3 Review(s)

"The Little Hunchback Zia" is set in Italy and tells the story of Zia, a young hunchbacked boy who lives with his beloved grandmother. Zia is a cheerful and kind-hearted child who dreams of seeing Rome, the grand city of his country. However, his hunchback makes it challenging for him to embark on such a journey.The novella's plot is set in motion when Zia's grandmother falls ill and they are left in dire financial straits. In a desperate attempt to raise money for his grandmother's medical treatment, Zia makes the difficult decision to sell the one possession he cherishes most—a hand-carved wooden donkey. The donkey has sentimental value to Zia as it was a gift from his father. The story follows Zia's adventures and misadventures as he sets out on a journey to Rome, facing various challenges and meeting a cast of colorful characters along the way.Frances Hodgson Burnett's storytelling in "The Little Hunchback Zia" is rich in descriptive detail, and the novella explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of dreams. While it is not as well-known as some of her other works, it remains a poignant and heartwarming story that showcases her ability to craft engaging narratives for young readers.