I read this book as part of a Hardbound set of 12 Classics that my mom picked up for me when I was in class V. I fell in love with this set as it was hardbound and every book was of a different colour. The Heidi was a vivid orange and I fell in love with the premise of a young girl living in Swiss Alps amidst all the nature and fresh air. I had just watched the movie The sound of music and the scenery seemed similar and equally enchanting.
Title: Heidi
Author: Johanna Spyri
Genre: Classic Literature
Publication: Harper Collins
Johanna Spyri was a Swiss writer and wrote children’s books. Heidi is one of her most acclaimed piece of works and it was originally written in German and later translated into English. This book was published in 1881 and was first published as a series of two books, later merged into one.
Synopsis:
When Heidi is orphaned, her maternal aunt tries to bring her up initially. As Heidi turns 5, she drops her off at her paternal grandfather’s house in the Swiss mountains. Her grandfather is an embittered old man who has lost all faith in god and doesn’t get along with his neighbours. At first he objects to her presence but soon her bubbly nature wins him over and he begins to teach her the ways of a mountain life.
Good natured Heidi finds a faithful friend in Peter- her neighbour and Bridget his mother. She also grows very fond of Peter’s blind grandmother. Heidi learns to take the goats for grazing and comes to love the fresh air of the mountains.
“I want to go about like the light-footed goats.”
― Johanna Spyri, Heidi
Soon her aunt returns to take 8-year-old Heidi to Frankfurt where she has been retained to be the companion for a 12-year-old German girl Clara who is an invalid. Clara falls in love with Heidi’s uninhibited ways, much to the chagrin of the strict housekeeper Fräulein Rottenmeier who keeps pulling her up. When its discovered that Heidi can’t read or write, Clara’s tutor is instructed to teach her too. Heidi begins to love the schoolwork though she longs for the mountains. Soon she becomes homesick.
“The poor child felt like a little bird that is placed in a glittering cage.”
― Johanna Spyri, Heidi
One night the Sessemann’s household is alarmed by the sightings of a ghost which becomes a daily thing. The kind doctor sets up watch one night and discovers that Heidi has taken to sleep walking due to her homesickness. He advice that she be returned to her home.
An overjoyed Heidi reunites with her grandfather and teaches him about God and prayers- something she learns about in Frankfurt. She manages to break through his resilience; so much so that he surprises the entire village by attending a sunday session in the church.
The doctor comes visiting to see how Heidi is doing and realises that the mountain air will do much good for Clara. Soon Clara comes to stay with Heidi and is fed a steady diet of goat’s milk and fresh cheese. Peter becomes jealous of her monopoly on Heidi’s time and in a fit of rage pushes her wheelchair down the mountain. He then repents and confesses.
Meanwhile Clara has no option but to learn to walk and soon becomes healthy and whole. The book ends with the Sessemann’s promising a permanent home for Heidi, should her grandfather be no longer be able to provide for her.
Lasting impression on me:
Where do I begin for this book made me want to visit Heidi and live in the mountains. The simple tale of a sweet-natured girl who has no guile in her and seems to find joy in the ordinary of things is very inspiring. She makes friends easily and is well liked wherever she goes.
The simplicity of pure living and a pure heart is at the core of this book and found much love from me. It remains to date one of the most favourite books that I have read and has a very special place on my bookshelf.
My rating:
This is again a 5***** rated book from my shelf and I can’t seem to get enough of it. I recommend this a must read for every child to know about the fearless ways of a child allowed to run free in nature.
P.S:
I am on a no-book-buying pact as I am pretty much broke; not to mention that I am running out of space as well!! But incase anyone wants to trade their books or send me gifts, please do check out my Wishlist on Amazon & Want to read on Goodreads.
For the uninitiated, AtoZ challenge is a blogging challenge wherein one has to write on every alphabet from A to Z and post on all days of April, except Sundays. Usually its better to devise a theme as it makes it easy to write the posts. Plus readers have a reason to stay hooked too.
The A to Z Challenge is created by Arlee Bird of Tossing it Out
and co-hosted by
Alex J. Cavanaugh of Alex J. Cavanaugh
Jeremy Hawkins of Hollywood Nuts
Heather M. Gardner of The Waiting is the Hardest Part
Zalka Csenge Virág of The Multicolored Diary
John Holton of The Sound of One Hand Typing
J Lenni Dorner of Blog of J. Lenni Dorner
Some of my previous posts you might be interested in catching up on
Hari OM
Oh yes, great pick for letter H! One of my own childhood favourites; has there been anyone who has read this and not wanted to go live that life?! YAM xx
I hear your Yamini- I wished and wished and wished that I could have a life like Heidi’s – it was so perfect with the mountians and the nature all around. If only wishes were horses…………………. 🙂
I remember this book very well. These are stories all kids should grow up reading. .. Broadens one’s mind to the world around us.
I know what you mean Doc – this remains to date my fav book for an all time read. 🙂
What a lovely write up for Heidi, which, by the way, was one of my favourite growing up books too. I read and re read it a hundred times. MY Heidi had curly hair though – a least on the cover of the book I treasured.
Hey yeah mine did too – I couldnt find my book, guess its at my parents place! I so want to re-read this one once again; perhaps time to dig it out of there!
Beautiful story spreading warmth. Me and A read this book as a part of his literature subject in primary 5.. The story will definitely take us along with it.
Oh that must have been such fun to read it with a child and see it from his/her eyes too! 🙂
🙂
Wow! This sounds like such a lovely read. I must check it out and probably pick it up for my classics reading challenge. Thanks for sharing yet another wonderful book, Shalini!! My TBR list is growing, thanks to you 🙂
Thats so good to hear; I think our reading sensibilities are similar which is why you are being so generous with your praise 😉 I do hope you read this one as it bewitched me much more than Little Women, Black Beauty and Alice in Wonderland for its a much simpler tale with loads of innocence.
This sound simply beautiful. I wonder if my granddaughter has read it.
A-Z of My Friend Rosey!
Then maybe its time to gift it to her and read along with her Keith 🙂
Didn’t knew of this book, but will definitely grab it soon and probably will even read it to my kiddo.
https://www.rohankachalia.com/2018/04/home-day-8-a-to-z-challenge/
That would be just amazing Rohan; do share your experience with me about it! 🙂
Ah! One of my favorite books from childhood. I love how you are covering them all, Shalini 🙂
Kohl Eyed Me
Something’s Cooking
Thanks so much Shalzzz – I am loving the muffy tales; just adorable!!! 🙂
I’ve read this book on and off during my childhood and my imagination ran wild. Later, I’ve watched versions of it picturized in movies on TV and it has always been enjoyable. After reading your post I am tempted to read the book again, Shalini!
Oh I have been mulling over reading it again; will have to hunt out my copy though! I havent seen any picturised versions of this yet- shall look into that too Vidya 🙂
I read this book long back and have even watched the film. Tempted to pick it up again. Its a lovely tale in every way.
I share your sentiments Ramya; must check out the movie as I havent donet that so far ! 🙂
I am not a book reader. Your series of post making me pick some books Shalini.
Oh I am so glad to hear that Shilpa 🙂
It’s been a while since I read this, thank you for bringing this up! Loved the story and there was a sweet film movie made of it around the 60’s if I remember correctly. Loved your summary and the quotes, spot on!
My blogs in the A to Z: Self discovery via travel and a separate Interactive story.
I am so glad you liked the review – its one of my warmest memories from my childhood days!
Although I certainly knew of this classic tale, I never read it. You have me longing for mountain air and goat cheese. 🙂
Oh yes thats the prime feeling I had when I read this book; I so wanted to escape to this world!
All I can think of when I see “Heidi” is the infamous “Heidi game”… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_Game
Ah I am not familiar with football and its variants at all John!! Interesting t read about it though!
I’ve never read this book before, but it definitely sounds like a good read.
Oh you must read it Raney especially with your child, it makes for a perfect read that ways 🙂
Well, I don’t have kids just yet. But I see no harm in reading this book before I do just to see what it’s like.
Oh this was a show on TV too right? I remember watching it endlessly, did not know it was a book. Another one added to my TBR now.
I am clueless about the TV how, seems I missed out on it. Will Netflix to see if it’s available. I loved the book and would recommend a read definitely Soumya
I have leaped and swirled with my dear Heidi and Peter and Grandmama and Grandpa and Clare. Oh what happiness the pages of this book have given me!
I can imagine you leaping Namratha 😉
This was one of my favourites, too – I kept all three books. But I reread Heidi a couple of years back, and didn’t enjoy it much. I think it has aged without going into the historical setting, for some reason. Maybe I’ll have to give it another ten years and try again.
Jemima, blogging from A to Z on my writing inspirations
I havent re-read it in a while so not sure if I would find its aged with time. I just remember the joy of reading it and discovering her world up in the hills where the goats skipped and she had fresh cheese to eat 🙂
I read this aloud to my oldest children years ago — it was such a inspirational story to me! Thanks for reminding me that I need to read it to my youngest now!
Oh thats wonderful to hear; I would love to be a little child and have someone read such stories to me too 🙂