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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I have most certainly found a new comfort book!
The Wind in the Willows is such a gorgeously written book, first of all. It's clear how much of an appreciation Grahame has for nature and the English countryside, and he expresses it all so eloquently and atmospherically that it would have made the book a pleasure to read apart from everything else.
The characters are so so sweet and actually quite well fleshed-out! I love their relationships—they're called friends, and I believe they are, but it feels like more of a found family to me... (one of my favorite tropes!) Toad, to me, felt a little bit too two-dimensional, and his arc was very rushed, but I guess we needed someone to get into antics, and he was just the character. Besides, it's a children's book, so I suppose it's mostly general story first and character development second. Overall, I really loved all of the little animals by the river and enjoyed seeing them progress as characters.
The plot was extremely fun to read! It was never too heavy (not even when Toad got into jail—that might actually have been the most humorous part!—but it was very memorable and went at a very good pace; not too rushed and action-packed, as most novels are today, but also not too slow.
I was completely immersed in the world of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad the entire time, and I found myself wishing the book was longer when I reached the end, which hardly ever happens! I think that this is my new comfort book, not just in one genre but overall, and I know I will cherish my beautiful V&A special edition copy with all its annotations for a very long time to come! ♡♡♡
The Wind in the Willows is such a gorgeously written book, first of all. It's clear how much of an appreciation Grahame has for nature and the English countryside, and he expresses it all so eloquently and atmospherically that it would have made the book a pleasure to read apart from everything else.
The characters are so so sweet and actually quite well fleshed-out! I love their relationships—they're called friends, and I believe they are, but it feels like more of a found family to me... (one of my favorite tropes!) Toad, to me, felt a little bit too two-dimensional, and his arc was very rushed, but I guess we needed someone to get into antics, and he was just the character. Besides, it's a children's book, so I suppose it's mostly general story first and character development second. Overall, I really loved all of the little animals by the river and enjoyed seeing them progress as characters.
The plot was extremely fun to read! It was never too heavy (not even when Toad got into jail—that might actually have been the most humorous part!—but it was very memorable and went at a very good pace; not too rushed and action-packed, as most novels are today, but also not too slow.
I was completely immersed in the world of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad the entire time, and I found myself wishing the book was longer when I reached the end, which hardly ever happens! I think that this is my new comfort book, not just in one genre but overall, and I know I will cherish my beautiful V&A special edition copy with all its annotations for a very long time to come! ♡♡♡
It was nice reading this classic again, especially since I listened to the audiobook as a child.
Characters:
The main characters—Mole, Water Rat, Toad, and Mr. Badger—balanced each other well. Mole was curious, Rat dependable, Toad chaotic, and Badger the wise father figure. I liked their story, though Toad annoyed me, especially when he ignored his friends’ help and got himself imprisoned.
Setting:
Set in England, probably early 20th century, the story beautifully captures the changing seasons with vivid landscape descriptions. It felt immersive—I could see the river and forest clearly in my mind.
Structure:
Each chapter feels like its own short story, which is great for a children’s book. You can read a single chapter at bedtime without needing to follow the whole plot continuously.
Language:
Written in early 20th-century English, the language is advanced, especially with its detailed descriptions. I was surprised it's for children—it’s more complex than many romance novels I’ve read.
Story:
I enjoyed most chapters, especially the visit to Badger and Water Rat’s talk with the seasoned rat. The seasonal changes added depth. I didn’t like the motor-car parts—Toad’s behavior and the way his friends locked him up didn’t feel right. His change of heart came too late, and his misbehavior went on too long without consequences, which might send the wrong message to kids.
Characters:
The main characters—Mole, Water Rat, Toad, and Mr. Badger—balanced each other well. Mole was curious, Rat dependable, Toad chaotic, and Badger the wise father figure. I liked their story, though Toad annoyed me, especially when he ignored his friends’ help and got himself imprisoned.
Setting:
Set in England, probably early 20th century, the story beautifully captures the changing seasons with vivid landscape descriptions. It felt immersive—I could see the river and forest clearly in my mind.
Structure:
Each chapter feels like its own short story, which is great for a children’s book. You can read a single chapter at bedtime without needing to follow the whole plot continuously.
Language:
Written in early 20th-century English, the language is advanced, especially with its detailed descriptions. I was surprised it's for children—it’s more complex than many romance novels I’ve read.
Story:
I enjoyed most chapters, especially the visit to Badger and Water Rat’s talk with the seasoned rat. The seasonal changes added depth. I didn’t like the motor-car parts—Toad’s behavior and the way his friends locked him up didn’t feel right. His change of heart came too late, and his misbehavior went on too long without consequences, which might send the wrong message to kids.
adventurous
funny
relaxing
slow-paced
I remember reading this as a kid and finding it a bit ponderous, and now I know why. The language isn't entirely kid friendly, but as an adult I was entertained and amused by the characters and the subtle humor. The funny thing is that it must have made an impression because even years and years later I still remember it fondly, even though it was hard to get through at the time. So there is something to say about its staying power and the world it creates. Sort of crazy and magical and unique enough to become part of a collective consciousness. I wouldn't put it on my favorites list, but it was definitely something that draws you in and hangs out in your brain long afterwards. The language takes a back seat to the fact that it's a story worth experiencing.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Operates on a folkloric logic of inter-species coexistence that allows a toad to own real estate, drive a motorcar, and successfully impersonate an adult woman. But though Mr Toad rather hijacks the narrative (as he does automobiles) my heart remains back at the river bank with Ratty and Mole, and with the wise old Badger; the (purely homosocial) love between the four equalled by Grahame’s love for the ways of an England he saw fading away at the start of the twentieth century.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad and their seasonal adventures along the riverside. I first read this in high school, when I still found phantasmagorical fantasy very appealing. That glow has dimmed, but this book is still one of a handful of classics (those by Carroll, Tolkien, Adams, and maybe Milne being others) that appeal to both youth and adult. Its innocence might make it closest to Milne, although Grahame doesn’t shy from humanoid creations like motorcars, courts, jails, and battles with sidearms. (Thankfully, no animal gets shot.) Grahame perfectly captures that carefree, intoxicating pastoralism so unique to the English, and the “interlude” chapter “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” is both strange and psychedelic…literally, as it was chosen by leader Syd Barrett as the title of the very first Pink Floyd album.
My edition has illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard, which were approved by Grahame and are regarded as the best illustrations of almost a dozen book editions. His Mr. Toad renderings are hilarious. I tried getting my daughter to read this thing years ago, but unfortunately she was satiated with her multiple re-readings of “Harry Potter.” Fortunately, I now have a second chance with my three granddaughters. I’ll just change name and date of the Xmas note I wrote on the title page.
My edition has illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard, which were approved by Grahame and are regarded as the best illustrations of almost a dozen book editions. His Mr. Toad renderings are hilarious. I tried getting my daughter to read this thing years ago, but unfortunately she was satiated with her multiple re-readings of “Harry Potter.” Fortunately, I now have a second chance with my three granddaughters. I’ll just change name and date of the Xmas note I wrote on the title page.
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced