The Wind in the Willows (Signet Classics) by Kenneth Grahame
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Book Reviews of The Wind in the Willows (Signet Classics)
Book Review: A Timeless Classis
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a marvelous read. I recently read this out loud to my twelve year old sister; there are twelve years between us, so I had both an adult and child's perspective of the book. It is a wonderful story featuring anthropomorphic characters and their many adventures. The book deals with many themes and life lessons, including: ideas of maturation, the grass is always greener proverb, friendship and loyalty, and the conflict of nature versus nurture.
The Mole and the Toad both experience coming of age stories throughout the novel. In the beginning, the Mole leaves his oppressive earthen burrow--which represents his childhood home--and has moved out into big world, with all of life's new experiences. He learns that though he misses his childhood home, he does not want to remain there. However, he knows whenever he feels lonely he can return and derive comfort and safety from his old dwelling. This shows that though childhood may be comforting, one would rather experience some hardship and insecurity that comes with adulthood. Mr. Toad--an impulsive, high-spirited, conceited, rich, trickster--takes a much longer time to reach maturation, if he ever does . . . He gives the book life and is the most likable character, despite or because of his flaws. Throughout the book, Toad thinks only of himself and neglects and abuses his friends--Badger, Rat, and Mole--who try and reform him. He constantly breaks the law, steals, puts his and other people's lives in danger, and brags constantly. Though at the end of the book he changes his ways and becomes a respectable, humble, and thoroughly ordinary toad.
Kenneth Grahame constantly references classical texts, including Homer's the Odyssey. In the chapter The Return of Ulysses, Mr. Toad, Rat, Mole, and Badger go and avenge Mr. Toad's house against the evil usurping weasels and stoats--referencing Ulysses return home and battle and revenge on the supplanting suitors. I like how Grahame chooses for the toad to be the mischievous, impetuous character. This references both medieval literature and Shakespeare, both of which write of toads being evil, cunning, and associated with trickery.
I think this book offers much for both children and adults alike, provides interesting insights about life and maturation, as well as being a highly entertaining and humorous book. I will keep this in my home collection and read it to my children. It remains a timeless classic and must read.
Book Review: The Riverbank Cure
Summary: 5 Stars
This childhood favorite is as fresh and charming as when it was first published. Yes, I admit I may be somewhat nostalgic, for I remember my grandparents reading me a picture book version of some of the stories when I was a little girl. But I have reread the book over the years and even enjoyed the play, TOAD OF TOAD HALL. As an adult I still delight in the antics of our animal friends as they face the joys and challenges of riverbank life.
The four protagonists remind us of folks we know, which endears them to us with their all-too-human dreams and foibles. Ratty, the water rat, is the sensible Brains of the outfit; Mole with his dreams of exploration aboveground is the Heart; gruff and tough Badger, who hates being disturbed during hibernation, is the Muscle of the group. Then comes The Toad who provides comic relief in the form of his vanity, childishness and his utter disregard for property, the law, and the feelings of others. Both people and animals must adapt to survive in the forest and streams of life--learning to rely on and value true Friendship.
Exhausted from spring cleaning Mole sets out to discover the world Aboveground, where he find the joys of riverbank Life--after almost drowning--with his new friend, host and mentor, Ratty. But beware the deadly perils lurking in the adjacent Wild Wood, whose denizens chivvy and harass the river bankers! Kenneth Graham weaves a delightful tale with willow strands of comraderie, dedication to ideals and self sacrifice. Come ride the roads with Toady in his stolen motor car, and scull down the river with Ratty. Savor the sentimental whisperings of Home with kindly Mole; join the search for lost Porky. Finally: cheer the ranks of Badger's Avengers! But will any Intervention succeed in reforming the irrepressible Toad?
This beloved children's classic combines humor and pathos with lively adventure in an animal realm which parallels human endeavor. This book is a true gem, to be rediscovered by successive generations and eagerly read by children of all ages!
Book Review: joyful
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Wind in the Willows" reminds me a lot of the television series "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood." I make this connection because in the face of a great deal of children's entertainment that is fast-paced, zany, and explosive, it is gentle and slow, and speaks honestly to children without diluting its messages any. In many of these reviews, readers have expressed their affection for loyal mole, brave rat, etc. I agree, but to me the really cool thing is how all of these characters are actually very complex and very real, yet loveable all the same. Loyal old mole is also rather pompous and unheeding. Courageous rat is often brusque and self-centered. Brave Badger is sometimes unkind, and by the same token vain, petty, wasteful Toad is also loyal to his friends and generous- to a fault- with his things. All the characters have unexpressed longings- Rat, great lover of the river-bank, fights a conflicting desire to travel and see more things. Mole, wholeheartedly embracing his new life, also secretly longs for his old one. Badger secretly loves company. What makes the characters so compelling is how fundamentally decent, loyal, and kind they are to each other, and that's the best lesson any child can get out of this fine story. As a teacher I see the results of kids who haven't learned this lesson in my classroom day after day. I had this book read to me as a child and loved it and it has an honored place on my shelf now, where I reread it at least once every two or three years, when the modern world gets to be too much for me!Book Review: Childhood revisited
Summary: 5 Stars
I never read this book as a child, but for some reason picked it up recently and loved it. The characters are animals with human ways, but not cute or trivialized like so many children's books. They behave according to their natures and yet manage to be interesting as thinking beings.
The author knows a lot about the environment he's writing about and describes it thoroughly and naturally - the setting is as much a character as the animals.
The book is gentle, and the animals treat each other well and care about each other, even those who display character flaws and make mistakes.
The book is written as a series of connected episodes, so it's a good choice for reading to kids.
I enjoyed stepping into this world.
Book Review: Great for kids and adults!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book and The Hobbit are the only books I know of that you can buy for your child and enjoy them as much if not more than them. It's a pure delight and will make you laugh and feel like a kid again. It's one of my all time favorite books and Teddy Roosevelt's as well. A true classic for young and old alike.