Roughing It by Mark Twain, Fiction, Classics

by Mark Twain
Roughing It by Mark Twain, Fiction, Classics cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Technical:
  • ID: 1247
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Reviews
booktopia.com.au · Unknown · 2025-10-08
charming 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed 'Daddy-Long-Legs' for its epistolary format and the charming protagonist, Judy, who writes letters to her mysterious benefactor. They appreciated Judy's wit and resilience but found her naivety and the lack of depth in her relationships with others to be a drawback.

The reviewer found 'Daddy-Long-Legs' to be a delightful read, particularly because of its epistolary format, which they enjoy. The protagonist, Judy, is a standout character with her irreverent and playful letters to her anonymous benefactor, whom she nicknames 'Daddy-Long-Legs'. Her journey from an orphan to a college student is engaging, and her gratitude for the opportunity shines through. However, Judy's naivety and the lack of depth in her relationships, especially with her frenemy Julia Rutledge Pendleton, were noted as drawbacks. The reviewer also mentioned that Judy's unworldliness, while understandable, sometimes made her seem younger than her age. Overall, the book is seen as a charming and lighthearted read with a great heroine, but it lacks the depth that might make it a truly memorable classic.

Quick quotes

    I love a good epistolary novel.

    Jerusha rechristens him “Daddy-Long-Legs” and addresses him as such in her letters.

    Judy is a great heroine — cheerful but not sickly sweet; she retains a certain amount of resentment towards her status as a foundling.

bookloop.com.au · Unknown · 2025-10-08
enchanting 4.50

The book is highly praised for its charm and enchantment, with readers comparing it to other beloved classics. It is seen as a hidden gem that is underappreciated and deserves more recognition. The film adaptation is also mentioned as capturing some of the book's appeal.

Readers have expressed great enthusiasm for this book, highlighting its charm and enchantment. Many compare it to other well-known classics like Anne of Green Gables and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, suggesting it should be just as popular. The book is described as a coming-of-age story that is both delightful and engaging. One reader mentioned that it inspired them to start blogging, indicating its significant impact. The film adaptation is noted as worth watching, although not the best work of Fred Astaire. Overall, the book is seen as a hidden gem that is often overlooked but highly rewarding. Readers also appreciate finding such treasures in used bookstores, adding to the joy of discovering and enjoying the book.

Quick quotes

    I loved this book, and I actually became annoyed because I hadn’t heard of it before. It’s actually the book that got me started blogging

    It’s a great book to start blogging for, I must say! I really don’t know why it’s not more well known…by rights it should be just as much a classic as Anne of Green Gables in my opinion!

    I’ve never read the book, but now feel that I must. I have seen the film, as I am rather a musical addict.

ebay.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-08
heartwarming 4.50

Daddy-Long-Legs is a heartwarming tale of an orphan named Jerusha Abbott, who is given the opportunity to attend college by a mysterious benefactor. The story is told through her letters, which are filled with humor, growth, and a touch of romance. The book is a classic that leaves readers feeling happy and nostalgic.

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster is a beloved classic that tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, an orphan who is given the chance to attend college by a mysterious benefactor known only as Daddy-Long-Legs. The novel is written in the form of letters from Jerusha to her benefactor, capturing her journey from a shy orphan to a confident young woman. The letters are filled with humor, wit, and a touch of romance, making the story both engaging and heartwarming. One of the most appealing aspects of the book is Judy's imperfection; she makes mistakes, fails classes, and struggles with her independence, which makes her relatable and endearing. The romance is sweet and slow-burning, with a touch of mystery that keeps readers engaged. The book also offers a glimpse into the early 20th century, with its depiction of college life, societal norms, and the struggle for independence. Despite its age, the story remains timeless and continues to resonate with readers. It's a book that can be reread countless times, always leaving a sense of happiness and nostalgia.

Quick quotes

    I don’t know when I first discovered Daddy-Long-Legs. I only know that it’s one of those books you can reread an almost infinite number of times, and it always leaves me feeling happy.

    One of Judy’s most appealing traits is that she’s not perfect.

    The romance is sweet and slow-burning, with a touch of mystery that keeps readers engaged.

Appears in Lists