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A review by annyway47
The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
5.0
The first time I read this I was in middle school. Back then I read it quickly to be in time for the deadline and didn't think much of it - it seemed too straightforward to me.
Now, a decade later, I reread it and absolutely loved it.
Firstly, I am now a bigger lover of poetry and really appreciated both Longfellow's masterful verse and stylization, and Bunin's brilliant translation. I read the parallel text in this bilingual edition, so you could say I read it twice just now.
Secondly, I've acquired some cultural and historical context. For instance, I've just finished [b:Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West|76401|Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee An Indian History of the American West|Dee Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388209846l/76401._SY75_.jpg|1240262] which opened my heart and mind to the beauty of Native American myths. It really enhanced my reading experience and appreciation.
I'm glad Longfellow retold the collected legends in a way that drew the western reader in while preserving the myth's imaginative substance. I especially loved the one about Hiawatha & Mondamin.
Overall I think it's a brilliant piece of art, the subject matter is very interesting, but also I simply really cared for the characters.
P.S. Having said all that, the epilogue was disgusting. I guess without it Longfellow probably couldn't have published this work, or if he did, it wouldn't have become so popular. But still, ugh.
Now, a decade later, I reread it and absolutely loved it.
Firstly, I am now a bigger lover of poetry and really appreciated both Longfellow's masterful verse and stylization, and Bunin's brilliant translation. I read the parallel text in this bilingual edition, so you could say I read it twice just now.
Secondly, I've acquired some cultural and historical context. For instance, I've just finished [b:Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West|76401|Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee An Indian History of the American West|Dee Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388209846l/76401._SY75_.jpg|1240262] which opened my heart and mind to the beauty of Native American myths. It really enhanced my reading experience and appreciation.
I'm glad Longfellow retold the collected legends in a way that drew the western reader in while preserving the myth's imaginative substance. I especially loved the one about Hiawatha & Mondamin.
Overall I think it's a brilliant piece of art, the subject matter is very interesting, but also I simply really cared for the characters.
P.S. Having said all that, the epilogue was disgusting. I guess without it Longfellow probably couldn't have published this work, or if he did, it wouldn't have become so popular. But still, ugh.