If you pick up this book expecting a sweet, moral tale, prepare for a shock. Sophie, Comtesse de Ségur, known for her stories for young people, serves up something much sharper here.

The Story

We meet Charles, an orphan who has the misfortune of living with his cousin, the vile and penny-pinching Madame Mac’Miche. To her, Charles is nothing but a burden and a 'little devil.' His high spirits, quick temper, and knack for getting into trouble confirm her worst opinions. She subjects him to constant scolding, meager meals, and harsh punishments. But Charles isn't a passive victim. He fights back with ingenious acts of rebellion—playing tricks, talking back, and finding small ways to assert his will. The story follows their relentless war of wills, asking if kindness and love can ever break through, or if defiance is the only honest response to cruelty.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how modern Charles feels. He's not a perfect angel learning a lesson; he's a hurt kid reacting to injustice. You feel his anger and his loneliness. Madame Mac’Miche is a fantastic villain—not a witch or a monster, but a chillingly ordinary person whose greed and bitterness make her monstrous. Ségur doesn't shy away from showing how adults can fail children. Yet, for all its darkness, the book is often very funny. Charles's pranks are clever, and his sheer audacity is delightful. It's a story about the resilience of spirit, and it argues that sometimes, being called a 'devil' is a badge of honor when you're standing up to true wickedness.

Final Verdict

This is a hidden gem for anyone who loves a character-driven story with real emotional punch. It's perfect for readers who enjoy classic literature but want something less formal and more fiery. If you like stories about underdogs, complex child characters, or you just love to hate a truly awful villain, you'll devour this. It’s also a fascinating look at 19th-century childhood from a perspective that feels unexpectedly fresh and bold. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite literary rebel.