Heidi, Johanna Spyri
First Published 1880
Most of us are no doubt familiar with at least some aspects of the plot of this iconic Children’s Classic. Heidi is the story of a young orphan girl who is brought to live with her reclusive grandfather on his farm high in the Swiss Alps. Here she sleeps on a bed of fresh hay, drinks fresh goat’s milk, tends the animals, wanders the mountainside with Peter the goat-herd, and relishes her natural surroundings. Heidi quickly bonds with her grandfather, and begins to break down the walls he has built up around his heart. Her optimism, curiosity, and warm nature bring joy to all those she comes into contact with, including Peter’s blind grandmother.
Yet, this idyllic childhood on the mountainside does not last, and Heidi is sent to Frankfurt to serve as a companion to a wealthy invalid girl named Clara, and to be educated alongside her in the schoolroom. However, Heidi does not understand city life nor what is expected of her in “polite society”. She misses her grandfather terribly, can’t comprehend why she can no longer see the stars or the mountaintops, worries about Peter’s grandmother, and is so homesick she cries herself to sleep. But the friendships and knowledge she gains in this unhappy period go on to enrich her and her grandfather’s lives once she is returned home again.
I was pleased to have this as my latest Classics Club spin pick. Although I never read the book as a child, I do have fond memories of watching the movie and miniseries versions. That said, there were still plenty of differences and surprises to discover in the text.
This is a very sweet story, but I never found it to be too cloying or saccharine. It was also much funnier in parts than I had expected; I especially loved the servants and all the chaos Heidi caused while staying in Frankfurt.
Heidi is an easy read and fairly fast-paced. There is no high-stakes drama, however the story progresses at a steady rate and is never dull. The writing is simple yet engaging, but it is definitely the characters and setting that shine here. The descriptions of the Swiss Alps are lovely. It’s a book that makes you want to climb a mountain, pick some wildflowers, and take in the fresh air. It will also make you want to consume all of the dairy products you can get your hands on.
More than a century after its publication, there is still much we can gain from Heidi. It’s message of the importance of family, nature, community, and living a simple life are just as relevant today. And we could all certainly use a dose of its optimism and cheer.
My reading experience was made even more enjoyable thanks to this gorgeous Puffin in Bloom edition. The cheerful cover, adorable endpapers, and sweet illustrations added to the story’s charm. Reading Heidi was a lovely way to spend a spring afternoon, and it left me in an even brighter mood.
I can’t help but wish I had read this charming classic as a child, but I’m very happy to be able to check it off my list now. It’s a heartwarming story and an enjoyable read at any age.
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I remember starting on this once but I believe I must have been distracted by other books before she went to Frankfurt because all I remember is the mountains. Perhaps I should finish it at some point…
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I think it’s definitely worth finishing at some point!
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I should reread this one at some point…
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I’m very happy to have finally read it!
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Haha – how true about the dairy products! I can still almost taste that roasted cheese! But what about the soft white rolls? I rarely see white rolls in a restaurant without wanting to steal a couple for the grandmother… 😉 So glad you enjoyed it – one that I remember very affectionately from my childhood.
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Yes! I did love how Heidi hoarded all of the rolls, although since I can’t eat gluten, I tried not to focus on the bread as much as the cheese haha! It was such a lovely read. I’m a little sad I missed out as a child, but I’m glad I’ve read it now.
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I read Heidi when I was a kid and I remember loving it, too. I didn’t read it to my children, maybe grandkids will want Grandma to read it to them. I read Kindred by Octavia Butler. I’d be honored if you take a peek at my review Kindred Review
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Heidi would be a perfect book to read aloud to your grandkids. I loved Kindred and will definitely check out your review.
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such a lovely cover! I remember watching the tv show! Really need to read this!
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The Puffin in Bloom editions are almost too pretty to read! Hope you’ll enjoy Heidi too
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Lovely review! I’ve never read this, if you can believe it.
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Thanks, Laila! It’s such a charming, light read
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I haven’t read it….yet. I am slowly, purposefully working my way, randomly, thru missed classics. Good review.
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I wish I had read it as a child, but better late than never! One of the reasons I love the Classics Club is it’s the perfect motivation to get to those classics we’ve previously missed out on. Hope you enjoy Heidi too when you do get to it!
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I want to climb a mountain and go out and pick wild flowers! I didn’t read this as a child either, but like you loved the t.v. series. I’m going straight out to buy it . . .
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Yay! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did
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Jessie, I am so pleased to hear you enjoyed this so much – it sounds delightful. I also have this on my Classic Club list and after reading this, I am looking forward to it even more! 🙂
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Thanks, Jessica! I hope you’ll enjoy Heidi just as much!
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Thank you 🙂
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Oh, this takes me back many years to a childhood read! I don’t remember it well, and yet every plot point you list sounds familiar, and it sounds like it would be an absolute delight on a reread. It’s always lovely to read children’s books that still hold up well as/for adults.
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So glad it brought back happy reading memories! Hope you’ll enjoy it just as much if you pick it up again!
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