Customer Reviews

Heidi (Troll Illustrated Classics)

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

Heidi is about a young girl that has lived with her Aunt Dete all of her life. Her Aunt has had enough of her so she sends her up a mountain to her Grandfather. The People of the town are very surprised at what Heidi's Aunt is about to do. They try to warn her but she won't listen. When Heidi and her Aunt get up the Alm, they find that the "Alm Uncle" is not very happy with their arrival. The Aunt doesn't care, she tells the Grandfather that she has taken care of the child long enough. She leaves and never comes back. After years of staying with her Granfather, Heidi learns how to live freely and finds new friends in high places. She learns about the mountains and the cold winters up on the Alm. As Heidi gets older her Aunt Dete comes up again and tells the Grandfather that Heidi needs to go to school. The Grandfather refuses, but eventually gives in. Dete takes Heidi to the city where she finds a new friend, Clara. Clara has to sit in a wheel chair. If you want to know why, read the book! Heidi gets into all kinds of mischieve there, she misses the mountains and can't understand why there aren't any trees. Heidi gets so homesick they have to send her back to the Alm. Clara and the other residents promise to visit her sometime in the summer. The book ends up that Clara and her Grandmother go and visit Heidi and they have the most wonderful time that they never wanted to leave. As there stay at the Alm goes on, the mountain air and hearty food strengthen Clara to where she can walk. Clara and her Grandmother leave with the promise of coming back again.

I really liked this book. It was very real, in a sense that brought you into the actual story. When I read the book, I almost wished I was there in the book listening to their conversations, or eating at their little dinner table. Whenever the book got to eating the meals, it was so real that I got hungry! I would definitely recommend this book to any age group. The author really describes the scenery to where you can picture it in your mind. I loved the book, and I am going to read again.

This book is a true classic. It's easy and fun to read for children as well as for adults. The way Heidi finds her happiness is a lesson in faith and the power of prayer without being preachy in any way. Having the blues? Curl up on the couch with this book and you'll feel better soon. This one is way up there next to Harry Potter.

The original, unabridged version of Heidi transports you to the Swiss Alps and places you with people who are natural and unaffected. Even the wealthy city dwellers who "employ" Heidi have her best interests at heart. I especially enjoyed how Heidi discovers a personal relationship with God in the midst of her sadness; taught by a caring grandmother.

This is one story that everyone should read. Beautifully and sensitively told, it is the story of a young girl named Heidi who is taken away from her grandfather on the alm and sent to be a companion to a young invalid girl. It teaches lessons about faith and patience in a manner that many Christian writers should take note of. It is not just simply a children's book, it is a book for grown-ups as well. A delight to read.

I think Heidi is a great book to read. It's even easy for little kids like me. (By the way, I'm nine years old.) I especially liked the part when Heidi is out with Peter and the goats in the meadow. I'm going to dress like Heidi and use this for my book report.

Heidi is a story about a girl who goes to live with her grandfather. People said he was a very, very mean person. But Heidi and her grandfather grow to like eachother. One day her Aunt Didi came to take her without her grandfather knowing. My favorite part is when Heidi and her grandfather are reunited. Read to find out how Heidi gets back home.

This book is not the movie version of "Heidi" that many of us have seen. The narrative is lengthy and has vivid description. The content is much more than one girl encouraging another girl to learn to walk. Heidi draws on her strong faith to overcome many obstacles, including helping her Grandfather see God's hand in his life. There are many strong, positive character traits portrayed in this book, making it a good influence on our children. I recommend the audio version for good-listeners beginning at age 6. But it is a book the whole family can enjoy together.