1.62k reviews for:

Heidi

Johanna Spyri

3.87 AVERAGE


This was a freebie on Audible, and I listened for maybe 20 minutes. The whole thing felt like a rehash of The Secret Garden in that length of time though: undaunted little girl meets crotchety old man and wins him over with her spirit and charm. Not that that was the primary plot of The Secret Garden, but it felt similar enough that I wasn't too interested in continuing.

A girl, a grandfather, a mountain- what more could you want. Oh, and the name says it all! I have about 10,000 copies of this- it seems to be a popular gift to give someone named Heidi.

1.5 stars, rounded up for the cover.

Exquisite cover; aggressively average story. Dull: I skimmed the last 50 pages or so.

Oh, how we loved this book! Beautiful language, the scenery on the mountain, wishing for golden, fire-toasted cheese. Learning with Heidi and Peter, seeing Clara gain confidence, and witnessing Grandfather’s transformation.

At times we only read a page or two, at others we were able to read an entire chapter in one sitting. Well worth the time spent. ❤️

 Read Harder 2024: A book in translation from a country you've never visited
adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was such a light and feel good read, I was really surprised.
In comparison to the movie, the book had a more uplifting and moral experience for me.
The writing was dense, every little thing was explained but it made sense as the overall motive of the book was gratitude in which, such heavy description aided the message. I really enjoyed the moral flow as well, whilst mostly coming from a Christian perspective in the story, could be taken as simply some good advice to live well.
Have patience for the things you want in life, it can't all happen at once. Be truthful, it hurts less. Have gratitude, life looks the better for it. And so many others.
I genuinely smiled the entire time I read Heidi.
Fantastic.

This book was such a joy to read, I loved everything about it. Heidi has such a presence in the novel that she practically leaps off the page as her delightful air not only affects those around her, but also the reader. You will find yourself with a smile upon your face throughout most of the novel and may even indulge yourself in a chuckle or two at the loveable but questionable Peter and his antics . Although I cherished every character in the book I do have to say that Peter was my favourite by far as he was endlessly entertaining. Heidi herself was a delight and reading of how she had such great influence on those around her was charming beyond measure. I'm sure that this story will remain close to my heart for many years to come and urge everyone to read it, especially fans of A Little Princess.

I think if I had read this book when I got it in 2017, I would've loved it

That being said, I didn't really like how so many people expected Heidi to be lady like or have table manners and then not tell her what was expected of her. I also am not as big of a fan of all the god talk, but I like how the villagers treated Uncle when he returned to live in the village.

I also heard that this books is ableist, but I don't think I agree. It's not the best when dealing with disability, but I think it handed it pretty well for it's time.

This was a book club pick and not a choice I would have made. It's a book of religious brainwashing shamelessly disguised as a children's book; Oh and Peter is a jealous little psychopath.