Guest Review by Ria Banerjee: Thursday's Child

There is something comforting and calming about reading children's books. This feeling makes me want to go back to them again and again. Noel Streatfeild's books have always been my favourites in this genre. They are inspirational, full of diverse characters and adventures, and Thursday's Child is no exception.

Margaret Thursday is a foundling discovered at the doorstep of a church with three of everything of the best quality. She was named after the day she was found. She receives money every year from an anonymous person for her expenses and happily lives with Hannah, the caretaker of two old ladies of the Cameron family at Saltmarsh House.

When all of sudden the money stops coming for Margaret, her life takes a new turn. The Cameron ladies and Hannah are not financially well enough to raise her. Therefore, Margaret is sent to an orphanage which has a good reputation.

Margaret soon discovers that the cruel and cunning Matron of the orphanage bullies the children, subjects them to hard labour and does not properly feed and clothe them. Nobody outside the orphanage is allowed to know about these activities. Margaret faces all kinds of punishments for her outspoken nature, but never gives up the hope of escaping from the place.

One day Margaret discovers something that may put her friends into trouble, and decides to run away, along with her friend Lavinia's brother Peter and his little brother Horatio. They embark on an adventurous journey from the orphanage through the canals of England on a boat and they even travel around with an acting company. Their escapade is full of moments of tension and fun.

In contrast to the Matron at the orphanage, there are many kind-hearted grown-ups who help the children all along. The relationships portrayed in the book are heart-warming.

All of the children have their unique characteristics. Lavinia is the oldest of them, and therefore she is a wise and mature girl. Margaret is kind, brave, ambitious and clever but she likes to tell exaggerated stories about her background. Peter loves to read books and usually stays quiet. Horatio is a very small child who tends to speak the truth. Interestingly, each one of them have qualities that play significant parts in the story.

This is a beautiful story about friendship, courage and believing in oneself. I recommend this book not only to children, but to all grown-ups who want to find the joy of their childhood in reading.

Title: Thursday's Child
Author: Noel Streatfeild

Publisher: William Collins, Sons, Harper Collins, $14.99
Publication Date:  First published1970. April 2020

ISBN: 9780008244057
For Ages: 9 - 12

Type: Middle Grade Fiction

You'll find Ria at her website, Booklovers' Guide.

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