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A review by mariahistryingtoread
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
3.0
I read Charlotte's Web for the first time when I was in the third grade. I distinctly remember it because like many burnt out gifted kids I read above my grade level so my teacher had to form a special group for me when it came to reading practice. The book she chose was - you guessed it - Charlotte's Web.
I've read it a few other times over the years, but the primary reason I have such a strong tie to the book is because of the movie. I was 9 when it came out and as such was at the perfect age for full throttle obsession like only a kid can manage.
It's more stiff than I remember. The way the characters who purportedly care about one another talk to each other is very stilted and almost professional. It may just be my anxiety about not demonstrably emotive tone talking, but it often felt like Charlotte was just on the edge of speaking sharply to Wilbur.
Fern's perceived maturity hinging on her getting a crush on a boy was disappointing. The girl is 8 years old and her mother was freaking out that she was coming up with stories about the barn animals. Part of the doctor she sees advice is that a boy will turn her head soon and everything will be okay. The idea being that she'll abandon her childish daydreams ie her passions for reality ie dating, marriage, kids etc soon enough. Why can't she have both? Being a vet and a serious relationship are not mutually exclusive.
I'm not shocked at the message nor am I actually all that upset because this was written in 1952. I'm simply pointing it out since this is the first time I've read it and been old enough to perceive it.
I have a lot of fondness for this story. There's still a lot of charm even if it's not the smash I once thought it was. The spirit of the tale is stronger than its execution. Even then it's not badly executed, merely a victim of time - as many classics are.
I think you're missing out if you don't read this at least once. That being said experiencing it is enough on its own, so the movie is a perfectly fine alternative if you don't think the boot itself is interesting enough.
I've read it a few other times over the years, but the primary reason I have such a strong tie to the book is because of the movie. I was 9 when it came out and as such was at the perfect age for full throttle obsession like only a kid can manage.
It's more stiff than I remember. The way the characters who purportedly care about one another talk to each other is very stilted and almost professional. It may just be my anxiety about not demonstrably emotive tone talking, but it often felt like Charlotte was just on the edge of speaking sharply to Wilbur.
Fern's perceived maturity hinging on her getting a crush on a boy was disappointing. The girl is 8 years old and her mother was freaking out that she was coming up with stories about the barn animals. Part of the doctor she sees advice is that a boy will turn her head soon and everything will be okay. The idea being that she'll abandon her childish daydreams ie her passions for reality ie dating, marriage, kids etc soon enough. Why can't she have both? Being a vet and a serious relationship are not mutually exclusive.
I'm not shocked at the message nor am I actually all that upset because this was written in 1952. I'm simply pointing it out since this is the first time I've read it and been old enough to perceive it.
I have a lot of fondness for this story. There's still a lot of charm even if it's not the smash I once thought it was. The spirit of the tale is stronger than its execution. Even then it's not badly executed, merely a victim of time - as many classics are.
I think you're missing out if you don't read this at least once. That being said experiencing it is enough on its own, so the movie is a perfectly fine alternative if you don't think the boot itself is interesting enough.