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A review by battybookworm
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
So, I own a lovely copy of this book, and I'll probably continue to own it after this, though I cannot recommend it to anyone.
This book was slow and ridiculous in premise. It feels like something they hand you in a utopian society to convince you you're at peace or whatever. It's all very calming imagery and random statements on God. The men are all-wise and kindly while most of the women are either middle-aged and villainous or old and saintly. I'm not sure what Johanna Spyri was trying to get at, but it's weird how obviously done this dynamic was.
Also, Heidi, for her part is eternally happy and characterized by her innocence and goodness. She's meant to drive the story with her goodwill but she's an unrealistic child. I don't know if the author has ever met any children but all the 4 to 6 year olds I know are nothing like this.
This book was slow and ridiculous in premise. It feels like something they hand you in a utopian society to convince you you're at peace or whatever. It's all very calming imagery and random statements on God. The men are all-wise and kindly while most of the women are either middle-aged and villainous or old and saintly. I'm not sure what Johanna Spyri was trying to get at, but it's weird how obviously done this dynamic was.
Also, Heidi, for her part is eternally happy and characterized by her innocence and goodness. She's meant to drive the story with her goodwill but she's an unrealistic child. I don't know if the author has ever met any children but all the 4 to 6 year olds I know are nothing like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Racism and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent
I think this book is an incredibly offensive representation of a person with a disability. As well as people of color and women. There are two black characters, both are servants and caricatures.
Heidi is hired by a family to spend time with the daughter who is disabled. It is never directly described, but she is unable to move on her own and is tired often. This is then solved by her wheelchair being broken by a jealous child and then Heidi and the child help her to walk. It's seen as a miracle due to the power of God and goatmilk. The girl, right before this happens, realizes that she must be a burden and suddenly decides that she must change her life.