“National Velvet” by: Enid Bagnold

Recommend Age: 10+

Approximately 265 pages (depending on version/edition) 

Description: The timeless story of 14-year-old Velvet Brown's race for victory in the Grand National Steeplechase has enchanted generations of readers. It's a captivating tale of courage, grit and determination, family and friendships, loyalty and love, and optimism offering an inspiring example of the struggles and rewards of following a dream.


My Rating: 2/5

I found this book to be hard to follow. This could be just me, but I wished for something to connect the chapters together. (-1 star)


Things to be aware of in “National Velvet”


Language:

  • 2 “idiot”
  • 2 forms of “shut up” or “you shut up”
  • 6 forms of “gosh” or “good gosh”
  • 3 “bi**hes
  • 2 “oh lord”
  • 1 “stupid”
  • 1 use of the Lord’s name in vain
  • 1 “as dumb’s an oyster”
  • 1 “a**” (spoken to describe a person)


Romantic Content:

  • “‘Girls!’ said Velvet, stopping still beside him so that they all drew up. ‘Who’s to know I’m a girl?’ She cupped her face in her two hands so that her straight hair was taken from it. ‘’Tisn’t your hair,’ said Mi, and his eyes fell on her chest. ‘Flat’s a pancake,’ he said. ‘You’d pass.’” (-1 star)
  • “She’s in love … It just turns you. Like drink.”
  • Nudity is an issue at one point (“‘Keep yer eyes on yer knees’”). A “naked midget” speaks to a lady. (-1 star)


Additional Notes:

  • A character is described as being “embedded in fat.”
  • Another character is described as a “fat little girl.”
  • A female character is described as “heavy.”
  • Alcohol is mentioned.
  • There is mention of “drink” and “spirits.”
  • “Love don’t seem dainty on a fat woman.”

Links to the book:

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