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anacappuzzo 's review for:
Heidi
by Johanna Spyri
I’m certain I would’ve appreciated Heidi’s light-hearted story even more if I knew of it back when I was a child. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get over the fact that Heidi is based on a true story and yet every character (other than Heidi and perhaps Alm-Uncle) is so one-dimensional and show little growth (especially Dete).
I also wasn’t fond of the religious aspect which became exponentially present. I understand that Spyri wrote this book in 1880 and religion did play a prominent role back then but it did feel heavy-handed. This is especially true when Heidi forced Peter to learn his ABCs through some nursery rhymes which sounded more like sermons rather than something educational.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy learning more about Heidi’s life. I just think that it could’ve used less descriptions of the beautiful scenery and more plot/character development. I think this story would’ve greatly benefited from more background on the character’s lives prior to Heidi’s arrival. I was eager to find out more about Dete, Clara, Alm-Uncle and Grandmother’s background but there weren’t many explanations offered.
Also, because Heidi seems to be a very Anne-of-Green-Gables type of character, I would rather revisit Anne’s story rather than Heidi’s as I feel that Anne’s is more complex and she isn’t portrayed as this perfect little girl that gets everything that she wants. Although Heidi didn’t have much, she was always spoiled (therefore she was often whiny and annoying lol). All in all I did have fun while reading this story, I just wish it was slightly tweaked.
I also wasn’t fond of the religious aspect which became exponentially present. I understand that Spyri wrote this book in 1880 and religion did play a prominent role back then but it did feel heavy-handed. This is especially true when Heidi forced Peter to learn his ABCs through some nursery rhymes which sounded more like sermons rather than something educational.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy learning more about Heidi’s life. I just think that it could’ve used less descriptions of the beautiful scenery and more plot/character development. I think this story would’ve greatly benefited from more background on the character’s lives prior to Heidi’s arrival. I was eager to find out more about Dete, Clara, Alm-Uncle and Grandmother’s background but there weren’t many explanations offered.
Also, because Heidi seems to be a very Anne-of-Green-Gables type of character, I would rather revisit Anne’s story rather than Heidi’s as I feel that Anne’s is more complex and she isn’t portrayed as this perfect little girl that gets everything that she wants. Although Heidi didn’t have much, she was always spoiled (therefore she was often whiny and annoying lol). All in all I did have fun while reading this story, I just wish it was slightly tweaked.