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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost hated this book. The beginning was so slow and dull, and only the middle part where Toad goes to jail was interesting, though that petered out as well. I kept wanting to DNF, but I also kept thinking there had to be a reason it was a classic. Alas, that reason is still missing from me.
Some very sweet moments between our main characters, enjoying nature and just being in the world. I'm surprised Toad is such a popular character, as he's the only one I didn't care for, and it was largely his adventures highlighted. I love Mole and Badger, and Ratty is lovely. I like that Ratty is a poet and bothers himself with his friends' use of language.
I don’t remember if I read The Wind in the Willows as a child or merely saw the film versions, but reading it this time was like stepping back in time. Absolutely delightful!
I saw many reviews describing this as sth whimsical, and I totally agree!
I forgot which romance novel & character mentioned this, but that is exactly why I read this book. Took me almost a full month to finish. I wish I had the illustrated copy
This was a children's book, but it describes everything beautifully.
Especially the missing home part:
I forgot which romance novel & character mentioned this, but that is exactly why I read this book. Took me almost a full month to finish. I wish I had the illustrated copy
This was a children's book, but it describes everything beautifully.
Especially the missing home part:
... He stopped dead in his tracks, his nose searching hither and thither in its efforts to recapture the fine filament, the telegraphic current, that had so strongly moved him. A moment, and he had caught it again; and with it this time came recollection in fullest flood.
Home! That was what they meant, those caressing appeals, those soft touches wafted through the air, those invisible little hands pulling and tugging all one way!
This charming, rambling tale is ultimately about Mr. Toad's transformation from a selfish, arrogant creature into someone we would all like to have tea with. The downside? Toad is wildly entertaining, and the best thing by far about this book. To change him and make him more like the other animals (lame!) makes my soul die a little bit. I guess something must be done when you steal a car and crash it into the river...
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was my first time reading this classic, and I’m not sure what I was expecting but it was quite different! Both in good and bad ways. The prose/language can be quite lovely, especially in descriptions of rivers and woodlands and the little daily joys the animals of the story partake in. Most chapters can be read independently, as little vignettes, and were I to re-read this, that’s what I would do. For me, the books is at its best when the cottagecore vibes are high—when it’s just small moments of domesticity and friendship and languid days. I quite loved Mole and Rat and their friendship. The Christmas-esque chapter where they spend the night in Mole’s old home and the field mice come to sing at their door and then spend time with them was maybe my favourite. The book is at its worst when Toad is involved. As far as I’m concerned, a totally unlovable character. It’s also through his adventures that the human world is involved, and I didn’t care for that either. I’m here for the little animals wearing tweed and boating on the river and having lunch. The two supernatural-esque chapters really took me by surprise (the one with the Piper and the one with the Wayfarer).
A mixed bag, but super happy to have finally read it. And in love with some of it at least.
A mixed bag, but super happy to have finally read it. And in love with some of it at least.