Storytime for Grownups – A Little Princess: Chapters 16–17
Host: Faith Moore
Date: December 15, 2025
Episode Overview
In this festive episode, Faith Moore continues her cheerful, insightful reading of A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, focusing on chapters 16 and 17. The themes of transformation, magic versus reality, and the redemptive power of love and friendship are at the forefront as Sara’s fortunes shift. Faith richly layers the story with commentary, lively listener reactions, and context—making this ideal for fans of heartwarming classics and thoughtful literary analysis.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. David Copperfield Announcement and January Plans
(Starts ~00:05)
- Faith excitedly reveals that David Copperfield by Charles Dickens will be the January read, admitting she changed her mind about its length after previous teases it was “too long.”
- Emphasizes the importance of Dickens as a pillar of classic literature:
"If we are going to read a Dickens novel...let's read the best Dickens novel instead of a lesser one because it's shorter." (00:32)
- Outlines the release schedule: final A Little Princess chapter on December 18, wrap-up on December 22, a holiday break, and David Copperfield starting January 5.
2. Community & Christmas Activities
(~03:50–07:35)
- Describes the ongoing prize drawings for listeners who purchase her book, including the final prize—a choice between a signed copy of her novel Christmas Carol or a reimbursement.
- Reminds listeners of the upcoming Christmas sing-along participation deadline and encourages collective celebration:
"It's not a Christmas concert. It’s friends singing together. So it doesn't matter how it sounds." (07:10)
3. Recap of Chapter 15: The Cinderella Analogy
(~08:00–11:51)
- Sara’s hardships, her brief hope of a “feast” with gifts from Ermengarde, and Miss Minchin’s cruelty are recapped.
- Sara’s magical transformation, courtesy of Ram Dass’s secret nighttime intervention, sets the fairy tale tone.
- Listener letters are shared, expressing both anger at Miss Minchin and hope for Sara, including a note from nine-year-old Noel:
“What is going to happen next?”
4. Cinderella Story & Commentary on Magic vs. Love
(~12:00–20:50)
- Faith draws parallels between A Little Princess and Cinderella:
"Ram Dass and Mr. Carrisford are the fairy godmother of this Cinderella story. But it's not over yet, right? The transformation isn’t actually complete." (13:55)
- Emphasizes the difference in Burnett’s version—here, the “magic” is friendship and love, not literal supernatural intervention.
- Sara’s “princessness” is both internal (how she treats others) and, now, external, through her attic’s mysterious transformation.
5. Fairy Tale “Magic” as Human Kindness
(~21:00–29:00)
- Faith explains why Burnett’s “magic” is even more powerful:
"That magic is love. ...The love that Ram Dass has for Sara, the love that Mr. Carrisford feels for all little girls because of his love for the lost little girl who he doesn't know is really Sara. That's the love that is transformative right now." (18:53–19:40)
- Sara’s happiness comes not from luxury, but the knowledge that “somebody cares.”
6. The Reading: Chapters 16–17 Highlights
(~30:00–1:30:00; commentary woven throughout; see timestamps for quotes below)
Chapter 16: “The Visitor”
- Sara and Becky awaken to realize the magic is real. The two delight in their comfort, Sara insisting,
“No, it won’t melt away...I am eating this muffin and I can taste it. You never really eat things in dreams.” (32:50)
- Sara shares her bounty with Becky, demonstrating that her joy increases through sharing:
"Sara shared some of her new blankets and pillows and things with Becky so that Becky could have a comfortable bed too." (34:35)
- Miss Minchin, teachers, and students are baffled by Sara’s unchanged optimism, even under punishment.
- Sara’s world is gradually transformed: new furniture, food, comforts, and clothing arrive in her attic.
- The arrival of gifts—clothes and necessities—upends Miss Minchin’s assumptions, and she hesitantly relents:
“Someone is very kind to you...You may as well go and put them on and look respectable.” (55:45)
- Sara writes an anonymous thank-you note to her “friend,” recognizing the importance of gratitude without expectation.
- The episode with the monkey, where Sara welcomes it and plans its return to the Indian Gentleman, shows her compassion.
Chapter 17: “It Is the Child”
- Mr. Carmichael returns to Mr. Carrisford with disappointing news—the search for Captain Crewe's daughter in Moscow was fruitless.
“The child the Russian people adopted. She is not the child we are looking for...Her name is Emily Carew.” (1:09:50)
- Mr. Carrisford despairs, but Carmichael pushes to expand their search, now suggesting London, even the school next door.
- Ram Dass brings word: Sara has arrived with the runaway monkey. The Indian Gentleman (Carrisford) decides to meet her.
- Revelatory dialogue between Sara and Carrisford exposes her identity and tragic story.
“‘How did your father lose his money?’ the Indian gentleman broke in breathlessly. ‘He did not lose it himself,’ Sara answered...‘He had a friend he was very fond of. He was very fond of him. It was his friend who took his money.’” (1:22:40)
- The realization dawns—Sara is Captain Crewe’s lost daughter. Carrisford’s guilt and relief are palpable, and Sara’s astonishment closes the chapter.
“Carmichael, the invalid gasped. It is the child. The child.” (1:24:35)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On the meaning of the transformation:
“Sara’s ability to pretend is so advanced, so skilled, that she was able to hide all this from Ermengarde out of pride and out of a sense that if she’s a princess she shouldn’t complain.” (15:15)
- Sara’s sense of wonder:
“It is exactly like something Fairy come true, she said. There isn’t the least difference. I feel as if I might wish for anything...diamonds or bags of gold and that they would appear. That wouldn’t be any stranger than this.” (42:00)
- On love as magic:
“And that magic is love...Love is the most magical force there is.” (19:05)
- On Sara’s gratitude:
“Anyone who is kind wants to know when people have been made happy. They care for that more than being thanked.” (59:58)
- Sara’s identity revealed:
“His name was Ralph Crewe, Sara answered, feeling startled. Captain Crewe. He died in India.” (1:24:00)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- David Copperfield Announcement: 00:05–02:25
- Prize & Sing-along Reminders: 03:50–07:35
- Recap and Letters: 08:00–11:51
- Cinderella/Fairy Godmother Commentary: 12:00–19:40
- “Magic” and Kindness Discussion: 19:40–21:25
- Reading Begins (Chapter 16): 29:55
- Sara and Becky’s First Meal: 32:50–34:35
- Sara’s Transformation Noticed at School: 41:30–42:00
- Sara’s Thank-You Note: 59:58–1:01:10
- Monkey Returns, Sara’s Compassion: 1:03:40–1:05:00
- Indian Gentleman, Carmichael, and “the child” Mystery: 1:09:50–1:24:00
- Sara’s Identity Revealed: 1:24:00–1:26:00
Tone & Style*
Faith maintains an inviting, conversational style that’s both nurturing and scholarly, mixing gentle humor and deep compassion for her characters. She encourages participation, reflection, and community—the perfect companion for listeners seeking warmth and insight from classic literature.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode gently guides you through the emotional crescendo of A Little Princess. Faith’s insightful literary analysis and warm, inclusive hosting enrich the transformative journey of Sara Crewe, making classic literature accessible and resonant for modern readers. The discovery that “magic” is, in fact, composed of real human kindness and connection will linger with you long after the story ends.
Next week: The final chapters of A Little Princess—the story’s resolution and its lasting lessons are just ahead.