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Margaret Thursday #1
Thursday's Child
Story of irrepressible Margaret Thursday, an orphan determined to go far, and the friends she makes along the way.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
31 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Noel Streatfeild
163 books613 followersMary Noel Streatfeild, known as Noel Streatfeild, was an author best known and loved for her children's books, including Ballet Shoes and Circus Shoes. She also wrote romances under the pseudonym
Susan Scarlett
.
She was born on Christmas Eve, 1895, the daughter of William Champion Streatfeild and Janet Venn and the second of six children to be born to the couple. Sister Ruth was the oldest, after Noel came Barbara, William ('Bill'), Joyce (who died of TB prior to her second birthday) and Richenda. Ruth and Noel attended Hastings and St. Leonard's Ladies' College in 1910. As an adult, she began theater work, and spent approximately 10 years in the theater.
During the Great War, in 1915 Noel worked first as a volunteer in a soldier's hospital kitchen near Eastbourne Vicarage and later produced two plays with her sister Ruth. When things took a turn for the worse on the Front in 1916 she moved to London and obtained a job making munitions in Woolwich Arsenal. At the end of the war in January 1919, Noel enrolled at the Academy of Dramatic Art (later Royal Academy) in London.
In 1930, she began writing her first adult novel, The Whicharts, published in 1931. In June 1932, she was elected to membership of PEN. Early in 1936, Mabel Carey, children's editor of J. M. Dent and Sons, asks Noel to write a children's story about the theatre, which led to Noel completing Ballet Shoes in mid-1936. In 28 September 1936, when Ballet Shoes was published, it became an immediate best seller.
According to Angela Bull, Ballet Shoes was a reworked version of The Whicharts. Elder sister Ruth Gervis illustrated the book, which was published on the 28th September, 1936. At the time, the plot and general 'attitude' of the book was highly original, and destined to provide an outline for countless other ballet books down the years until this day. The first known book to be set at a stage school, the first ballet story to be set in London, the first to feature upper middle class society, the first to show the limits of amateurism and possibly the first to show children as self-reliant, able to survive without running to grownups when things went wrong.
In 1937, Noel traveled with Bertram Mills Circus to research The Circus is Coming (also known as Circus Shoes). She won the Carnegie gold medal in February 1939 for this book. In 1940, World War II began, and Noel began war-related work from 1940-1945. During this time, she wrote four adult novels, five children's books, nine romances, and innumerable articles and short stories. On May 10th, 1941, her flat was destroyed by a bomb. Shortly after WWII is over, in 1947, Noel traveled to America to research film studios for her book The Painted Garden. In 1949, she began delivering lectures on children's books. Between 1949 and 1953, her plays, The Bell Family radio serials played on the Children's Hour and were frequently voted top play of the year.
Early in 1960s, she decided to stop writing adult novels, but did write some autobiographical novels, such as A Vicarage Family in 1963. She also had written 12 romance novels under the pen name "Susan Scarlett." Her children's books number at least 58 titles. From July to December 1979, she suffered a series of small strokes and moved into a nursing home. In 1983, she received the honor Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). On 11 September 1986, she passed away in a nursing home.
She was born on Christmas Eve, 1895, the daughter of William Champion Streatfeild and Janet Venn and the second of six children to be born to the couple. Sister Ruth was the oldest, after Noel came Barbara, William ('Bill'), Joyce (who died of TB prior to her second birthday) and Richenda. Ruth and Noel attended Hastings and St. Leonard's Ladies' College in 1910. As an adult, she began theater work, and spent approximately 10 years in the theater.
During the Great War, in 1915 Noel worked first as a volunteer in a soldier's hospital kitchen near Eastbourne Vicarage and later produced two plays with her sister Ruth. When things took a turn for the worse on the Front in 1916 she moved to London and obtained a job making munitions in Woolwich Arsenal. At the end of the war in January 1919, Noel enrolled at the Academy of Dramatic Art (later Royal Academy) in London.
In 1930, she began writing her first adult novel, The Whicharts, published in 1931. In June 1932, she was elected to membership of PEN. Early in 1936, Mabel Carey, children's editor of J. M. Dent and Sons, asks Noel to write a children's story about the theatre, which led to Noel completing Ballet Shoes in mid-1936. In 28 September 1936, when Ballet Shoes was published, it became an immediate best seller.
According to Angela Bull, Ballet Shoes was a reworked version of The Whicharts. Elder sister Ruth Gervis illustrated the book, which was published on the 28th September, 1936. At the time, the plot and general 'attitude' of the book was highly original, and destined to provide an outline for countless other ballet books down the years until this day. The first known book to be set at a stage school, the first ballet story to be set in London, the first to feature upper middle class society, the first to show the limits of amateurism and possibly the first to show children as self-reliant, able to survive without running to grownups when things went wrong.
In 1937, Noel traveled with Bertram Mills Circus to research The Circus is Coming (also known as Circus Shoes). She won the Carnegie gold medal in February 1939 for this book. In 1940, World War II began, and Noel began war-related work from 1940-1945. During this time, she wrote four adult novels, five children's books, nine romances, and innumerable articles and short stories. On May 10th, 1941, her flat was destroyed by a bomb. Shortly after WWII is over, in 1947, Noel traveled to America to research film studios for her book The Painted Garden. In 1949, she began delivering lectures on children's books. Between 1949 and 1953, her plays, The Bell Family radio serials played on the Children's Hour and were frequently voted top play of the year.
Early in 1960s, she decided to stop writing adult novels, but did write some autobiographical novels, such as A Vicarage Family in 1963. She also had written 12 romance novels under the pen name "Susan Scarlett." Her children's books number at least 58 titles. From July to December 1979, she suffered a series of small strokes and moved into a nursing home. In 1983, she received the honor Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). On 11 September 1986, she passed away in a nursing home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 5, 2021
Watch out world! Margaret Thursday (found in a basket with three of everything, all of the very best quality) is going to go far. Our story begins with the bad news that Margaret will be moving to an orphanage. Her annual support (from her absent mother?) has stopped coming in and the rector who took her in as a baby can not afford to keep her in his household. At the orphanage Margaret meets her nemesis -- Matron. With her independent ways and pride in her origins, Margaret is a challenge and Matron is determined to break her. Fortunately, Margaret makes new friends and there are kind and loving adults who start to realize what is up. The three children who befriend Margaret are Lavinia, Peter, and Horace. Lavinia is too old to stay and is sent to a manor house not far away to be a scullery maid. Margaret promises to look after the boys for Lavinia and soon decides they must run away. There are other wonderful supporting characters like Lady Chokeberry, Jem the stable boy, the Captain, and Mrs. Smith (his wife). I loved the intricate twists and turns of the story to the happy ending with more to come in Far To Go.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2017
Margaret Thursday is an orphan who was found with three of everything, of the best quality, and had money left each year to keep and educate her. However one day this money runs out. Margaret is sent to an orphanage where she endures hardship, hunger, and punishment, but her ebullient personality triumphs. This is an un-put-downable book. So readable we discovered that we could walk our dog and read aloud at the same time ! Lovely descriptions of life on a barge and a travelling theatre. Learnt what 'leggers' and 'rough musikers' do, and enjoyed reading about Margaret, looking forward to the sequel.
July 2, 2016
I finally got my hands on this favourite from my childhood. I didn't actually remember the plot, other than there being an orphan on a train with a basket containing her things, but I remembered being quite passionate about it when I was 8 or 9 or so. It's out of print now, and the library copy was missing for months after I put it on hold, then suddenly turned up. Lots of glorious details I'd forgotten - not only a plucky orphan, but also a terrible orphanage with an evil Matron, some kind and wise aristocrats (think Downton meets Jane Eyre, or maybe Annie!), adventures on a canal boat (very educational about English canals prior to the motor boat, good to know), and, because it's Noel Streatfeild, there's some stuff with the performing arts. Very satisfying, and of course improbable. 4.5. stars, not that I'm exactly impartial.
March 15, 2019
Streatfeild seems always to drift to her strengths - quasi-orphans, kindly adults, and kids on the stage - but she does it so absolutely beautifully.
Having just finished Pratchett's I Shall Wear Midnight, I was struck to find "rough music" in this one too.
Having just finished Pratchett's I Shall Wear Midnight, I was struck to find "rough music" in this one too.
August 26, 2013
Thursday’s Child by Noel Streatfeild was ‘my book’, I think I was initially drawn to it partly because I was born on a Thursday and secondly because I had loved Ballet Shoes. Thursdays Child tells the story of Margaret who was left on Church Steps in a basket with three of everything of the very best quality and a note
“This is Margaret whom I entrust to your care. Each year fifty-two pounds will be sent for her keep and schooling. She has not yet been christened”
The year Margaret turned ten the money stopped arriving and it was decided by the elderly spinsters who had looked after her with their faithful servant Hannah that she was to be sent to an orphanage.
What follows is an adventure that encompasses a cruel matron, some firm friends and an escape on a canal boat. There is also a sequel ‘Far to Go’
Thursday’s Child was based upon a firm friend of Noel Streatfeild, Margot Grey, who had been sent to France to learn the hotel trade at 14, she died in the 1960′s and Noel explained how she used her friend to write Thursday’s Child in an article in 1974
‘What an interesting child she must have been,’ I thought, ‘to be so proudly independent almost from the day she was born.’ … Then one day, when I was thinking about a new book, I decided to use Margaret. Not, of course, with the real Margaret’s story, but using as the central figure the sort of child I was sure the real Margaret had been. I called my Margaret, Margaret Thursday and the book Thursday’s Child because, following the old rhyme, she had far to go (in The Noel Streatfeild Easter Holiday Book, 1974:142)
Although not as popular as Ballet Shoes, my daughter loved this book almost as much as I did so here’s hoping that someone else will find Margaret’s story just as enthralling.
“This is Margaret whom I entrust to your care. Each year fifty-two pounds will be sent for her keep and schooling. She has not yet been christened”
The year Margaret turned ten the money stopped arriving and it was decided by the elderly spinsters who had looked after her with their faithful servant Hannah that she was to be sent to an orphanage.
What follows is an adventure that encompasses a cruel matron, some firm friends and an escape on a canal boat. There is also a sequel ‘Far to Go’
Thursday’s Child was based upon a firm friend of Noel Streatfeild, Margot Grey, who had been sent to France to learn the hotel trade at 14, she died in the 1960′s and Noel explained how she used her friend to write Thursday’s Child in an article in 1974
‘What an interesting child she must have been,’ I thought, ‘to be so proudly independent almost from the day she was born.’ … Then one day, when I was thinking about a new book, I decided to use Margaret. Not, of course, with the real Margaret’s story, but using as the central figure the sort of child I was sure the real Margaret had been. I called my Margaret, Margaret Thursday and the book Thursday’s Child because, following the old rhyme, she had far to go (in The Noel Streatfeild Easter Holiday Book, 1974:142)
Although not as popular as Ballet Shoes, my daughter loved this book almost as much as I did so here’s hoping that someone else will find Margaret’s story just as enthralling.
February 11, 2022
The narration for this is amazing. I haven't had such a good narrator that is new to me in a long time. She just knocks this story out of the park.
This is a good story of 4 children who are just searching for their place in a world that has not always been kind to them. They love deeply and fiercely and they have great adventures. The only tough thing was you KNOW that orphanages were like the one depicted in the book and that just infuriates me. I was not unhappy when Margaret and her crew get one over on the Matron - never has a character deserved a comeuppance as much as she did. Looking forward to the second book.
This is a good story of 4 children who are just searching for their place in a world that has not always been kind to them. They love deeply and fiercely and they have great adventures. The only tough thing was you KNOW that orphanages were like the one depicted in the book and that just infuriates me. I was not unhappy when Margaret and her crew get one over on the Matron - never has a character deserved a comeuppance as much as she did. Looking forward to the second book.
October 5, 2014
This is a plucky-and-reasonably-high-class-orphans-run-away-from-cruel-institution story, which is pretty much its own subgenre. I think I read it as a child (the part where they hide out on the canal boat seems really familiar) but didn't find it as memorable as her more famous "Shoes" books, even though she does work in some theater.
December 13, 2022
There’s always plenty to love about a Streatfeild book and this one is no exception with its settings of rectory, orphanage, canal boat and theatre. Lively characters and historical details add to the strengths of ‘Thursday’s Child’ and ensure an escapist and highly enjoyable read.
November 30, 2024
I loved this story. Griping and well put together. I love how there don’t seem to be plot holes. The ending wasn’t just as I hoped but I suppose it was what Margaret Thursday preferred so shan’t quibble.
March 18, 2024
Thursday's Child
Noel Streatfeild
I loved Margaret Thursday and her story about being found in the church with three of everything that was all the best quality! Margaret has lived her life so far with people who love her until the money promised fails to show up. She is sent to the orphanage where she and every child there are mistreated and starved. Matron is evil and she and Margaret clash from the start and duke it out until the end of the book.
I love the turn-of-the-century English setting and all the great characters that pitch in to make life better. As for Margaret, she is resilient, brave, and spunky. Such a great little story that I found the second one and read it as well!
5 stars
Happy Reading!
Noel Streatfeild
I loved Margaret Thursday and her story about being found in the church with three of everything that was all the best quality! Margaret has lived her life so far with people who love her until the money promised fails to show up. She is sent to the orphanage where she and every child there are mistreated and starved. Matron is evil and she and Margaret clash from the start and duke it out until the end of the book.
I love the turn-of-the-century English setting and all the great characters that pitch in to make life better. As for Margaret, she is resilient, brave, and spunky. Such a great little story that I found the second one and read it as well!
5 stars
Happy Reading!
December 9, 2015
Recommended for: All Ages, lovers of orphan stories
Rating: G
I've always loved orphan stories. Something about that nature of hard luck story, the hardships they endure, the adventure of running away, the "rags to riches" of some nature that so often follows, just grabs my imagination. Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfeild claims the title of my favorite orphan story. It has everything one could wish for in such a story: a spunky protagonist, intriguing secondary characters, a cruel orphanage Matron, a harsh environment including little food and too much work, a kind benefactor, a daring escape...
St. Luke's Orphanage is just terrible, and so are all the people who work there, someone even purposely puts soap in Horry Beresford's eyes every morning. But it is the place that brings together Margaret and the Beresfords. Margaret is spunky and headstrong, rather proud because her mother left her on the church steps with two of everything, all of the finest quality. She is stubborn, but also caring and has a strong sense of justice. Peter Beresford is quieter, quite the reader. It is because of him I chose Bleak House to keep me company on the long drives to and from orchestra rehearsal last semester. He's sweet, but all wrapped up in his imagination, which, I believe, makes me identify with him. He even manages to read while cutting the grass. And doesn't he look like the Tiny Tim in Scrooge with Albert Finney on this cover? Horry is the little one, the one who lets their true conditions slip, a large part of the reason the escape is enacted. There is also Lavinia, Peter and Horry's older sister, who works as hard as she can to earn money to support her little brothers, but unfortunately, she is not fast enough.
In true Noel Streatfeild style, everything circulates back to the stage somehow. Margaret Thursday has acting talent in her little finger. Perhaps her attitude has something to do with it. But it is largely this book that got me to read Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Because the ending is all wrapped up in it. And there is more spoilery material to the ending that I oughtn't to divulge. It is very good. I love this book. (As a side note, this book reinforces my belief that home hair dying experiences always turn out green. :P )
If you like orphan stories, if you like stories about the stage, if you like hard luck stories, or rags to riches, read Thursday's Child. It will not disappoint. There is also a sequel entitled Far to Go, which I have yet to get a hold of.
For more reviews from me and my sisters, visit www.shirereviews.blogspot.com
Rating: G
I've always loved orphan stories. Something about that nature of hard luck story, the hardships they endure, the adventure of running away, the "rags to riches" of some nature that so often follows, just grabs my imagination. Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfeild claims the title of my favorite orphan story. It has everything one could wish for in such a story: a spunky protagonist, intriguing secondary characters, a cruel orphanage Matron, a harsh environment including little food and too much work, a kind benefactor, a daring escape...
St. Luke's Orphanage is just terrible, and so are all the people who work there, someone even purposely puts soap in Horry Beresford's eyes every morning. But it is the place that brings together Margaret and the Beresfords. Margaret is spunky and headstrong, rather proud because her mother left her on the church steps with two of everything, all of the finest quality. She is stubborn, but also caring and has a strong sense of justice. Peter Beresford is quieter, quite the reader. It is because of him I chose Bleak House to keep me company on the long drives to and from orchestra rehearsal last semester. He's sweet, but all wrapped up in his imagination, which, I believe, makes me identify with him. He even manages to read while cutting the grass. And doesn't he look like the Tiny Tim in Scrooge with Albert Finney on this cover? Horry is the little one, the one who lets their true conditions slip, a large part of the reason the escape is enacted. There is also Lavinia, Peter and Horry's older sister, who works as hard as she can to earn money to support her little brothers, but unfortunately, she is not fast enough.
In true Noel Streatfeild style, everything circulates back to the stage somehow. Margaret Thursday has acting talent in her little finger. Perhaps her attitude has something to do with it. But it is largely this book that got me to read Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Because the ending is all wrapped up in it. And there is more spoilery material to the ending that I oughtn't to divulge. It is very good. I love this book. (As a side note, this book reinforces my belief that home hair dying experiences always turn out green. :P )
If you like orphan stories, if you like stories about the stage, if you like hard luck stories, or rags to riches, read Thursday's Child. It will not disappoint. There is also a sequel entitled Far to Go, which I have yet to get a hold of.
For more reviews from me and my sisters, visit www.shirereviews.blogspot.com
December 11, 2015
That's better.
Having just read and been crashingly disappointed in two different "Shoes" books, I was more than ready for this classic rags-to-riches tale of the not-quite orphans and the foundling who leads them home. Jane Eyre meets Oliver Twist and The Little Princess in this wishfulfillment tale of the fiesty young foundling who knows (like the Fossils before her) that she will have to make her own way in the world, and is determined to make it big. The Countess' attitude to her servants is less than believable, but then that's not your normal scullery maid, is it?
I finished this on a sleepless night, or rather morning; for some reason I came awake at 4 AM and couldn't go back to sleep. I knew it was a good book when I reached the last page and wanted more--much more. Not because it felt unfinished, but because I didn't want it to end. That hasn't happened with a book since I was about Margaret Thursday's age.
Having just read and been crashingly disappointed in two different "Shoes" books, I was more than ready for this classic rags-to-riches tale of the not-quite orphans and the foundling who leads them home. Jane Eyre meets Oliver Twist and The Little Princess in this wishfulfillment tale of the fiesty young foundling who knows (like the Fossils before her) that she will have to make her own way in the world, and is determined to make it big. The Countess' attitude to her servants is less than believable, but then that's not your normal scullery maid, is it?
I finished this on a sleepless night, or rather morning; for some reason I came awake at 4 AM and couldn't go back to sleep. I knew it was a good book when I reached the last page and wanted more--much more. Not because it felt unfinished, but because I didn't want it to end. That hasn't happened with a book since I was about Margaret Thursday's age.
November 2, 2008
There seemed to be plenty of stock issues in this book: the orphan who runs away from the mean orphanage-keeper, the long-lost orphans who are really aristocrats, the kind teacher / lady who fixes things. But that doesn't include the lovely interpolation (I think that's the word I mean) of Jem's family with his parents' boat and his aunt-and-uncle's theatrical troupe. His family and the adventures with him really made everything come quite alive, and kept the story going much longer than I thought it would (and delightfully so).
August 25, 2021
A wonderful Christmas gift when I was ten
June 16, 2018
It gives your memory a strange jolt to see books from when you were 8,9,10.
September 20, 2017
Long. Too much of the other family of children, not enough of Margaret, and nearly nothing of the other orphans... no effort to being concise and therefore not much well-explored. A fair bit of time was spent with other adults, but then they're all dropped, discarded. Abrupt ending, but despite that I have no interest in the sequel.
I don't recall any other other wicked orphanage head being punished, even any other orphans being rescued after the hero makes good her escape, so that bit was satisfying & fun.
Much too much of the class system of England, so wearying to read of the butler who is shocked that the Lady will talk with the scullery maid sort of thing.
I don't recall any other other wicked orphanage head being punished, even any other orphans being rescued after the hero makes good her escape, so that bit was satisfying & fun.
Much too much of the class system of England, so wearying to read of the butler who is shocked that the Lady will talk with the scullery maid sort of thing.
January 30, 2023
3.5 Stars
Noel Streatfeild novels were middle grade comfort reads for me. Streatfeild kind of made you wish you were a British orphan with dance and theatrical talent. Back in junior high, I could only find Ballet Shoes, Dancing Shoes, and Theater Shoes. So many of her books were out of print and hard to find. I remember stumbling onto Family Shoes and just wanting to be part of a vicarage family. So now, when I find Streatfeild titles I didn't read as a child, I scoop them up. Of course, Thursday's Child features a spunky orphan and maybe I am no longer the demographic, I still associate Streatfeild with joy and comfort.
Noel Streatfeild novels were middle grade comfort reads for me. Streatfeild kind of made you wish you were a British orphan with dance and theatrical talent. Back in junior high, I could only find Ballet Shoes, Dancing Shoes, and Theater Shoes. So many of her books were out of print and hard to find. I remember stumbling onto Family Shoes and just wanting to be part of a vicarage family. So now, when I find Streatfeild titles I didn't read as a child, I scoop them up. Of course, Thursday's Child features a spunky orphan and maybe I am no longer the demographic, I still associate Streatfeild with joy and comfort.
September 8, 2021
Thursday’s Child is an adorable historical fiction book following orphan, Margaret Thursday by Noel Streatfeild. I knew Noel Streatfeild from her “Shoes” books. I had read Ballet Shoes, Dancing Shoes, Theater Shoes, and Theater Shoes. They were some of the books I really enjoyed reading in elementary school, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read Thursday’s Child! Margaret Thursday is an orphan, who finds herself at an orphanage after the money supplied for her keep runs out. The orphanage turns out to be awful, with a harsh matron where the children are badly treated. Along with her friends, Margaret must find a way of escape!
Margaret was such a fun character! She was very confident and had such drama in her! She was also really kind and connected to people easily. And I loved her friends. They were all so sweet and seemed very realistic. Lavinia, Peter, Horatio and all the rest of the characters really made the story so interesting. I did not relate to Margaret as much, but I could empathize with her and relate to the other children in different ways.
The story was very interesting. I liked watching the progression and it felt well-paced. Within a few chapters, I was already invested in the story! It is not a very action-packed book, but more an unfolding of the story of Margaret’s life. It has an older style of writing, with 3rd-person narrative and slightly different language than young readers may be accustomed to. It is also set in turn-of-the -century England, so there may be some unfamiliar references there as well. This story is the first in Margaret’s adventures, so while it offers some conclusions, not everything is made clear.
Overall, this was a really fun and cute book that I would suggest to readers in mid-to late elementary school, who enjoy historical fiction!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Margaret was such a fun character! She was very confident and had such drama in her! She was also really kind and connected to people easily. And I loved her friends. They were all so sweet and seemed very realistic. Lavinia, Peter, Horatio and all the rest of the characters really made the story so interesting. I did not relate to Margaret as much, but I could empathize with her and relate to the other children in different ways.
The story was very interesting. I liked watching the progression and it felt well-paced. Within a few chapters, I was already invested in the story! It is not a very action-packed book, but more an unfolding of the story of Margaret’s life. It has an older style of writing, with 3rd-person narrative and slightly different language than young readers may be accustomed to. It is also set in turn-of-the -century England, so there may be some unfamiliar references there as well. This story is the first in Margaret’s adventures, so while it offers some conclusions, not everything is made clear.
Overall, this was a really fun and cute book that I would suggest to readers in mid-to late elementary school, who enjoy historical fiction!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
November 12, 2024
‘Thursday’s Child’, set shortly after the start of the 20th century, is the story of ten-year-old Margaret, who was left on a vicarage doorstep as a baby. It was written in 1970 so is a historical rather than contemporary novel, and it paints a good picture of life in various contexts from the point of view of a child.
This isn’t a typical Streatfeild book: there are no highly gifted children, at least not until Margaret discovers a talent towards the end. There’s a somewhat unlikely coincidence - although it seems happily believable while immersed in the book - and, being a children’s book, a satisfactory conclusion even though it happens rather quickly and leaves the story open.
I first read this many years ago, but had forgotten the story entirely. Noel Streatfeild has a very readable style, and a gift of characterisation for the children in her novels, even if the adults are rather caricatured.
I doubt if anyone younger than about six or seven would find it very interesting, but a good reader of that age or older might well enjoy it. it would be good as a read-aloud, too, for children who still enjoy a bedtime chapter.
Four and a half stars, really.
Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
This isn’t a typical Streatfeild book: there are no highly gifted children, at least not until Margaret discovers a talent towards the end. There’s a somewhat unlikely coincidence - although it seems happily believable while immersed in the book - and, being a children’s book, a satisfactory conclusion even though it happens rather quickly and leaves the story open.
I first read this many years ago, but had forgotten the story entirely. Noel Streatfeild has a very readable style, and a gift of characterisation for the children in her novels, even if the adults are rather caricatured.
I doubt if anyone younger than about six or seven would find it very interesting, but a good reader of that age or older might well enjoy it. it would be good as a read-aloud, too, for children who still enjoy a bedtime chapter.
Four and a half stars, really.
Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
July 2, 2021
Thursday’s Child by Noel Streatfeild is an entertaining and enjoyable children’s/young adult novel that is the first book in the Margaret Thursday series.
This is the first book in Ms. Streatfeild’s lesser known series in what is a vast, impressive, and talented portfolio. It was quick, entertaining, and effortless from a plot and pacing aspect. Margaret is an orphan that is living in a less than ideal orphanage and vows to make her situation better….somehow…
Toss in some quirky characters, an evil Matron, a feisty, plucky, and imperfect small heroine and the reader has an enjoyable afternoon. Somehow I missed this series growing up, and looking forward to reading the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper 360/Harper Collins Children’s Books for this Arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This is the first book in Ms. Streatfeild’s lesser known series in what is a vast, impressive, and talented portfolio. It was quick, entertaining, and effortless from a plot and pacing aspect. Margaret is an orphan that is living in a less than ideal orphanage and vows to make her situation better….somehow…
Toss in some quirky characters, an evil Matron, a feisty, plucky, and imperfect small heroine and the reader has an enjoyable afternoon. Somehow I missed this series growing up, and looking forward to reading the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper 360/Harper Collins Children’s Books for this Arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
February 14, 2023
Eh, I love Streatfeild, but I did not enjoy this one. You see, Noel overused the phrase "You see . . ." See? Constantly. Every character used the phrase. It's like a tic that everyone starts catching onto once the first character does it. Perhaps another reader might not notice or mind so much but I notice people's tics and the, "You see" had me climbing the walls after a bit.
This is one of my daughter's favorite books. She wanted to know that I liked it. The storyline was fine. It was charming. The characters were fine and dandy. But, you see, the writing was really distracting.
You see, my daughter is a reluctant reader so I didn't tell her how much this phrase annoyed me. I just told her I liked it. You see, I want her to LOVE reading and find books she loves and this is not a bad one TO love. I just didn't happen to love it myself. You see.
This is one of my daughter's favorite books. She wanted to know that I liked it. The storyline was fine. It was charming. The characters were fine and dandy. But, you see, the writing was really distracting.
You see, my daughter is a reluctant reader so I didn't tell her how much this phrase annoyed me. I just told her I liked it. You see, I want her to LOVE reading and find books she loves and this is not a bad one TO love. I just didn't happen to love it myself. You see.
January 1, 2022
Fijn audioboek, al mag je je niet te veel ergeren aan het aantal keren dat je "I was found in a wicker basket with three of everything, and of the very best quality" te horen krijgt. We zullen de expliciete distanciëring van elke mogelijke associatie met armoede maar steken op het feit dat het boek al 50 jaar oud is, al was het wel heerlijk om de kinderen er op te horen reageren met uitspraken zoals "arm zijn is toch geen schande" en "zo stom, alsof geld je een betere mens maakt". Mijn kinderen zijn de max, ook al zijn ze lang niet zo avontuurlijk als Margaret Thursday.
April 2, 2022
Although this is unmistakably a "Noel Streatfeild" book, it is in many ways unusual and rather better than her average. Margaret Thursday, the head-strong heroine, shares many characteristics with other characters in Streatfeild's books - she reminded me most sharply of the middle child in the Bell family. The three other children are rather more individually drawn than is common in Streatfeild; I particularly liked Peter the bookworm. I'd love to read the sequel, but suspect my chances of finding it are slim (I inherited the hardcover of this one from my mother, who was a firm Streatfeild fan)
February 28, 2019
An interesting story about eleven-year-old Margaret who is sent to an orphanage and has adventures with friends she meets there. Has a happy ending that I enjoyed.
August 29, 2017
Highly improbable, but good escapist fun.
July 23, 2022
My 11yo daughter and I are having a fun time going through all the Noel Streatfield books we can get on audio, to listen to in the car together.
December 31, 2019
I had heard the author's name for years but never read anything by her. I came across this title in a free box of discards at the local library. It took me a while to start it because it was an old hardback that looked very old-fashioned and the type font was very small and the there was 276 pages.
The story itself is about an orphan named Margaret who cannot stay where she is and thinking it is in her best interest is sent to the orphanage. But the orphanage is not what it seems to be but is rather harsh and cruel. Margaret does her best to survive because she know she is something more because she started out with the best of everything. Margaret's loving heart, unending spirit, and amazing storytelling abilities lead her through many adventures as she runs away on a riverboat and joins a theater company.
Margaret has three great friends that are also orphans who they meet the first day ... the girl Lavinia gets assigned to a scullery maid at a house nearby...and Margaret agrees to watch over the two brothers Peter and Horatio. The friends help each other and finally in a desperate act runaway from the orphanage afraid that the police are after Peter for "stealing" a book he wanted to read.
The story takes place in Great Britain at the turn of the century so may be hard for some readers. I read it fast and just stumbled over some of the words, some of which made sense by their context in the sentence and the rest I just overlooked. But young girls that are well-read may find a kindred spirit in Margaret Thursday. Sort of reminds me of THE LITTLE PRINCESS.
FOUND EARLIER REVIEW AND ADDED IT (3 STARS)
Summary: Margaret was found on the church stepson a Thursday in a basket with three of the best of everything -- the kind rector gave her the last name Thursday and set out to make sure she had a good life with two older ladies with a big house. But when the ladies have gotten to old to take care of her, it is time for another place to live and when nothing is found she is sent to the orphanage. Little do they know how bad off the children at the orphanage are under the rule of a cruel matron that keeps them hungry and afraid. On the day that Margaret leaves she makes friends with another set of orphans, Lavinia, and her two younger brothers, Peter and Horatio. So starts their adventure of survival and escape and adventure and finding unexpected kindness along the way.
This is a cross between the stories of The Little Princess and Downton Abbey as the orphans find them selves in a cruel orphanage and are in the midst of the story get championed by Lady Corkberry much like the character of Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. I also adore the four children who handle their situations with calm determination and make the best of their lives as long as they stay together.
Maybe a hard read for some because of the storyline being at the turn of the century England. Some of the words are unfamiliar and some of the dialogue is in country broken English. There is also 275 pages which might be challenging to some readers. It was a slow start for me, but once I got to the midpoint, I didn't want to put it down.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I liked it enough to try some more. The illustrations were by Peggy Fornum which were OK but didn't add to much to the story. I did love the cover illustration from the hardback printed in 197o. (Oct 13, 2018)
The story itself is about an orphan named Margaret who cannot stay where she is and thinking it is in her best interest is sent to the orphanage. But the orphanage is not what it seems to be but is rather harsh and cruel. Margaret does her best to survive because she know she is something more because she started out with the best of everything. Margaret's loving heart, unending spirit, and amazing storytelling abilities lead her through many adventures as she runs away on a riverboat and joins a theater company.
Margaret has three great friends that are also orphans who they meet the first day ... the girl Lavinia gets assigned to a scullery maid at a house nearby...and Margaret agrees to watch over the two brothers Peter and Horatio. The friends help each other and finally in a desperate act runaway from the orphanage afraid that the police are after Peter for "stealing" a book he wanted to read.
The story takes place in Great Britain at the turn of the century so may be hard for some readers. I read it fast and just stumbled over some of the words, some of which made sense by their context in the sentence and the rest I just overlooked. But young girls that are well-read may find a kindred spirit in Margaret Thursday. Sort of reminds me of THE LITTLE PRINCESS.
FOUND EARLIER REVIEW AND ADDED IT (3 STARS)
Summary: Margaret was found on the church stepson a Thursday in a basket with three of the best of everything -- the kind rector gave her the last name Thursday and set out to make sure she had a good life with two older ladies with a big house. But when the ladies have gotten to old to take care of her, it is time for another place to live and when nothing is found she is sent to the orphanage. Little do they know how bad off the children at the orphanage are under the rule of a cruel matron that keeps them hungry and afraid. On the day that Margaret leaves she makes friends with another set of orphans, Lavinia, and her two younger brothers, Peter and Horatio. So starts their adventure of survival and escape and adventure and finding unexpected kindness along the way.
This is a cross between the stories of The Little Princess and Downton Abbey as the orphans find them selves in a cruel orphanage and are in the midst of the story get championed by Lady Corkberry much like the character of Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. I also adore the four children who handle their situations with calm determination and make the best of their lives as long as they stay together.
Maybe a hard read for some because of the storyline being at the turn of the century England. Some of the words are unfamiliar and some of the dialogue is in country broken English. There is also 275 pages which might be challenging to some readers. It was a slow start for me, but once I got to the midpoint, I didn't want to put it down.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I liked it enough to try some more. The illustrations were by Peggy Fornum which were OK but didn't add to much to the story. I did love the cover illustration from the hardback printed in 197o. (Oct 13, 2018)
July 2, 2021
Thursday’s Child by Noel Streatfeild is an entertaining and enjoyable children’s/young adult novel that is the first book in the Margaret Thursday series.
This is the first book in Ms. Streatfeild’s lesser known series in what is a vast, impressive, and talented portfolio. It was quick, entertaining, and effortless from a plot and pacing aspect. Margaret is an orphan that is living in a less than ideal orphanage and vows to make her situation better….somehow…
Toss in some quirky characters, an evil Matron, a feisty, plucky, and imperfect small heroine and the reader has an enjoyable afternoon. Somehow I missed this series growing up, and looking forward to reading the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper 360/Harper Collins Children’s Books for this Arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This is the first book in Ms. Streatfeild’s lesser known series in what is a vast, impressive, and talented portfolio. It was quick, entertaining, and effortless from a plot and pacing aspect. Margaret is an orphan that is living in a less than ideal orphanage and vows to make her situation better….somehow…
Toss in some quirky characters, an evil Matron, a feisty, plucky, and imperfect small heroine and the reader has an enjoyable afternoon. Somehow I missed this series growing up, and looking forward to reading the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper 360/Harper Collins Children’s Books for this Arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
September 22, 2021
Thursday’s Child
by Noel Streatfeild
Pub Date 12 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 02 Nov 2021
Harper 360, HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Children's Fiction
I am reviewing a copy of Thursday’s Child through Harper360, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley:
Margaret Thursday was given her name after the day someone found her on the Church steps as baby. But she’s not really an Orphan every year someone leaves a bag of coins on the Church steps for her keep. But when she’s eleven the money stops leaving her guardians with no choice but to send her away to an orphanage.
Sadly the orphanage is worse than they could have imagined. The children are treated poorly and not fed enough, and soon Margaret who is fearless makes herself the enemy of the evil matron who runs it. Margaret is determined to protect her new friends, Peter and Horatio, Margaret plans their daring escape but she’s going to have to outsmart the evil Matron at every turn.
I give Thursday’s Child five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Noel Streatfeild
Pub Date 12 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 02 Nov 2021
Harper 360, HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Children's Fiction
I am reviewing a copy of Thursday’s Child through Harper360, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley:
Margaret Thursday was given her name after the day someone found her on the Church steps as baby. But she’s not really an Orphan every year someone leaves a bag of coins on the Church steps for her keep. But when she’s eleven the money stops leaving her guardians with no choice but to send her away to an orphanage.
Sadly the orphanage is worse than they could have imagined. The children are treated poorly and not fed enough, and soon Margaret who is fearless makes herself the enemy of the evil matron who runs it. Margaret is determined to protect her new friends, Peter and Horatio, Margaret plans their daring escape but she’s going to have to outsmart the evil Matron at every turn.
I give Thursday’s Child five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 21, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Harper 360 - HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was shocked at the plot and concept of this book. A girl is left at a door of a church. She is named after the day she was found. Someone keeps sending her gold coins. Then she gets sent to an orphanage where she gets mistreated, underfed and abused by matron. As a blessing in disguise, she meets Horatio and Peter and they bond together with an escape plan. If a book can tell you that no matter the circumstance, you will never be alone, Thursday's Child was the book to do that. I loved Margaret's strength and tenacity she showed throughout the story at a very young age is quite impressive. This is the kind of book you need to read to get through any difficult situation and when you feel like you can't do anything, think of Margaret.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I was shocked at the plot and concept of this book. A girl is left at a door of a church. She is named after the day she was found. Someone keeps sending her gold coins. Then she gets sent to an orphanage where she gets mistreated, underfed and abused by matron. As a blessing in disguise, she meets Horatio and Peter and they bond together with an escape plan. If a book can tell you that no matter the circumstance, you will never be alone, Thursday's Child was the book to do that. I loved Margaret's strength and tenacity she showed throughout the story at a very young age is quite impressive. This is the kind of book you need to read to get through any difficult situation and when you feel like you can't do anything, think of Margaret.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
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