Setä Pitkäsääri

by Jean Webster

"Setä Pitkäsääri" by Jean Webster is an epistolary novel published in 1912. Jerusha "Judy" Abbott leaves her dreary orphanage life when a mysterious benefactor sends her to college. She must write monthly letters to this unseen patron—whom she nicknames Daddy-Long-Legs after glimpsing his tall shadow—but will never receive replies. Through her illustrated letters, Judy chronicles her transformation as she gains education, friendship, and independence, all while wondering about the identity of her generous, enigmatic sponsor.