I would love to read a book, told from the perspective of the child, where the child protagonist goes through neglect or abandonment but still manages to find hope and happiness and turn their life around.
Preferably a classic novel as I don’t enjoy contemporary as much.
Thanks a lot in advance.
by AcademicPreference54
21 Comments
They’re fantasy but Harry Potter fits the bill.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
*David Copperfield* by Dickens. Actually that doesn’t fit, that’s from an older perspective. *Oliver Twist* does though.
The Secret Life of Bees? Not super contemporary but not too far in the past.
Anne of Green Gables would also fit this line. As would many Roald Dahl book (James and Giant Peach, Matilda)
*Jane Eyre* by Charlotte Bronte – I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Juliet Stevenson!
Shuggie Bain
A Boy Called It. Not a novel, a memoir.
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood
Ocean at the End of the Lane. Not classic, but good.
Shamanka. More for kids really.
The Tracey Beaker series. Again, for kids.
The Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan.
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
So B. It by Sarah Weeks. A child parents are both disabled and the woman who helps her is agoraphobic so her life is definitely messed up. I read this a long time ago but it’s more towards YA.
heaven by mieko kawakami Very sad book about an alienated child in Japan and his “friend” who similarly is alienated. Kinda depressing tbh but very well written.
the wolves of willoughby chase
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
This is a classic in all sense of the word, and a beautiful read as well. I’m currently reading it in Spanish as part of my attempt at learning a second language.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a contemporary take on David Copperfield. It has neglect and abandonment.
I think the Tillerman Cycle books by Cynthia Voigt might fit the bill.
Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
James and The Giant Peach immediately sprung to mind! I did just rearrange the bookshelves though and picked it up…
“The Deptford Trilogy” is three books by Canadian writer Robertson Davies. It is a sweeping novel with a range of compelling characters and takes place over decades and in various places. I read it in the 80s and couldn’t put it down, then again a couple of years ago. It is a big story, but begins with one child throwing a snowball that goes awry.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter