According to Wikipedia, the novel’s success actually brought the term “Pollyanna” into use in English language. It is used to describe someone who seems always to be able to find something to be “glad” about no matter what circumstances arise.

Even though this is a book for children and younger readers, it is an awesome read even for adults. The book follows the story of an orphan girl, named Pollyanna, who is sent to live with her aunt after her father’s death. Soon she finds out that she has stepped into a house where she is not welcome. Her aunt seems to hate her and has a harsh behavior toward her. . Moreover, Pollyanna is not allowed to talk about her father in her aunt’s presence.

Pollyanna, is somewhat of a “blind” optimist, and this becomes very clear very soon. She’s been through some tough times but she still manages to put a smile on her face and shake off the bad stuff. Nothing can put her in bad mood. She can always find something to be glad for. Although she is only eleven years old, she starts to change the view of all the people who live around toward life. She plays a game called Glad Game which soon becomes famous around the small town where she lives.

When she starts reaching out to the troubled people of the small town, the little girl is met with a wide variety of pathetic tales of woe and loss. And Pollyanna’s insistently cheerful nature is clouded by the fact that each time she plays the infamous “glad game” it is bitter reminder of the harsh life she lived, and the loss of her beloved father.

This books belongs to the same genre as the famous Anne Gables series or Mister God,This is Anna, where through little girls the authors teach people to live life to the fullest, to accept problems and to find happiness in everyday events and things.

Eleanor H. Porter describes her characters very well, and it is easy for the reader to picture them as the story moves along. She is an extremely talented writer, who leaves an excellent message for the reader through a simple and short story. Although some might be a little disappointed with the pathos embedded into the story, it is needed in order to balance out the sometimes saccharine nature of the tale where a little girl reminds a whole town of what it is to be glad. This book is recommended for all those who think that life is currently too full of problems, or simply want to be more happy than what they already are!

Pollyanna is available for rent and purchase at the INDIAreads Online Book Rental Library cum Bookstore.

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