly modern, and if I was judging based on the style alone, I don’t think I’d ever guess that it was written over 100 years ago.

The story was fairly predictable, and I guessed what was going on behind the scenes pretty early on, but the predictability didn’t make the journey any less fun. I do feel indignant on Judy’s behalf for what I feel was some unfair manipulation, but I won’t go on about it as much as I’d like to because it would be too hard to avoid major spoilers. So I’ll just say that while my indignation over a few things was very real, it never made it to the point where I was ever seriously turned off from the book.

Overall, a light, fun story. It’s not exactly a book with hidden depth, but all the same, despite some issues I had with it, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

5 comments:

  1. Have you ever watched the movie? When Judy gets shipped a whole bunch of beautiful dresses I always get so happy. It is a predicable story but sometimes you don't want any surprises.

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  2. I haven't heard of this book but I have heard of it as a film though despite my love of Fred Astaire, I haven't seen it yet. I think I'd really enjoy the book as I adore epistolary novels so I will need to check that out!

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  3. This has been a favorite for many years. And I *love* that cover. Must find a copy.

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  4. Ooh, I am curious about this manipulation business. (I haven't quite finished it yet, but I'll be done by Saturday for sure). I'm glad you liked it, though. And how cool that it's a movie, too!

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  5. Hello Karen! I have a feeling we both have the same "indignant feeling" towards this book. Here's mine if you don't mind: http://lorxiebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/12/daddy-long-legs-by-jean-webster.html

    Thanks and have a nice day! :D

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