A Novel Review: Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Writer: Jean Webster
Pages: 200 pages
Published: September 2017
Publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Price: IDR 40,000

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"I suppose I might call you Dear Mr. Girl-Hater. Only that's sort of insulting to me. Or Dear Mr. Rich-Man, but that's insulting to you. But at least you will stay tall all your life! So I've decided to call you Dear Daddy-Long-Legs. I hope you won't mind,"

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Jerusha "Judy" Abbott is the girl from an orphanage who got the chance from a certain someone to study further by scholarship. Thus, Judy keeps on writing letters for the benefactor about her life and how he has helped her on achieving her ultimate dream. She who had never seen him tried to seek for his figure. Will she succeed?

MY STORY

I had actually read the story in the form of graphic novel when I was a child. Then, when this version was published by the local publisher, I quickly bought it to add to my collection of English classics. I finished this within a day in December 2017. 

WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE BOOK

Considering how this book was originally written in 1912, this has become a classic tale for both young and old. The publisher didn't do anything to change the plot or even the diction, it was printed as how it was back then. The story is a classic, both in terms of age and its plot, on how the literature was growing back in 1910s. 

The plot shows how literature was growing back then and well-loved by society, an orphan girl who is lucky enough to be sent to reach a higher degree by a mysterious man who in turn has sparks for the female main character. If this story was written in the modern age, probably it'll get bashed on how it doesn't spark feminism and how simple life will be with the help of a benefactor. 

The cute yet simple layout on how letters can make you understand a story is a strong point of this book. The illustration in the book helps reader to understand Judy's thoughts and her ideas. They still kept the original so the nostalgic and vintage feeling helps. The simple cover and how there's such long legs with papers (which I assume are letters) also describes youth, which is relevant to Judy, a young and ambitious woman full of energy. 

This version is way cheaper than buying imported ones, adding a plus point for this version, the cover is really adorable, and is easier to find in local bookstores rather than the ones which are published overseas. 

Overall, the plot is simple and will probably be loved by those who seek for simple, yet cute romantic story. 

Rating (out of 5): 💌💌💌💌