Complex
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This was a very interesting book. As I read it I felt like Toad was a `Prodigal Son', who came back only far enough to receive acceptance, then returned to his bad habits till he was in trouble again.
It reminded me much of myself, playing at being Christian before really giving Christ all areas of my life. Like Toad I would repent, but then not really change.
Rat was wise and resourceful, Mole was tender and caring and awe-full like a child yet also very wise. Badger is like a wise mature old mentor or guide, sent to give direction, and lead one to find one's own purpose in life.
Yet the mix of Animal and Human society just did not make sense to me. It felt like a badly planned Narnia novel. It did not explain how the animal and human worlds came to interact and share a language or culture.
But over all it was a fun read even if dry in some spots.
(First written as Journal Reading Notes in 1999.)
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Summer Wine #1
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As I have said before, and doubtless will again, the purpose of a story is to entertain. No more, no less. This is why fairy tales told at our Nana's knee, always sounded so magical, and why we childishly asked: "What happens next?"
Curiosity is the base instinct of all humans. Modern writers would do well to consider that premise.
"Wind in the Willows" is, for me at least, a masterclass in the art of storytelling. It seeks not to impress the reader with tortured literary pyrotechnics (as the great writers, and their critics, and those superior literary gatherings would have one believe is essential in marking us out from the common herd), but rather, through its simple prose (where language is all but invisible), transports us to the make-believe world of Mole and Ratty and Badger and Toad.
And what a world it is! Messing about in boats; river bank picnics; Toad of Toad Hall up to all kinds of mischief; fast cars and prison breaks (something Hollywood obviously copied); the wicked weasels; and kindly, wise old Badger helping to save the day.
Required fireside reading on a darkening winter's afternoon (tea and crumpets, optional)!
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A book for all
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A wonderfully written book that appeals to all ages and remains fresh after all these years. The story about the friendship between Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad meanders gently along with a magical feel, nice touches of humour throughout while subtly mentioning the effects wrought on the countryside by modern technology. This doesn't detract in any way however from the fun of the book and you'll come back to it again and again.
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It's for adults too!
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I don't see why children (or with respect to the previous reviewer, grandparents) should have all the fun "Wind in the Willows" is a great book for all of us. I had a chance to read a copy of this book when a child myself - but dismissed it as "too young" which is a pity, for it took a couple more decades for me to realise what I'd missed!
It's easy to see us human beings represented by the creatures, here, and just as we do, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Toad's obsession with status symbols (his car) and speed, is a great one - how many people do we know like that, among our circles?
It's also interesting to note that originally the book was written for children of approximately 8 - 10 years, many youngsters of that range nowadays couldn't cope with the vocabularly within!
Times have changed, but the message is still a good one - for all of us. Go on - see for yourself!
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Still One of the Best Children's Stories of all Time
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I purchased this story to read to my young grandson. The book brought back many wonderful memories of my childhood and the magical world the story gives to a young child hearing it for the first time.
Until I started to read to my grandson I had forgotten what a wonderful story it is, far surpassing most of the modern tales for children. It still feels as fresh as the day it was written and is not dated at all.
For some reason, I don't know why children seem to be able to relate to stories about animals rather than about human beings, this is reflected in the number of programmes on children's television about animals.
Whether it be paper back or hard back with illustrations get the children in your family a copy of Wind in the Willows, I guarantee they will love it. Kenneth Grahame's stories are still among the best around for young children.
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