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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Heidi
Spyri, Johanna
New York: Lancer Books, 1968
351 pages
Chapter book, few illustrations
Genres: Episodic drama, coming of age
The five-year-old orphan Heidi is sent to live with her hermit-like Grandfather in the Alps. The old man is at first resentful and distant, but Heidi wins him over with her obedience, kindness and curiosity. Heidi becomes best friends with a goat-herding boy named Peter.
Later, Heidi is sent to live as a companion with a wheelchair-bound girl named Klara. Heidi learns to read and write, but is increasingly homesick. When she returns to Grandfather, he is forced to meet her in the village, ending his isolation from his neighbors. Klara eventually comes to visit and Peter, in a fit of jealousy, pushes her wheelchair off the mountain (she’s not in it). At Heidi’s urging, Klara decides to try to walk, and is successful. Her family is overjoyed and offers to act as alternative guardians to Heidi, if ever needed.
Good for… the context of historical fiction (so much is odd, now); the descriptions are wonderful. Possibly talking about the art of translation? Life in the Alps; farm responsibilities, etc.
Spyri, Johanna
New York: Lancer Books, 1968
351 pages
Chapter book, few illustrations
Genres: Episodic drama, coming of age
The five-year-old orphan Heidi is sent to live with her hermit-like Grandfather in the Alps. The old man is at first resentful and distant, but Heidi wins him over with her obedience, kindness and curiosity. Heidi becomes best friends with a goat-herding boy named Peter.
Later, Heidi is sent to live as a companion with a wheelchair-bound girl named Klara. Heidi learns to read and write, but is increasingly homesick. When she returns to Grandfather, he is forced to meet her in the village, ending his isolation from his neighbors. Klara eventually comes to visit and Peter, in a fit of jealousy, pushes her wheelchair off the mountain (she’s not in it). At Heidi’s urging, Klara decides to try to walk, and is successful. Her family is overjoyed and offers to act as alternative guardians to Heidi, if ever needed.
Good for… the context of historical fiction (so much is odd, now); the descriptions are wonderful. Possibly talking about the art of translation? Life in the Alps; farm responsibilities, etc.
3.5 stars. It was a sweet story but not super compelling.
It's a sweet, inoffensive, heartwarming book. It's really hard to criticize it without coming off like a cynical jerk who doesn't like sunshine and happiness.
I'd really put this at 3.5 because honestly...nothing really happens after the first half (with one big exception), but it's filled with general warmth that it makes a great bedtime story. There really isn't much conflict: it's all about how a sweet, earnestly straightforward Swiss orphan brings out the best in everyone she meets. And it's also absolutely a tourist ad for the Alps with its long, detailed, glowing descriptions of the mountains. If you don't want to run away to the Swiss Alps and live with Grandfather, Grandmother, Peter, and Heidi, you are made of sterner stuff than me.
There are a few little points that give me a little pause. Religion does sneak in, but I think it's pretty appropriate and makes sense for Heidi's childlike faith. And whatever translation this Hallmark edition used feels very literal and has some really clunky sentences. And I'm not particularly wild about the old trope that what disabled people need to get better is just a can-do attitude and some good clean living. But whatever--it's a sweet story and captures pretty well the magic of being at home with friends and family.
Though one last thing -- Spyri totally dropped in a little naughty bit for us grownups. You cannot tell me otherwise that she didn't!
Mmmmhhhhmmmm.
I'd really put this at 3.5 because honestly...nothing really happens after the first half (with one big exception), but it's filled with general warmth that it makes a great bedtime story. There really isn't much conflict: it's all about how a sweet, earnestly straightforward Swiss orphan brings out the best in everyone she meets. And it's also absolutely a tourist ad for the Alps with its long, detailed, glowing descriptions of the mountains. If you don't want to run away to the Swiss Alps and live with Grandfather, Grandmother, Peter, and Heidi, you are made of sterner stuff than me.
There are a few little points that give me a little pause. Religion does sneak in, but I think it's pretty appropriate and makes sense for Heidi's childlike faith. And whatever translation this Hallmark edition used feels very literal and has some really clunky sentences. And I'm not particularly wild about the old trope that what disabled people need to get better is just a can-do attitude and some good clean living. But whatever--it's a sweet story and captures pretty well the magic of being at home with friends and family.
Though one last thing -- Spyri totally dropped in a little naughty bit for us grownups. You cannot tell me otherwise that she didn't!
Meanwhile, Brigitta stood gazing at the sausage with almost an expression of awe. She had hardly in her life seen such a monster sausage, much less owned one, and she could scarcely believe her eyes. She shook her head and said doubtfully, "I must ask Uncle what it is meant for."
But Heidi answered without hesitation, "It is meant for eating, not for anything else."
Mmmmhhhhmmmm.
Wish I could travel back to early 1900s Switzerland and sit amongst flowers while eating cheese. Sigh. I'm nostalgic for a place I can never see.
hopeful
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:
Yes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Classics + Children
Many years ago, I watched the anime TV show “Heidi” and enjoyed it. I had never read this classic before, so this is the first time I've read it. I have completely fallen in love with this charming book. The story follows Heidi, a five-year-old orphan girl who moves to the Swiss Alps to live with her grandfather after the death of her parents.
Despite being known as a rigid and isolated man, the grandfather starts loving Heidi, forming a beautiful bond. Due to her cheerful nature and innocence, Heidi becomes the friend of many characters, including Peter and his family, especially his grandmother.
One day, Heidi is taken to Frankfurt and becomes the companion of a disabled girl named Clara. Initially, the little girl struggles to live the lifestyle of this wealthy family, but soon, her presence there brings joy to those around her, especially Clara. I will not say more about what happens because you should explore it yourself.
The first thing you need to know is that this is a truly heartwarming story. So, if you own the book or decide to read it one day, save it for a time when you really feel down. I’m sure it will lift your spirits. The author has done a terrific job using her words and plots to tug at the strings of readers’ hearts. Another strength of this novel is the beautiful description of the Swiss Alps. The setting is stunning and vivid.
There is good character development as well. All the characters undergo changes, revealing multiple facets of their personalities, including Heidi's. The story addresses many significant themes, such as maintaining hope, the importance of staying connected to your roots, resilience, courage, and how nature can heal a person. The ending is beautiful, too, and I loved it.
Such a heartwarming comfort read. I found it a bit boring at times but only because I used to watch the cartoon in tv when I was little so I already knew the story.
I believe this is now in my top 10 list of favorite books of all time. I read this aloud to my girls but I think I enjoyed it even more than them. You feel like you are surrounded by beauty based on her descriptions of the scenery. The story itself is beautiful and moving. And the connection to the gospel and our Father throughout the story are so touching. I really LOVED this book and will be rereading it!
A childhood favorite. I must have read it 10 times, and then of course there was the Shirley Temple movie version.
3.5
It was a cute middle grade, but also got a bit preachy at times. And also a bit too happy with not much plot!
I liked it for the nostalgic feelings though, since I watched the anime and read the picture book as a child.
It was a cute middle grade, but also got a bit preachy at times. And also a bit too happy with not much plot!
I liked it for the nostalgic feelings though, since I watched the anime and read the picture book as a child.
I remembered SO LITTLE about this book, so it was delightful to read again. And whoa, I was so choked up in the last chapters. I have absolutely become my mother.