One of the Mid Sussex Reading Challenge themes is to read a children’s classic, and there are so many fabulous children’s books to choose from! Maggie from East Grinstead read Heidi by Johanna Spyri and rated it 5 out of 5. Published 140 years ago, it follows the story of a young girl living in the Swiss alps with her grandfather and has inspired numerous film and television adaptations.
For those who are too young or simply don’t know, Heidi is the story of a little orphan girl growing up in the Swiss Alps. It has been a children’s classic for as long as I can remember and I must have read it first over 50 years ago. It certainly bears another reading from an adult perspective.
Thinking it was an early 20th century book, I was surprised to find it was written in 1880. Johanna Spyri apparently wrote about 25 books but this is the only one that is well known; apparently the English translator of Heidi wrote Heidi’s Children and another sequel.
The Puffin Classic copy I used very helpfully lists all the characters at the back as well as some good ideas for children to think about or work on.
Having been orphaned, Heidi’s aunt cannot look after her as she has to work far away in Germany so reluctantly she farms Heidi out with her grandfather, Uncle Alp, a grumpy man who is estranged from his family and lives in a hut in the mountains. Not a promising start you might think, but not wanting to give too much away, his compassion comes to the fore given this responsibility; Heidi makes friends with Peter the goat-herd and his family. She thrives in the fresh air. Imagine The Sound of Music; the mountain scenery is similar.
Spyri combines beautiful description with fast-paced storytelling as we find out what happens to the little girl whose life from that point is not straightforward. Another surprise from my recent reading is the strong Christian theme that runs through the book though not obtrusively. An elderly neighbour who is blind finds her faith on rocky ground during a cruel Alpine winter; when hymns are read aloud like poems to her, she responds well. A sense of hope and resilience pervades the tale for this character as well as for Heidi and others. The book has plenty to say about poverty and wealth, selfishness and charity .
Maybe it is that traditional feel to the book that might make it seem less suitable for a secular readership in 2020. However, a child of say 9 to 13 who is an avid reader could handle it for the language is not as old-fashioned as the story suggests. Certainly an adult reader who enjoyed Goodnight Mr Tom or The Secret Garden would love it too.
Have you read a book recently that you’d love to share with other Mid Sussex readers? Send in your own book review, or get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #MidSussexReadingChallenge.
Check out our Current Offer page to find out how West Sussex Libraries can support you at home and to access thousands of free eBooks and eAudiobooks through the West Sussex eLibrary.
The views expressed in this review are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of West Sussex Libraries.
Mid Sussex Reading Challenge 2020 