Customer Reviews

The Wind in the Willows (Puffin Classics)

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i collect different editions of this book, as out of all literature in the world, it is easily in my top echelon. widely regarded as a children's book, this is far more than can be classified in words (or one genre).

while the story is technically about creatures and "their" river, it is truly about so much more. the essence and magic of life is hidden in these pages. it is a treasure.

i only have one real issue with this edition, and that being that ernest h. shepard's dear illustrations are nowhere to be found. i certainly do not require illustrations for a meaningful read, however with such iconic images, it seems an unfortunate omission. it does contain illustrations by robin lawrie, which are quite nice, if sparsely included.

if you have never read this book or are looking for a solid edition, please look into the aladdin classics edition (also available here on amazon). it not only has the full text with illustrations, but the forward by susan cooper is one of the most intelligent and touching essays ever written on kenneth grahame (it makes me emotional just to think of it).

one specific caveat to this puffin classics edition is the inclusion at the end of the book of bonus information on the author, the characters, and so much more. what a wonderful addition to an already stellar novel!

i genuinely hope you read this book. there is something for everyone to find in these pages.

Jim Weiss is a great narrator and he does such a fabulous job with this timeless classic. I have listened to it with my 5 year old twice already and we both love it! I also appreciate that it is UNABRIDGED!

I'm ashamed to say that this book is one of the few great children's classics I have not had the pleasure of reading. In fact, what created in me the desire to read it was to complete some random list of must-read books.

So I picked up the book and I was immediately enchanted by Grahame's charming little world of talking animals who live in a society so much like our own. It is utterly familiar, yet mixed with the fancy of the animal woodlands.

The characters are delightful, funny, and full of personality. Truly, they are characters in every sense of the word.

As for the writing, Grahame is brilliant. He is descriptive and apt, knowing just the right words for the right things. It's a pleasure to read this book and get lost in the enchanting phrases.

Really, there is a reason this is a classic.

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.)