I have watched the 1939 adaptation that starred Shirley Temple and now have finally read this. To be honest I like the movie better, but I can see the differences and the continuity between the two. In the book there's no young school mistress, no revenge on Lavinia, no searching for her father, no Queen Victoria, and no finding her father. I haven't watched the other movies, but I think they romantized it a bit. I felt odd about the ending, although happy, it was weird to me. If you have read it you will know what I mean, but Becky and Ram Dass were spot on as well as Miss Minnchin. Such cruelty and I had to look up boxing the ears, that's worse than a spanking. Although, Sara was spoiled by her father, she seemed to be caring of others and unselfish, she was the champion of those that were bullied or mistreated. I did enjoy the book and would recommend whether you have seen an adaptation or not, it was still an enjoyable read.