Martin Rattler. A Boy's Adventures in the Forests of Brazil [Hardcover]

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Blackie & Son Ltd; Reprint edition (1946)
• ASIN: B000J1K34S
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars Another Rattling Good Story from Ballantyne, February 10, 2012

By 

Margaret Talbot (South Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Martin Rattler: A Boy's Adventures in the Forests of Brazil (Classic Reprint) (Paperback)

Like Ballantyne's other stories, this book is a great read for kids but enjoyable for adults too. It's very engaging, entertaining, and full of interesting facts but, even better, it weaves in opportunities to think about important questions. As the book was written long ago, there is much of historical interest at the same time as presenting timeless issues and experiences. Readers can quickly get used to the older form of language used by Ballantyne because it's not overly "flowery" and fulsome- as with many authors from his time. Young readers can increase their store of vocabulary and wisdom by looking at the world through his warm and kindly eyes. His characters have an air of reality and winsomeness that brings the reader into their lives, minds and hearts that is rare in such books. The characters are not the cardboard heroes and villains that one often finds in fiction, they grow and change during their adventures. Along with the adventure there is also a rich variety and diversity in the scope of his characters, plots, and backgrounds. Ballantyne's own travels and adventures were the sources of his writings so there's an authenticity giving them greater depth and detail.

As with most books from that time period, you come across situations that used to be taken for granted by many but are seen differently now. Some circumstances and dialogue are controversial or even smack of prejudice against particular groups. The few such problems in his books give opportunities for important discussions and reflection on past practices and attitudes. In "Martin Rattler" there is a moving description of the ill treatment of workers in a mine. Although the terms used to describe the victims includes language that we know to be racist, one of the main characters shows indignation at this mistreatment and the long-term effects are described. Ballantyne seems to show an unusual respect and sympathy for mankind in general. He knew what it was to suffer and to have to struggle against great odds. His books show that but they also show a terrific sense of humor and the ability to tell fine stories.