A review by author_d_r_oestreicher
Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge

4.0

While Dostoyevsky, Dickens, and Victor Hugo were exploring the depths of human despair, Mary Mapes Dodge was writing a charming travelogue about Holland (for children): Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates. While the race to win the Silver Skates takes the title position, the book is about much else. The protagonists are Hans and Gretel Brinker two exceeding good children in dire circumstances. Ten years ago, their father lost his strength and intellect. The poor family now cares for his unresponsive body. Call this Dickens-lite. The family bravely struggles but, in the end, everything turns out well (in this way it is similar to Great Expectations published a few years earlier).
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2021/08/hans-brinker-or-silver-skates-by-mary.html
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