A Little Princess: Chapter 8

Nov 24, 2025

Immerse yourself in the Victorian Christmas spirit as Sarah faces heart-wrenching loneliness in the attic, learning to navigate her new world of servitude. Experience her bittersweet moments of pride and imagination, turning sorrow into a pretend war with her friend Ermengarde. The warmth of friendship shines through as small kindnesses from Becky bring comfort amidst hardship. Discover how storytelling becomes their refuge, transforming despair into fleeting joy. Grab your tea and cozy up for a nostalgic journey!

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

A Little Princess As Cinderella

Faith Moore argues A Little Princess functions as a Cinderella story rather than a straightforward realist novel.
Viewing Sarah as Cinderella reveals themes of inherent worth and moral testing beyond material circumstance.

insights

INSIGHT

Princessness Is Moral, Not Material

Faith highlights the core test: can Sarah remain a 'princess' in character when reduced to rags and toil.
The narrative sets up moral worth as independent of wealth and social station.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Sarah's First Night In The Attic

The chapter begins with Sarah's first night in the attic, a moment she never forgot.
She whispers "My papa is dead" and is haunted by darkness, cold, and rat noises through the night.

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Sarah's First Night in the Attic

23:27 • 1min

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Rats, Hard Bed, and the Howling Wind

24:48 • 43sec

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Immediate Change: New Duties Begin

25:31 • 1min

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Work, Scolding, and Lost Education

26:52 • 1min

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From Pupil to Errand Girl

28:20 • 3min

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Meals, Pride, and Pretend War

31:43 • 34sec

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Becky: The First Comfort

32:17 • 1min

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Ermengarde's Awkward Return

33:34 • 5min

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Secret Candle: Reconciliation Begins

38:40 • 4min

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Imagination as Comfort: Bastille Pretend

• Mentioned in 52 episodes

The Count of Monte Cristo

Alexandre Dumas père

#227

• Mentioned in 87 episodes

A Christmas carol

Jacqueline Goldfinger

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

#12731

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Christmas Karol

Gareth Stokes

#8367

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The woman in white

Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins's 'The Woman in White' is a Victorian sensation novel known for its intricate plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and multiple narrators. The story revolves around a mysterious woman in white who haunts the protagonist, Walter Hartright, and becomes entangled in a web of secrets and conspiracies involving inheritance, identity, and madness. The novel explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the unreliability of perception, showcasing Collins's mastery of suspense and his ability to create a compelling narrative with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

#39

• Mentioned in 228 episodes

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

#57

• Mentioned in 200 episodes

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.

#336

• Mentioned in 65 episodes

Jane Eyre

Edmund Morrison Wimperis

Edmund H. Garrett

Jant van der Weg-Laverman

Charlotte Brontë

The novel follows Jane Eyre from her childhood at Gateshead Hall, where she is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, to her education at Lowood School, and later her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester, but discovers a dark secret about his past that forces her to make a difficult choice. The novel explores themes of love, independence, and social justice, and is known for its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman during the Victorian era.

#6876

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

A Little Princess

Frances Hodgson Burnett

The novel follows Sara Crewe, a seven-year-old English girl living in India with her wealthy father. She is sent to a boarding school in London where she is treated like royalty due to her father's wealth. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her father dies and she loses her fortune. Despite being reduced to a scullery maid, Sara uses her imagination and kindness to cope with her new circumstances. The story culminates with the discovery that her father's friend, Mr. Carrisford, has been searching for her to restore her rightful inheritance, transforming her life once again.

Welcome to the Storytime for Grownups Christmas Spectacular! We are celebrating a Victorian Christmas by reading A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett a few chapters at a time, with a few notes along the way. It's like an audio book with built in notes. So brew a pot of tea, find a cozy chair, and settle in. It's storytime!

To join the Klavan family livestream on 11/28 at 4pm Eastern, click here

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Next time we'll be reading: Chapter 9

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