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TL;DR: Under the floorboards of an old English house live the Borrowers, tiny people who survive by secretly “borrowing” small things from the humans above. Young Arrietty Clock longs to see the world. When she befriends a human boy staying in the house, the family's secret is put at risk, and they must flee their home.
Table of Contents
The Borrowers at a Glance
| Author | Mary Norton |
| First published | 1952 |
| Type | Children's novel |
| Best for | young readers who love imaginative, cozy adventures |
The Borrowers is a children's novel by Mary Norton, published in 1952. It won the Carnegie Medal and began a beloved series. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Very gentle; includes some danger from humans.
Main Characters
- Arrietty Clock: A curious, brave young Borrower girl.
- Pod Clock: Arrietty's careful father, who does the borrowing.
- Homily Clock: Arrietty's anxious mother.
- The Boy: A human boy staying at the house.
- Mrs. Driver: The house's suspicious cook.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Under the floor
The Clock family lives beneath the kitchen floor of an old house, using stamps as pictures and thimbles as buckets. Pod goes up to “borrow” things, while Homily keeps house. Arrietty is lonely and wants to see the outside world.
Arrietty goes out
Pod takes Arrietty borrowing for the first time. Outside, she explores the garden and meets the Boy, a human child recovering from illness who is staying at the house. They become friends, and he reads to her.
Gifts
The Boy brings the Borrowers furniture from an old dollhouse. The Clocks' home becomes grand. But their growing boldness and the Boy's visits risk exposure.
Discovered
Mrs. Driver, the cook, discovers the Borrowers' home. She is determined to get rid of them and calls a rat-catcher to gas them out.
Escape
The Boy helps the Clock family escape through a grating into the outdoors. He leaves for home, never knowing for sure if they survived. The story is framed as a tale told by Mrs. May, the Boy's sister, who wonders whether it was all true.
5 Key Takeaways
- Curiosity can lead to friendship and danger.
- Even small people can be brave.
- Home can be made from humble things.
- Friendship can cross great differences.
- Change is sometimes necessary for survival.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The world looks different from a small point of view.
- Being seen can be both wonderful and risky.
- Leaving home can be the start of adventure.
Who Should Read The Borrowers?
Read The Borrowers if you enjoy cozy, imaginative stories. It suits readers about 7 to 11 and is a great read-aloud.
About Mary Norton
Mary Norton (1903–1992) was an English children's author and actress. She also wrote The Magic Bed-Knob and Bonfires and Broomsticks, which were adapted into the Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The Borrowers won the Carnegie Medal in 1952 and was followed by four sequels. The story has been adapted into several films, including Studio Ghibli's Arrietty in 2010.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Borrowers:
- Why does Arrietty want to see the world?
- Was the Boy a good friend?
- Would you like to be a Borrower?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Borrowers is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Borrowers, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is charming and inventive, and the details of the Borrowers' tiny world are delightful.
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What to Read Next
- The Borrowers Afield by Mary Norton: the sequel
- Stuart Little by E.B. White: a tiny hero in a big world
- The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks: a tiny figure comes to life
Related: 15 Books Like The Borrowers You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Borrowers about?
Tiny people who live under the floor of a house and borrow things from humans.
Who wrote it?
Mary Norton, in 1952.
Who is Arrietty?
A young Borrower who befriends a human boy.
Did it win awards?
Yes, the Carnegie Medal.
Is there a film?
Yes, several, including Studio Ghibli's Arrietty.
What age is it for?
About 7 to 11.
How long is it?
About 180 pages.
Are there sequels?
Yes, four sequels.
Who tells the story?
Mrs. May, who heard it from her brother.
What do Borrowers borrow?
Small items like pins, thread, stamps and food.
Who is Mrs. Driver?
The cook who discovers the Borrowers and calls the rat-catcher.
Who are the main characters in The Borrowers?
The main characters are Arrietty Clock, Pod Clock, Homily Clock, the Boy and Mrs. Driver. Arrietty Clock: A curious, brave young Borrower girl. Pod Clock: Arrietty's careful father, who does the borrowing. Homily Clock: Arrietty's anxious mother.
Is The Borrowers worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who love imaginative, cozy adventures. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.