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books_and_cha 's review for:
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame
“Here today, up and off to somewhere else tomorrow! Travel, change, interest, excitement! The whole world before you, and a horizon that's always changing!”
I expected this book to be a children's collection of short stories, but it was so much more than that. Yes, children can read it, but it's one of those rare books suitable for all ages. Kenneth Grahame is a wonderful storyteller, with a narrative tone threatening to transport you to another world where animals talk and live among humans, and have all sorts of great adventures, big and small, with their friends by their side. It inspires wanderlust, and a thirst for adventure that is both familiar and nostalgic (who didn't want to go on an adventure as a child?). Following the Mole, Water Rat, Badger and Toad (good old Toad) through their little ups and downs by the river's side and in the woods creates a sense of wonder common in children, and in the adults that those spirited children become.
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2023 re-read (beware, spoilers ahead): This is still such a comforting read <3 I don't know why Toad's character was so popular, he's my least favorite. I thought the Mole was the most relatable (who doesn't choose adventures over spring cleaning?), and the Rat was a close second. I loved Badger, and how he basically adopted Mole #foundfamily for the win. Every chapter felt like a short story in itself. I liked Mole's homecoming the most, although the visit to Badger's house was a close second. The one about the Wild Wood felt like a little scary story sprinkled in, and I loved it.
I'd say the friendship between Mole and Rat was the highlight of this book.
I didn't care for Toad's adventures (and I remain skeptical as to him being reformed). As for him getting out of jail, I was mildly horrified at how everyone (our main cast especially) just assumed he didn't deserve jail time because they liked him (??) They just figured he'd be out with the help of lawyers and money (!!). (Excuse me, ma'am? Ma'am. We do not help escaped convicts who endangered lives simply because they are a part of The Crew.) Toad's escape fit the light tone of the narrative, and honestly, I might have been more on board if Toad was less annoying. To be fair, Toad's habit of shifting interests was, although it pains me to admit, relatable. Don't we all get excited when we find something new to occupy us?
I found I remembered the first half of this book, and had little to no recollection of the second half. Maybe because I liked the first half more? Either way, what remained true was that the story was an absolute charmer. It's perfect for holiday reading, with it's feel-good narrative about friendship, adventure, and ode to cozy times sitting by smiling fireplaces. A satisfying re-read.
I expected this book to be a children's collection of short stories, but it was so much more than that. Yes, children can read it, but it's one of those rare books suitable for all ages. Kenneth Grahame is a wonderful storyteller, with a narrative tone threatening to transport you to another world where animals talk and live among humans, and have all sorts of great adventures, big and small, with their friends by their side. It inspires wanderlust, and a thirst for adventure that is both familiar and nostalgic (who didn't want to go on an adventure as a child?). Following the Mole, Water Rat, Badger and Toad (good old Toad) through their little ups and downs by the river's side and in the woods creates a sense of wonder common in children, and in the adults that those spirited children become.
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2023 re-read (beware, spoilers ahead): This is still such a comforting read <3 I don't know why Toad's character was so popular, he's my least favorite. I thought the Mole was the most relatable (who doesn't choose adventures over spring cleaning?), and the Rat was a close second. I loved Badger, and how he basically adopted Mole #foundfamily for the win. Every chapter felt like a short story in itself. I liked Mole's homecoming the most, although the visit to Badger's house was a close second. The one about the Wild Wood felt like a little scary story sprinkled in, and I loved it.
I'd say the friendship between Mole and Rat was the highlight of this book.
I didn't care for Toad's adventures (and I remain skeptical as to him being reformed). As for him getting out of jail, I was mildly horrified at how everyone (our main cast especially) just assumed he didn't deserve jail time because they liked him (??) They just figured he'd be out with the help of lawyers and money (!!). (Excuse me, ma'am? Ma'am. We do not help escaped convicts who endangered lives simply because they are a part of The Crew.) Toad's escape fit the light tone of the narrative, and honestly, I might have been more on board if Toad was less annoying. To be fair, Toad's habit of shifting interests was, although it pains me to admit, relatable. Don't we all get excited when we find something new to occupy us?
I found I remembered the first half of this book, and had little to no recollection of the second half. Maybe because I liked the first half more? Either way, what remained true was that the story was an absolute charmer. It's perfect for holiday reading, with it's feel-good narrative about friendship, adventure, and ode to cozy times sitting by smiling fireplaces. A satisfying re-read.