I have read The Wind in the Willows multiple times with the first time being when I was in my early teens. It is one of my all time favourite books and one that has yet to get old.
I'll be honest and say that it is slow to get going at the start and the old fashioned English may put some people off who aren't used to reading at that level. However, that doesn't take away from the light hearted nature of the book that can relate to all ages from children all the way through to adulthood.
Each of the main characters are well thought through and developed with their own distinct character and moral sensibility. As such most people will find as they read the book that they relate to at least one of the characters and they'll know people who relate to the others. We have the mischievous Mr Toad who is impulsive and vain but good hearted when it comes down to it. At the other end of the spectrum we have Mr Badger, the plays the part of the solitary wise man. Mr Badger never tries to hide his disappointment in Mr Toad but retains his hope Mr Toad's good natured character will follow through in the end in which it does but how long that lasts is another question.
The fight scene at the end often reminds me of the adventures and comradery of The Three Musketeers and their battles against the antagonists often outnumbered and outgunned. This is a scene children will most enjoy whereas adults will likely be attracted to the complex and good natured relationships between the book's four main characters in the shape of Mr Toad, Mr Badger, Ratty and Mole.
In conclusion, this is a short and easy read for those who want to start reading good old fashioned English Literature. It is also a story that will resonate with all ages and one the whole family can enjoy and I thoroughly recommend it.
On a side note and for those who are interested, The Wind in the Willows is available for free as an ebook here for the Amazon Kindle. If you don't have a Kindle and want to read it for free on your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, read my blog on how you can download the free Kindle App.
I've always hated plugging stuff like that, it makes me sound like a cheap salesman but nevertheless, thanks for reading.
I'll be honest and say that it is slow to get going at the start and the old fashioned English may put some people off who aren't used to reading at that level. However, that doesn't take away from the light hearted nature of the book that can relate to all ages from children all the way through to adulthood.
Each of the main characters are well thought through and developed with their own distinct character and moral sensibility. As such most people will find as they read the book that they relate to at least one of the characters and they'll know people who relate to the others. We have the mischievous Mr Toad who is impulsive and vain but good hearted when it comes down to it. At the other end of the spectrum we have Mr Badger, the plays the part of the solitary wise man. Mr Badger never tries to hide his disappointment in Mr Toad but retains his hope Mr Toad's good natured character will follow through in the end in which it does but how long that lasts is another question.
The fight scene at the end often reminds me of the adventures and comradery of The Three Musketeers and their battles against the antagonists often outnumbered and outgunned. This is a scene children will most enjoy whereas adults will likely be attracted to the complex and good natured relationships between the book's four main characters in the shape of Mr Toad, Mr Badger, Ratty and Mole.
In conclusion, this is a short and easy read for those who want to start reading good old fashioned English Literature. It is also a story that will resonate with all ages and one the whole family can enjoy and I thoroughly recommend it.
On a side note and for those who are interested, The Wind in the Willows is available for free as an ebook here for the Amazon Kindle. If you don't have a Kindle and want to read it for free on your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, read my blog on how you can download the free Kindle App.
I've always hated plugging stuff like that, it makes me sound like a cheap salesman but nevertheless, thanks for reading.
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