Heidi (Puffin Classics) by Johanna Spyri

by Johanna Spyri

Paperback Bunko

Published January 1, 1800

About the author

Johanna Spyri was a Swiss author of children's stories, best known for Heidi. Born Johanna Louise Heusser in the rural area of Hirzel, Switzerland, as a child she spent several summers in the area around Chur in Graubünden, the setting she later would use in her novels.

Reviews

[Emily C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my almost-6-year-old with an expectation that I'd have to censor some stuff out, as I do with most classics. (It's usually some racism or some weird old Puritan concept I don't want to explain.) But the story was refreshingly wholesome and she loved it so much it became a central part of our evenings until we finished.

I liked the qualities celebrated in Heidi and others and the balanced moral lessons. For example, Heidi learned through Grandfather's experience with the nasty gossip and through the experience learning to read despite Peter's assertions not to let what other people say or think of you to stop you. Grandfather was also not wrong about keeping Heidi from the bad influence of the town, but in the end, when he came down to the town, he still only stuck to his friends that had stayed true: the pastor and the doctor.

I also loved that the people on the mountain were very poor and or lived simply, and didn't dislike luxuries, but were not ruled by them. Grandfather scoffed at the idea of being paid to have Clara stay and Heidi was much more interested in playing with goats and sunshine then living in a fancy house with everything she could be given. And with everything she gained, she was considering how she could share her gifts with everyone she loved.

I also appreciated that Grandmamma was kind and encouraging and shared her faith with Heidi in a non-oppressive way. As a Muslim mom, it was refreshing because it didn't get into Christology and was pretty simple and loving, rather than weirder themes often seen attached to Christianity in classical Euro kids' lit.

The only two things I didn't like, and talked about with my daughter, was the aboutface the visitors made when Grandfather came to church. They didn't apologize or show remorse for how they treated him, and it wasn't really emphasized that they should have. I also always feel somewhat suspicious of the "country people good/ city people corrupted" theme, which I think this story carries a bit. It was nuanced enough that I was okay with it, but it was borderline.

Overall, I highly recommend this as a read-aloud because there are few good classical books out there.

I also suggest the 2016 version of the film for a follow-up movie night. It stayed true enough to the book, with some minor changes necessary for the conversion to cinema.

[Rupsa Pal Kundu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had gifted Heidi to my son a few days back and when I saw him reading and finally getting obsessed with this old classic,I knew that I need to give it another read. I remember reading it as a child and how my dreams and hopes shaped by the words.

This is a story of a small girl in the Alps, who doesn't seek attention, yet people get drawn to her, sensing something serene and whole.
There is nothing artificial in Heidi. She is like the land she loves—honest, wild, and shaped by grace and gratitude. Her unparalleled love for the human, mountain and even the animals and trees evokes something calm, quiet yet radiant inside the heart of the reader.

Despite the tone is set in somewhat Christian moral stories, still it has certain beauty which reflects a deeper peace, where goodness leaves its mark not just on the face, but on the heart.

We are in a very cruel world and at this time a kindness like that of Heidi,which is never showy, but steady, like a candle that never flickers can be an extremely positive books, especially for the younger minds.

Another reread and I am more sure of the goodness in this book.

[Sarah Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was mentioned in The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See so I wanted to understand the story and the impact it could have had. It was a beautiful book about health, healing and forgiveness and I’m glad I got to read it.

[Karla Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be a book we read in school. I love Heidi's heart for helping "the grandmother." I love her unselfish character. And the "grandmama's" advice always directs Heidi to seek the Lord for her comfort even when circumstances are difficult.

[Chloë · Rating 5 out of 5]

as always, a malta must reread

[Fatma Alfalasi · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love to get a book when i travel to remember my trips, i got this one in Austria i believe, and it’s a light hearted book and gets your mind off things

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Classic children’s book but not one that I can see reading to/with a young child. A lot to review and discuss.

I read an “original version” but not this one.

[Beth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my childhood favorites.