Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Heidi


'From the old and pleasantly situated village of Mayenfeld, a footpath winds through green and shady meadows to the foot of the mountains, which on this side look down from their stern and lofty heights upon the valley below. The land grows gradually wilder as the path ascends, and the climber has not gone far before he begins to inhale the fragrance of the short grass and sturdy mountain-plants, for the way is steep and leads directly up to the summits above.'
The first paraghraph from Heidi by Johanna Spyri
My copy is a Rainbow Classics edition published in 1946 by The World Publishing Company

I had not read Heidi since I was young and don't honestly think that I had ever read the full book, just an abridged version. Heidi is a classic and should be on the shelve of any classic lover. I really enjoyed my re-visit to the Swiss Alps and romping with Heidi, Peter and the goats through the mountain meadows. I felt sad for the little girl who was taken away to the city and rejoiced for her when she was allowed to return to her mountain home.
A wonderful book!

4 Comments:

Blogger Laura said...

I have such a special memory of reading this book when I was about six...I read my mother's copy and in my mind's eye I can still see myself laying on my parents' bed all day reading it, unable to put it down.

My mother also had beautiful copies of HEIDI GROWS UP and HEIDI'S CHILDREN with great color illustrations. They were by Charles Tritten, Spyri's translator. I especially loved HEIDI'S CHILDREN.

My mom very nicely let me keep the set with me when I moved out! They have now been enjoyed by a third generation, my daughters.

Best wishes,
Laura

12:16 AM  
Blogger Mary said...

I really must read Heidi again. I loved it when I was a young girl. I agree it should be on the bookshelf of every classic lover.

Thanks for sharing. I've been reading some historical Christian fiction and loving it.

Blessings,
Mary

7:28 PM  
Blogger raidergirl3 said...

We discusssed this recently, and thought that as sad as it was for Heidi to leave the mountain, all the good that came out of the visit was so important: Heidi learned to read and then taught Peter, the bed for Grandma, Clara walking, a guardian for Heidi. It was good for so many people.

4:26 AM  
Blogger jenclair said...

Oh, I dearly loved Heidi! I've never read Heidi Grows Up or Heidi's Children...must look into those.

Paula, you won the copy of The Shape-Changer's Wife! Send me your snail mail address, and I'll get the book off to you on Monday. :)

4:34 PM  

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