Customer Reviews

Dobry (Puffin Newbery Library)

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This book for children is about a young boy living on a farm in Bulgaria in the 1920s or early 1930s. In a way it is a little unusual (at least it seemed that way to me) in that the first half of the book appeared to be written for 8 to 11 year-olds whereas the second half of the book, as the boy Dobry grows older and wishes to be a sculptor, seems to be written for an older child. But, the book won the 1935 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American children's literature, so I may be in the minority in my opinion.

I agree with R. D. Allison about the split-personality of the books. I think, though, that the author was trying to show how Dobry was growing up. In the beginning, he is satisfied with slow country life but gradually grows to realize his dream is to become an artist.

DOBRY is a good book for learning about the culture of Bulgarian peasants. It is rich in the folk stories--how God created man and Hadutzi-Dare saved the world--and everyday life of these people. Also, the author conveys the village's excitement when the massage bear (you'll learn what it is!) comes to herald the summer.

The language is beautiful and Dobry is an eternal optimist. The characters represent different facets of village life--for example, the rotund mayor explains government and Dobry's grandfather shows Bulgaria's heritage.

The book introduced me to a culture that thinks differently and lives differently yet dreams the same. It's a lesson for anyone.

Why is this book a forgotten Newbery? I had so much trouble finding a used or new copy that I ended up having to get a copy from my library.

Dobry is the story of a boy in Bulgaria who wants to become an artist during a time when most people are farmers. The story is full of details about Bulgarian life during the time, the arrival of storks, a massaging gypsy bear, diving through ice to locate a golden crucifix.

Why, then, is this book forgotten? The illustrations were initially not compelling, but I grew to appreciate them as the story progressed. There is mention in the book of both peasants and gypsies; could this be why the book is ignored?

I really enjoyed this book I liked the writing style.I also liked the story and how this boy breaks the mold of his village to become an artist. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fictions.