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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Again E. Nesbit shows herself expert at showing-not-telling, and at writing for anyone and everyone. With the story told from the point of view of the children, and aimed at children, all anyone under a certain height level is going to understand is that the father of the family goes away one night and does not come back, and the mother tells the three that he is away on business – and everything changes. Mother is upset or sad all the time, even when courageously pretending otherwise. The children are made to understand that they are now poor – for a while. And almost overnight they pick up and leave their home – taking all the furniture the children deem "ugly" and Mother deems "useful", but few of their pretty things – and move out to a cottage in the country and Mother begins writing most of the day and far into the night. And Father does not come back.
I can't think how this story could be told more poignantly than as it is, obliquely through the children's eyes. Peter and Roberta (Bobbie) and Phyllis are, of course, bright children, and good ones, well brought up and attentive and conscientious – but they are wrapped in the happy oblivion of what seems to have been an upper middle class upbringing, wanting for no essential and few non-essentials, a world in which it is utterly and in all other ways inconceivable that anyone could ever dream their father did anything wrong. As it happens, of course, they are correct, but even had their father been in truth Jack the Ripper they would have been difficult to convince. They are essentially self-involved, viewing the world only as it affects them; for Peter and Phyllis it is enough that their mother tells them their father is away on business and they mustn't worry. They are upset when she is upset, but otherwise they are content and involved in their own lives. Bobbie is more attentive, more outwardly focused, and seems to step away from her childhood with this book.
Mother is, in this story, utterly brilliant – and I don't think that's just because the point of view is thoroughly sympathetic. She does a tremendous job of protecting her children – whisking them away from their old environment before they can hear a whisper of what has really happened to their father.
And of course the children are brilliant too. Roberta especially is rather magnificent. I love the narrator's frank statement that she hopes the reader does not mind her paying particular attention to Bobbie, but she has become rather a favorite. And I also love the equally frank assessment of her tendency to a) interfere or b) help lame dogs over stiles or c) help others (depending on who you ask) – she can't help herself from making every effort to do something, and feels things very deeply, and this does not always make for easy relations with others.
The realism of E. Nesbit's writing is a bit dinged by the heroic role of the children during the summer of the story. Not to spoil things, but the events the three of them become involved in might, individually, be acceptable; all together it's a little bit ridiculous. But for the original target audience it would be so much fun. For me, a good bit older than the target? Also fun – and I admit to choking up at the climax. Oh, and Karen Savage, the narrator of the Librivox recording? Absolutely terrific.
I can't think how this story could be told more poignantly than as it is, obliquely through the children's eyes. Peter and Roberta (Bobbie) and Phyllis are, of course, bright children, and good ones, well brought up and attentive and conscientious – but they are wrapped in the happy oblivion of what seems to have been an upper middle class upbringing, wanting for no essential and few non-essentials, a world in which it is utterly and in all other ways inconceivable that anyone could ever dream their father did anything wrong. As it happens, of course, they are correct, but even had their father been in truth Jack the Ripper they would have been difficult to convince. They are essentially self-involved, viewing the world only as it affects them; for Peter and Phyllis it is enough that their mother tells them their father is away on business and they mustn't worry. They are upset when she is upset, but otherwise they are content and involved in their own lives. Bobbie is more attentive, more outwardly focused, and seems to step away from her childhood with this book.
Mother is, in this story, utterly brilliant – and I don't think that's just because the point of view is thoroughly sympathetic. She does a tremendous job of protecting her children – whisking them away from their old environment before they can hear a whisper of what has really happened to their father.
And of course the children are brilliant too. Roberta especially is rather magnificent. I love the narrator's frank statement that she hopes the reader does not mind her paying particular attention to Bobbie, but she has become rather a favorite. And I also love the equally frank assessment of her tendency to a) interfere or b) help lame dogs over stiles or c) help others (depending on who you ask) – she can't help herself from making every effort to do something, and feels things very deeply, and this does not always make for easy relations with others.
The realism of E. Nesbit's writing is a bit dinged by the heroic role of the children during the summer of the story. Not to spoil things, but the events the three of them become involved in might, individually, be acceptable; all together it's a little bit ridiculous. But for the original target audience it would be so much fun. For me, a good bit older than the target? Also fun – and I admit to choking up at the climax. Oh, and Karen Savage, the narrator of the Librivox recording? Absolutely terrific.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
A delightful book...
...except for the many occurrences when the children are overly trusting of strangers and allow strange adults to kiss them. It's really quite gross and disturbing at times.
...except for the many occurrences when the children are overly trusting of strangers and allow strange adults to kiss them. It's really quite gross and disturbing at times.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
"Don't you think it's rather nice to think that we're in a book that God's writing? If I were writing the book, I might make mistakes. But God knows how to make the story end just right - in the way that's best for us."
Awww this was delightful from beginning to end. This really is such a timeless classic that generations of people can read and enjoy. A perfect read aloud with your children! I loved this historical story of a close, loving family fighting to make the best of things in a difficult situation set in an idyllic English countryside & so many beautiful moments throughout especially the ending! I loved that the kids were so creative with their problem-solving and that their simple, innocent act of waving to the train every day ended up having such a big, positive impact on their lives. This book will have you laughing one moment & teary eyed the next & will leave you with a smile on your face.
This book tells the story of three children whose father is taken away by the police & forced into sudden poverty with their mother. The children thrive in their new environment next to a railway… they make friends everywhere they go & by a wonderful coincidence one of these friends turns out to be exactly the person who can help them. And the ending was precious, sweet & beautiful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historicals and just needs a pleasant read that will put a smile on your face & in your heart.
A Heartwarming Journey
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Railway Children is a captivating tale that beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder and resilience. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the lives of three siblings—Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis—who find themselves uprooted from their comfortable city life to a humble cottage near a railway line. As they adjust to their new surroundings, they embark on extraordinary adventures and form a heartfelt bond with the railway and its people.
The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of excitement, mystery, and heartfelt moments. The children's unwavering love for the railway and its passengers shines through as they engage in acts of kindness and discover the power of compassion. Their determination to uncover the truth about their father's mysterious absence showcases their strength and resilience, making them relatable and endearing characters.
E. Nesbit's writing style is timeless, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the countryside and effortlessly evoke a sense of nostalgia. The author beautifully captures the innocence and imagination of childhood, reminding us of the simple joys and enchantment that lie within everyday moments.
The Railway Children explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of hope. It portrays the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is both realistic and heartwarming.
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Railway Children is a captivating tale that beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder and resilience. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the lives of three siblings—Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis—who find themselves uprooted from their comfortable city life to a humble cottage near a railway line. As they adjust to their new surroundings, they embark on extraordinary adventures and form a heartfelt bond with the railway and its people.
The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of excitement, mystery, and heartfelt moments. The children's unwavering love for the railway and its passengers shines through as they engage in acts of kindness and discover the power of compassion. Their determination to uncover the truth about their father's mysterious absence showcases their strength and resilience, making them relatable and endearing characters.
E. Nesbit's writing style is timeless, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the countryside and effortlessly evoke a sense of nostalgia. The author beautifully captures the innocence and imagination of childhood, reminding us of the simple joys and enchantment that lie within everyday moments.
The Railway Children explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of hope. It portrays the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is both realistic and heartwarming.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you don’t sob violently at the ending then I don’t think you have a heart