Heidi [Anglais] [Relié]

Modern adaptations tend to reduce HEIDI to the distastefully saccharine--and as such do a tremendous disservice to Swiss author Johanna Spyri, whose original 1880 novel is a surprisingly sophisticated work founded on a solid plot line and including exceptionally well-rounded characters and memorably rendered descriptions of both the Alpine peasantry and the German aristocracy.

When hardnosed Aunt Dete has the opportunity to secure better employment, she wastes little time in unloading five year old and orphaned Heidi on the child's grandfather, a Swiss peasant whose personal tragedies have led him to a life of isolation in the Alps. Heidi quickly penetrates her grandfather's superficial gruffness; he quickly grows to love the child and she in turn becomes a local favorite. Several years later, however, Dete is motivated by guilt to have second thoughts about the child's welfare, and snatches Heidi from the Alps to become the companion of the wealthy but invalid child Klara, who resides in Frankfurt.

Transported to this alien city so abruptly, Heidi pines for both the Alps and her grandfather even as she comes to love Klara. She also upsets the rigidly ordered household, personified by housekeeper by the unpleasant but comical Miss Rottenmeier. When Klara's sensible grandmother suggests Heidi take her problems to God, the child does precisely that, and after several disappointments discovers that her situation is part of a larger plan that will lead to a greater happiness for all concerned.

HEIDI was written at a time when children were expected to be able to read far beyond the scope of that which we expect of modern children. As a result, it is a children's novel written that is indeed a novel in every sense of the word, including length. It is indeed "wholesome," but in the best sense of the word, and although it is not in the least preachy it works through its story to encourage honesty, intergity, kindness, and an uncomplicated religious faith.

Unfortunately, our own age leans toward such children's literature as the poorly written Goosebumps series and sets up "Bratz" doll imagery as appropriate role models. In light of such, it is a bit difficult to imagine children reading HEIDI by their own choice. Nonetheless, it remains a truly charming work--the sort of reading that parents should encourage but sadly seldom do.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

A while back when I was in my 30's (never mind how long ago that was!) I was sick with the flu, and I found a copy of HEIDI, so I crawled into a nice warm bed and re-read the book -- as an adult.

What insight into human nature! And as an adult I appreciated the dry, understated humor. I also appreciated the spiritual insights -- that God will give us what we desire, but sometims uses circumstances we don't like to teach us truths that we couldn't learn otherwise.

When I was a girl I was often turned off by what was called "good reading," but for some reason, I enjoyed Heidi and it never seemed sappy or corny.

Very much worth reading!

Heidi is a very good book about a girl who is being switched from
family to family because nobody really wants her but she teaches
a little girl how to walk instead of using a wheelchair and teaches a boy how to read when nobody else believes she can do it
but she does and everybody learns to believe you can do something
if you just put your mind to it.