A review by exactly_here
Ronja Räubertochter by Astrid Lindgren

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 
I read this book to my 8-year-old son for the second time and we both loved it a lot. We read the German translation. The setting is so inspiring – not only for children. Ronja is the daughter of the chief of a group of bandits who live in an old castle in the middle of the woods. When she gets to know the son of a rivaling group of bandits the story develops around their conflict and their growing friendship. 

What I love most about this book are the interesting relationships between the characters: 

Ronja and her mother Lovis who have a beautiful and strong bond full of trust and respect for each other. 

In contrast to this relationship Ronjas father Mattis is often barely in control of his feelings and always expresses himself in extreme ways – no matter if he feels joy, rage, grief or sorrow. Ronja loves him for it and seems to copy some of his traits but ultimately learns to find balance and also to act in a healthy way in relationships. 

Ronjas relationship to Birk develops in an enemy to best friends arc. What I really like about their story is that they have to go through several conflicts even after becoming friends. How they hurt each other, fight and mend their relationship and ask for forgiveness is beautiful to read. 

And apart from the relationships between Ronja and other characters I like the dynamic between Mattis and his oldest friend Peer the most. Maybe because of his age Peer is the most relaxed and humorous person ever and is in clear contrast to many of Mattis outbursts. 

I also enjoyed the setting with beautiful descriptions of the woods and seasons and how Ronja enjoys to be a part of nature on her adventures. Also, the book features a lot of mystical creatures who are the reason for several dangerous, dramatic and also beautiful episodes in the book. 

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