Reading Groups

In Short: Hans Christian Andersen's “The Little Match Girl” with Amanda Hollander

$45

1 Session

In stock

Thursday, 6:30 pm EDT - 8:00 pm EDT June 4, 2026

The Center for Fiction

Exploring the World of Hans Christian Andersen: A new series of In Short discussions. Register individually or click here to enroll in all four sessions at a discounted rate. Registration includes a complimentary drink from our Café & Bar. A link to the story will be emailed upon registration.

After Hans Christian Andersen published “The Little Match Girl” in 1845, the story experienced lasting popularity for its juxtaposition of material wealth and a rising middle class with the horrors of abject poverty in an increasingly wealthy European nation. At the same time, the story’s impact also lies in the main character’s occupation.

In this group, we will discuss the history of match girls—their lives, their work, and their work’s ensuing medical complications—and how Andersen’s story helped instigate the Match Girl Strike of 1888 in England and the beginnings of the Union of Women Matchmakers. We’ll consider the history of industrialization, women’s rights, child labor, and how these political and social movements are interwoven with one of Christian Hans Andersen’s most popular stories.

What to read in advance of the first meeting: Please read “The Little Match Girl” in its entirety before the first meeting. A link to the story will be emailed to you upon registration.

What to expect from this reading group: Seminar-style structure with an emphasis on discussion, and supplemental information and history provided by the instructor as helpful.

Led by

Amanda Hollander

Amanda Hollander

Amanda Hollander is a writer and librettist living in Brooklyn. She holds a doctorate in Victorian and children’s literature from UCLA.

About this series

Reading Groups

Whether you’re looking to catch up on great novels or you’re interested in exploring a new writer or literary period, our reading groups offer high-level literary discussion led by experts in the field.

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