Although I read voraciously as a child I somehow never got to The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. It’s one of those books that I know about rather than I know because I have read it. It’s an omission that I cannot explain except that I wasn’t that keen on books where animals dressed and acted as humans. I was sent a copy, however, as part of my Advent Calendar in 2023 (here is what I thought at the time) and it has lingered on the to-be-read piles for a few years, possibly because the edition I was sent is a rather dull looking paperback by Penguin Classics which hasn’t excited me at all. This challenge is meant to deal with that sort of issue and I have now read this children’s classic.
This book was written at the beginning of the twentieth century and the class system of the animals and the level of technology that they have reflects that particular era – for example, a motor car is a new thing and the characters have housekeepers to clean for them. There are also only fleeting references to female characters. The animals live in a world that also contains humans but the author is not consistent about how the two worlds connect or even about what size the animals are in relation to the humans- they live in holes in the river bank but are able to drive human cars. This is a book for children so you have to suspend your disbelief and just go with the story.
When you do go with the story you find that this is a delightful little book which is part moral tale, part fairytale and part nature writing. We start with Mr Mole who makes a new friend in the Water Rat. They set up home together and have little adventures, many of which involve their boastful, impetuous friend Mr Toad. There is also wise old Mr Badger who provides help, when needed. The stories revolve around the riverbank and the scenery is described beautifully – the characters may venture into the human world but they love their homes. There are stories about the dangers of the wild wood, the loss of a small animal, the desire for home and the delights of companionship. There are also the stories of Mr Toad who gets himself into lots of scrapes because of his attitude but is still much loved and who comes to repentance at last.
This was a very quick read but I am glad that I have now read the book. I will pass this copy onto Oxfam for a new reader, perhaps a younger one, to enjoy.
Anne Is Reading 