I didn't enjoy this book as much as I've enjoyed the books Burnett has written for children. I didn't think the writing was as good, nor the character development. Burnett tells us again and again what the various characters are like, but doesn't "show" us. I never really developed sympathy for Emily. And while the story was a good story overall, it could have been a much shorter book. I recommend this book if you're trying to read all that Burnett has written, but not if it's one of your only readings of her. A Little Princess, The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and The Lost Prince are much better.