A review by graypeape
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I read (or rather, reread after about 45 years) this for The 52 Book Club 2024's prompt #28, "a yellow spine". It does annoy me that the listing shows a different cover than my copy, but I promise mine has a yellow spine! I loved Pippi when I met her as a child, and I still love her. She's certainly not perfect; the only reason I took half a star off is because she can be rude and a bit thoughtless at times, though I don't think she means to be (this bothered me as a child too). I loved her oddness and her red hair, as I was also an odd little redhead, and I aspired to her confidence, bravery, and strength, both physical and mental. Pippi is unashamedly herself, and while this is not acceptable to some, she still manages to have friends who love and accept her as she is. She doesn't necessarily people very well, but she really does try, and I can relate to that. Thank you, Pippi, it was so lovely to visit you again!