The Fortunes of Philippa

This was an excellent book. Knowing it is based on a true story helps one to realise these were real experiences and real emotions. It was quite easy to imagine yourself in the place of the main character. It must have been so difficult to adjust to England after growing up in South America. As well as the climate, the idea of coming to a family with so many children and having one’s days limited to a nursery rather than having the run of the house. And being without anyone who loves you and treats you as a very special person. Very hard. But rather than the hardships, the author shows how Philippa grows and matures through her boarding school years and the wonderful holidays spent with her school friend. The story ends well. The reader was very good. She managed the few different accents, too, in a way that didn’t detract.