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book_concierge's review
4.0
Book on CD narrated by Steve West.
Two boys born on the same day in very different circumstances meet and discover they each envy the other’s experiences. But only when they exchange clothes do they realize how identical they are in looks. So much so that Edward, Prince of Wales, is ejected from the palace as a beggar, while the pauper Tom Canty is accepted as the prince, despite their protests to the contrary.
This is a wonderful classic that explores the difference in class in 16th century England, and the ways that appearance effects how one is treated. Both boys learn much from their experience as “the other.” Tom learns that a life of luxury is not all it’s cracked up to be; he chafes against the restrictions on his movements, the requirements for certain study, the constant presence of servants and guardians. Edward learns first-hand of the harsh life of his poorest subjects: their reliance on begging, the unfairness of the legal system, the lack of opportunities to improve their lot.
Tom uses his new-found position to change some of the laws of the land. Edward learns the value of compassion and kindness. It’s a wonderful lesson in “walking in the other person’s shoes.”
One thing that was a little difficult, though was Twain’s use of 16th-century English: “Dost not know thy father, child?” is one fairly easy example, but much of the dialect used makes it that much more difficult for a reader to appreciate the story. Still, it’s worth the effort to persevere. And I would recommend listening to the audio.
There are many editions of this classic available. The hardcover text edition I used to supplement my listening was the Oxford Mark Twain with an introduction by Judith Martin and an afterword by Everett Emerson. It includes nearly 200 illustrations by Beverly R David and Ray Sapirstein. It’s really a physically beautiful book.
The audio edition I listened to was narrated by Steve West. He did a fine job. He has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to differentiate the various characters.
Two boys born on the same day in very different circumstances meet and discover they each envy the other’s experiences. But only when they exchange clothes do they realize how identical they are in looks. So much so that Edward, Prince of Wales, is ejected from the palace as a beggar, while the pauper Tom Canty is accepted as the prince, despite their protests to the contrary.
This is a wonderful classic that explores the difference in class in 16th century England, and the ways that appearance effects how one is treated. Both boys learn much from their experience as “the other.” Tom learns that a life of luxury is not all it’s cracked up to be; he chafes against the restrictions on his movements, the requirements for certain study, the constant presence of servants and guardians. Edward learns first-hand of the harsh life of his poorest subjects: their reliance on begging, the unfairness of the legal system, the lack of opportunities to improve their lot.
Tom uses his new-found position to change some of the laws of the land. Edward learns the value of compassion and kindness. It’s a wonderful lesson in “walking in the other person’s shoes.”
One thing that was a little difficult, though was Twain’s use of 16th-century English: “Dost not know thy father, child?” is one fairly easy example, but much of the dialect used makes it that much more difficult for a reader to appreciate the story. Still, it’s worth the effort to persevere. And I would recommend listening to the audio.
There are many editions of this classic available. The hardcover text edition I used to supplement my listening was the Oxford Mark Twain with an introduction by Judith Martin and an afterword by Everett Emerson. It includes nearly 200 illustrations by Beverly R David and Ray Sapirstein. It’s really a physically beautiful book.
The audio edition I listened to was narrated by Steve West. He did a fine job. He has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to differentiate the various characters.
saaturnslover's review
3.0
This book was a fun read :0 I didn't even know Mark Twain wrote it in the 1800s, while the story takes place in the 1500s. I had always assumed it was written around the same time the story occurred. I find it interesting how many spin-offs are based on this, yet they change the fundamental plot. IN most Prince and the Pauper stories, the two boys switch places intentionally to see what the other's life is like. However, in the original text, it was a misunderstanding and the whole plot is the two characters trying to return to their original places and no one believing them when they say they're not who they seem. It has some good humor and my favorite character was definitely Miles Hendon.
acorn_reads's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
is_book_loring's review
3.0
A notable historical classic to read, though a bit tedious at times with sense of humour that was almost absurd, it was amusing but I felt like Twain sacrificed his character's -mostly the Prince's- integrity for the plot, making their actions illogical and totally contradictory in two similar situations.
"The world is make wrong; kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy."
"The world is make wrong; kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy."
greaydean's review
4.0
Great book. I can't believe I hadn't read it. It is so well known. Ripped right along and a good story.
chloeb35's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
guineverefischer03's review
4.0
This was a brilliant novel that definitely rewards. Mark Twain has a great way of exploring serious themes of injustice, class disparity, and child abuse in a way isn't loaded or emotionally draining for the reader. I loved the historical setting of the novel and I thought it was clever the way that he intertwined industrial 1880 England with England in 1547. While it was very ironic that he painted Edward as an egalitarian and a merciful King, it still felt grounded in some level of reality. Anyone that likes novels like Oliver Twist should give this a read. I only rate it 4 stars because it did drag at some points while I listened to the audiobook.
franklyfrank's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5