Saturday

HEIDI

Spyri, J. (1880). Heidi. London, UK: Berryland Books Ltd.

Plot Synopsis
Heidi is the story of an orphan who is left in the care of her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps.  She lives with him for three years, brining joy to him and her best friend, the goat-herd, Peter. At the age of seven, she is brought to Frankfurt where she becomes the companion of a girl in a wheelchair. At this time, Heidi's health begins to fail, and she is terribly homesick. Her only diversion to her homesickness is the fact that she is lerning to read--- she sees the potential to read stories aloud to her loved ones in the Alps.

Review
Upon reading this story, it is immediately clear that it was written in a different time. The story opens the reader to another world, where the use of the English language was used very differently. The story is antiquated, and includes religious overtones and gender stereotyping, which would not bade well in today's society, however, it does offer the reader perspective into how our society has changed over the years.
I read this book as a child and I really enjoyed it. I really related to Heidi's spunk and her spirited personality. I must say that she lived up to my memories of her.  I would recommend this book to a   child, but would certainly suggest that he/she think about the differences of that culture and compare it with today's.

Age Range - 6-12

Rating


***

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