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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
hopeful
relaxing
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I never read this growing up so as an adult decided to give it a try. Overall, a mixed reaction. There's not a strong plot and the book meanders through short episodes in the lives of the main chatacters. As a result I rarely felt particularly interested or driven to read more. The one story arc that does exist concerns Toad, and this is where being too old could have lessened my enjoyment, but I often found myself hoping that Toad would fail in his endeavors and learn a lesson, rather than rooting for him as I think you are expected to.
Apart from the story, it's also interesting as a reflection of the time and place it was written. Despite being anthropomorphic animals, it gives a fascinating glimpse into the leisurely life of the idle upper classes in Edwardian England when days were dictated by taking strolls, boating about, and making sure you had a good luncheon.
Apart from the story, it's also interesting as a reflection of the time and place it was written. Despite being anthropomorphic animals, it gives a fascinating glimpse into the leisurely life of the idle upper classes in Edwardian England when days were dictated by taking strolls, boating about, and making sure you had a good luncheon.
slow-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read as a class teacher, ready to teach my class of 7-8 year olds. I think they are going to like it and I'm glad I can finally say I've read this classic. It did grip me in a way I didn't think it would. Couldn't put it down and read in a day. I just wanted to know what happened next! And just how they got out of the predicament they found themselves in!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
slow-paced
🎧 Audiobook🎧
I initially DNF’d this around the 63%. Although this was really beautifully written, with amazingly descriptive and poetic imagery, I really struggled to focus and stay present when reading/listening (even despite listening to a great narrator). After much thought, I then decided to pick it up again because I felt guilty as it was a Bookclub pick and so I then challenged myself to finish it.
There were some special and sweet moments in this book but sadly this was immensely overshadowed by moments of boredom and confusion for me. There were often times I was wondering wether I understood something correctly - which then led to others in the bookclub researching the background and origins of particular themes and folklore to to explain these questions. I did not expect this from a children’s book and in fact, this felt more like text adults or teens would heavily study in an English Language & Literature class. That’s fine if you’re in the mood for such a thing, but I guess I expected this to be more of an easy read when it certainly wasn’t.
Some of the characters were interestingly portrayed, Ratty being one of my favourite with his caring and supportive nature, and Mr Toad being one of my most hated (he REALLY reminded me of Trump lol, complete and utter mad narcissist). There was whimsy but overall there was a huge lack of flow to the story, making it very random at times and I also found the whole world/society with humans confusing so sadly I did not enjoy the book.
Another children's book I read as an adult. My friend gave it to me as a gift one year and I put it aside for several years before reading it. Then I wondered what had taken me so long. It was the kind of book that gave me a nice, cozy, happy feeling.