A review by backpackingbookworm
The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted 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? No

4.5

I picked up The Railway Children as part of my reading challenge theme for August (classic children's book) and I'm so glad I did. I used to read this book over and over as a child but as an adult, it's a totally different experience. Many parts were familiar but others felt like I was reading for the first time. It's definitely a story that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

The pages are crammed with the children's exciting escapades and adventures as they explore the countryside surrounding their new home. I particularly appreciated the morals surrounding money, and that you don't need to be rich or have nice toys to have a happy and fulfilling childhood.

The characters were brilliantly developed and brought to life between the pages. It was a joy to reread and rediscover the children's adventures and definitely one I'll be picking up again later in life.

Rating breakdown

• Plot/narrative - 4.8
• Writing style/readability - 4.5
• Characters - 4.7
• Diverse themes - 4
• Ending - 4.6

Overall - 4.5