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The Fir Tree by Annukka, Sanna (2012) Hardcover
The tale is about a fir tree so anxious to grow up, so anxious for greater things, that he cannot appreciate living in the moment. The tale was first published 21 December 1844 with "The Snow Queen" in Copenhagen, Denmark by C.A. Reitzel. One scholar indicates that "The Fir-Tree" was the first of Andersen's fairy tales to express a deep pessimism.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1844
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About the author
Hans Christian Andersen
7,787 books3,546 followersHans Christian Andersen (often referred to in Scandinavia as H.C. Andersen) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories — called eventyr, or "fairy-tales" — express themes that transcend age and nationality.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
December 13, 2023
I think I am going to have to stop reading anything by Hans Christian Andersen, and go on to something more light-hearted and optimistic, such as Russian literature perhaps (insert icon for irony here). But here goes ...
The Fir Tree is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, published in 1844, at the same time as his other deeply pessimistic tale "The Snow Queen" link here for my review.
And now I find I can't bear to relive this story in much detail, in order to review it properly. But I'll attempt to give a summary here, and then comment.
The Fir Tree starts with a bubbly enthusisatic young pine tree, full of life and vigour, stretching his branches up to see the whole world. He wants to see everything, and just can't wait to grow bigger. Lots of other creatures and people come into the forest, and admire him, but still he looks forward to what will happen when he grows tall and strong. He excitedly chats to everybody in the forest about his future.
But what a story. The message is perfectly clear ... I just don't like it. This is my least favourite of all the many stories I know by Hans Christian Andersen. It is sometimes paired as a companion tale with "The Snowman", (link here for my review) a story which I find more successful. I am not suggesting sanitising fairy tales for children. There have probably been far too many hatchet jobs of that type already (if you will excuse the pun). However, some are weaker tales to start with. "The Snowman" has a similarly downbeat message, but is poignant rather than so unremittingly dour.
Yes, there is one positive message in The Fir Tree. It is to live in the moment and appreciate what you already have. But I would never read this story to children. It teaches them not be optimistic, not to ever look forward to anything. It teaches that the world is always cruel, that there is no point in trying to do anything or be anything. That ultimately there is no hope.
One critic has said, "a new note was struck with "The Fir-Tree"—a note of deeply ingrained pessimism, suggesting not only the mercilessness of fate but the pointlessness of life itself, that only the moment is worthwhile. For the first time in his fairy tales, Andersen expressed an existential doubt that his religious beliefs could not allay."
Hans Christian Andersen's biographer suggested that the fir tree, like his creator, is "a fantasist, vain, fearful, restless, afflicted with the trembling sensitivity of the neurotic, manically swinging from hope to misery."
Perhaps this story was written, then, as a catharsis; purely an expression of the author's thoughts. But we know that he promoted the tale by reading it aloud at social gatherings. And since Hans Christian Andersen was a well-known figure, telling stories to children and writing specifically for them, this one has to be seen in that light. So, shame on you Mr Andersen! Is this a story to present to impressionable young minds? You have successfully managed to make me empathise with the fir tree. I feel his pain and desolation completely. Well done for making me believe for a while that there is no joy in living. I would give you an extra star for your expertise at this - but you have made me feel too apathetic and despondent to care or bother.
For a far better feel-good fantasy tale with a traditional feel, about a fir tree, I would suggest "The Good Little Christmas Tree" by Ursula Moray Williams. Link here for my review.
As for The Fir Tree ... well unless very young children are made of sterner stuff than I am, I just wouldn't go there.
The Fir Tree is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, published in 1844, at the same time as his other deeply pessimistic tale "The Snow Queen" link here for my review.
And now I find I can't bear to relive this story in much detail, in order to review it properly. But I'll attempt to give a summary here, and then comment.
The Fir Tree starts with a bubbly enthusisatic young pine tree, full of life and vigour, stretching his branches up to see the whole world. He wants to see everything, and just can't wait to grow bigger. Lots of other creatures and people come into the forest, and admire him, but still he looks forward to what will happen when he grows tall and strong. He excitedly chats to everybody in the forest about his future.
But what a story. The message is perfectly clear ... I just don't like it. This is my least favourite of all the many stories I know by Hans Christian Andersen. It is sometimes paired as a companion tale with "The Snowman", (link here for my review) a story which I find more successful. I am not suggesting sanitising fairy tales for children. There have probably been far too many hatchet jobs of that type already (if you will excuse the pun). However, some are weaker tales to start with. "The Snowman" has a similarly downbeat message, but is poignant rather than so unremittingly dour.
Yes, there is one positive message in The Fir Tree. It is to live in the moment and appreciate what you already have. But I would never read this story to children. It teaches them not be optimistic, not to ever look forward to anything. It teaches that the world is always cruel, that there is no point in trying to do anything or be anything. That ultimately there is no hope.
One critic has said, "a new note was struck with "The Fir-Tree"—a note of deeply ingrained pessimism, suggesting not only the mercilessness of fate but the pointlessness of life itself, that only the moment is worthwhile. For the first time in his fairy tales, Andersen expressed an existential doubt that his religious beliefs could not allay."
Hans Christian Andersen's biographer suggested that the fir tree, like his creator, is "a fantasist, vain, fearful, restless, afflicted with the trembling sensitivity of the neurotic, manically swinging from hope to misery."
Perhaps this story was written, then, as a catharsis; purely an expression of the author's thoughts. But we know that he promoted the tale by reading it aloud at social gatherings. And since Hans Christian Andersen was a well-known figure, telling stories to children and writing specifically for them, this one has to be seen in that light. So, shame on you Mr Andersen! Is this a story to present to impressionable young minds? You have successfully managed to make me empathise with the fir tree. I feel his pain and desolation completely. Well done for making me believe for a while that there is no joy in living. I would give you an extra star for your expertise at this - but you have made me feel too apathetic and despondent to care or bother.
For a far better feel-good fantasy tale with a traditional feel, about a fir tree, I would suggest "The Good Little Christmas Tree" by Ursula Moray Williams. Link here for my review.
As for The Fir Tree ... well unless very young children are made of sterner stuff than I am, I just wouldn't go there.
December 23, 2020
I like to read lots of Christmas-y things during the Advent so I perused the internet to find „new“ things and discovered this special edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale.
The tale itself, which I had known already but still enjoyed greatly this time around, centers around the titular tree who is so anxious to grow up, so anxious for greater things (like ending up as the mast of a great ship), that he cannot appreciate living in the moment and when he finally is used for „something great“, it is short-lived (yes, the tale ends sadly).
What makes this edition so special are Sanna Annukka’s illustrations:
While the art style is very … modern … I found I enjoyed a fresh look and, strangely, it still fit nicely with the tale itself and invoked the right kind of atmosphere.
Apparently, the illustrator has worked on at least three classic Christmas-y fairy tales in this very unique style - you’ll see another one reviewed today, here in fact, and the third one that I know of I'll read next December. ;)
A sad but very important/poignant tale that deserved a make-over.
The tale itself, which I had known already but still enjoyed greatly this time around, centers around the titular tree who is so anxious to grow up, so anxious for greater things (like ending up as the mast of a great ship), that he cannot appreciate living in the moment and when he finally is used for „something great“, it is short-lived (yes, the tale ends sadly).
What makes this edition so special are Sanna Annukka’s illustrations:
While the art style is very … modern … I found I enjoyed a fresh look and, strangely, it still fit nicely with the tale itself and invoked the right kind of atmosphere.
Apparently, the illustrator has worked on at least three classic Christmas-y fairy tales in this very unique style - you’ll see another one reviewed today, here in fact, and the third one that I know of I'll read next December. ;)
A sad but very important/poignant tale that deserved a make-over.
December 18, 2019
Sorry, but this story is terrible😐, poor tree!
March 24, 2017
درخت کاج کوچولویی توی جنگلی بی نهایت زیبا زندگی می کرد، پرنده ها روش می نشستن، سنجاب ها روی شاخه هاش بازی می کردن، اما اون به هیچ کدوم از این ها توجه نداشت و می خواست فقط رشد کنه و بزرگ بشه، دائم نگران این بود که بزرگ بشه و مثل درخت های کاج بزرگی که قطع شون می کردن، قطع بشه و بره به جای جادویی و ناشناخته ای که اون ها می رن، و خوشبختی رو اونجا پیدا کنه.
تا این که یه روز چوب برها اومدن و قطعش کردن، اما چنان به درد و رنج افتاد که با خودش گفت: چقدر من خوشبخت بودم، چقدر روزگاری که با پرنده ها و سنجاب ها بودم خوش بود، کاش قدر همون روزگار رو می دونستم، اما دیگه هرگز بر نمی گرده.
چوب برها به عنوان درخت کاج کریسمس فروختنش. بچه ها تزیینش کردن و دورش رقصیدن و بازی کردن، اما درخت با خودش فکر می کرد: امشب که خوب نتونستم لذت ببرم، ولی فردا شب از این همه مراسم قشنگ لذت می برم. اما فرداشبی به کار نبود. درخت رو صبح روز بعد به انباری انداختن. درخت این قدر غصه خورد که با خودش گفت: چقدر همون شب من خوشبخت بودم، کاش قدر همون شب رو می دونستم، اما دیگه هرگز بر نمی گرده.
توی انبار موش ها دورش جمع شدن و اون برای موش ها قصه ش رو تعریف کرد. موش ها با شادی و هیجان به قصه ی زندگی ش گوش می دادن، اما درخت غصه می خورد. تا این که یه روز اومدن تکه تکه ش کردن تا هیزمش کنن. اون وقت فکر کرد: چقدر روزگاری که با موش ها بودم خوشبخت بودم، چقدر همه با علاقه بهم گوش می دادن، کاش قدر اون روز رو می دونستم، اما دیگه هرگز بر نمی گرده.
این بود ماجرای درخت کاجی که همیشه آرزوش زمان و مکانی دیگه بود، و از زمان و مکان خودش لذت نمی برد.
تا این که یه روز چوب برها اومدن و قطعش کردن، اما چنان به درد و رنج افتاد که با خودش گفت: چقدر من خوشبخت بودم، چقدر روزگاری که با پرنده ها و سنجاب ها بودم خوش بود، کاش قدر همون روزگار رو می دونستم، اما دیگه هرگز بر نمی گرده.
چوب برها به عنوان درخت کاج کریسمس فروختنش. بچه ها تزیینش کردن و دورش رقصیدن و بازی کردن، اما درخت با خودش فکر می کرد: امشب که خوب نتونستم لذت ببرم، ولی فردا شب از این همه مراسم قشنگ لذت می برم. اما فرداشبی به کار نبود. درخت رو صبح روز بعد به انباری انداختن. درخت این قدر غصه خورد که با خودش گفت: چقدر همون شب من خوشبخت بودم، کاش قدر همون شب رو می دونستم، اما دیگه هرگز بر نمی گرده.
توی انبار موش ها دورش جمع شدن و اون برای موش ها قصه ش رو تعریف کرد. موش ها با شادی و هیجان به قصه ی زندگی ش گوش می دادن، اما درخت غصه می خورد. تا این که یه روز اومدن تکه تکه ش کردن تا هیزمش کنن. اون وقت فکر کرد: چقدر روزگاری که با موش ها بودم خوشبخت بودم، چقدر همه با علاقه بهم گوش می دادن، کاش قدر اون روز رو می دونستم، اما دیگه هرگز بر نمی گرده.
این بود ماجرای درخت کاجی که همیشه آرزوش زمان و مکانی دیگه بود، و از زمان و مکان خودش لذت نمی برد.
December 19, 2011
What a great reminder to appreciate and enjoy each stage of life! This is a short story & a must read!
June 4, 2016
Lovely read about our need to be able to appreciate things as long as we have them. Also very, very sad. Plus, the cover for this edition is stunning!
December 6, 2021
This is the tale of a little fir tree that longed to grow and see the world and couldn’t appreciate the wind and the sun and the rain and snow in the forest, until one day near Christmas it was cut down and taken into town …
March 6, 2014
Out in the woods amongst his many large companions, a little fir tree is keen to grow up. Listen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/...
2* A Country Christmas
3* A Killer's Christmas in Wales
5* A Child's Christmas in Wales (re-visit for nth time)
3* The Fir Tree
January 7, 2019
"Out in the forest stood a pretty little fir tree."
This story is more disconcerting that cozy, so if you're looking for a sweet Christmas tale, then don't look to The Fire Tree. It was one of my favourite Christmas reads this holiday season, and one that I'd pick up again. I found this vintage 1970s Harper & Row edition at a local library and enjoyed the book design and illustrations, along with the story first published in the 1840s.
This story is more disconcerting that cozy, so if you're looking for a sweet Christmas tale, then don't look to The Fire Tree. It was one of my favourite Christmas reads this holiday season, and one that I'd pick up again. I found this vintage 1970s Harper & Row edition at a local library and enjoyed the book design and illustrations, along with the story first published in the 1840s.
December 7, 2018
Besides Wuthering Heights, this has to be the absolute most depressing book I've ever read. As soon as I realized where this story was going, my heart began to beat faster with dread and fear. Warning: it ends badly. I hope someone else can find some redemption in this pitiful tale. As for me and my house, we shall purge the book.
January 2, 2021
Sad but still a beautiful little tale fitting for the winter times.
The fir tree by Hans Christian Andersen get a 8/10 stars.
The fir tree by Hans Christian Andersen get a 8/10 stars.
December 6, 2021
This is the sort of story that while read often to children, I feel you get more out of as an adult. A little fir tree full of hope and optimism leaves its forest and becomes a Christmas tree- but what happens once Christmas is over? There are a number of messages in this; don’t take anything for granted, learn to appreciate each stage of life you are in and quite possibly don’t have a real tree for Christmas!
February 11, 2017
Original Review on: http://pastriesandnovelthoughts.weebl...
So, let's start with the outside of this book-it is stunning. The book itself, The Fir Tree, is a lesson on appreciation. Appreciation of what we have, who we are and the things we are surrounded with. It's a beautifully sad story but an important one. In this book we learn to enjoy life and the little things in it. You learn to understand that taking your days for granted can make life pass you by without you even noticing.
Even though the story is one that is sad, I think Sanna Annukka brought this book to life with her art. The colors in this book are vibrant, the pictures abstract and the overall feel Annukka gave this book was gorgeous. I think her illustrations are important to the novel because they help to form the words into something more than they are. The pictures help to show you the beautiful things that the Fir Tree was surrounded by but couldn't see because it was blind-blind to the fact it had an endless beauty surrounding it.
The Fir Tree teaches us that life shouldn't be spent being jealous of other people or completely oblivious to what we have and should be grateful for. It teaches us to enjoy life for what it is. This story is important because now in days people feel entitled to everything they want and never stop to think about how appreciative they should be for the people and things they already have.
This story has a great message that is still very relevant. Never having read a Hans Christian Andersen novel before, I am very happy for this to have been the first. I recommend people read this book so that they can reevaluate how they think and look at life and the things in it. My hats off to Sanna Annukka. You made this book all the more gorgeous.
P.s. this book would make a fantastic Christmas present haha.
I received a free copy of the novel from the publishing company, through bloggingforbooks.com, in exchange for a honest review.
So, let's start with the outside of this book-it is stunning. The book itself, The Fir Tree, is a lesson on appreciation. Appreciation of what we have, who we are and the things we are surrounded with. It's a beautifully sad story but an important one. In this book we learn to enjoy life and the little things in it. You learn to understand that taking your days for granted can make life pass you by without you even noticing.
Even though the story is one that is sad, I think Sanna Annukka brought this book to life with her art. The colors in this book are vibrant, the pictures abstract and the overall feel Annukka gave this book was gorgeous. I think her illustrations are important to the novel because they help to form the words into something more than they are. The pictures help to show you the beautiful things that the Fir Tree was surrounded by but couldn't see because it was blind-blind to the fact it had an endless beauty surrounding it.
The Fir Tree teaches us that life shouldn't be spent being jealous of other people or completely oblivious to what we have and should be grateful for. It teaches us to enjoy life for what it is. This story is important because now in days people feel entitled to everything they want and never stop to think about how appreciative they should be for the people and things they already have.
This story has a great message that is still very relevant. Never having read a Hans Christian Andersen novel before, I am very happy for this to have been the first. I recommend people read this book so that they can reevaluate how they think and look at life and the things in it. My hats off to Sanna Annukka. You made this book all the more gorgeous.
P.s. this book would make a fantastic Christmas present haha.
I received a free copy of the novel from the publishing company, through bloggingforbooks.com, in exchange for a honest review.
March 9, 2017
About: The Fir Tree is a fiction picture children’s book written by Hans Christian Andersen, translated by Tiina Nunnally, and illustrated by Sanna Annukka. This book is the First American Edition, published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House in 2004, hardcover, 42 pages. This title was originally published in 10/28/1970 titled Grantraeet.
Summary from the book: A little fir tree realizes too late that it did not appreciate the grand moments of life, such as being a Christmas tree, while they were happening.
My Experience: I started reading The Fir Tree for my 5-year-old son on 11/15/16 and finished it on 11/20/16. This book sends a good message to all readers that we should cherish and live each day as if it’s our last day on earth. What the little fir tree did in this book was only looking forward to what will happen next that he did not pay attention to what is currently happening. When he looks back, he realizes that life was actually great. Readers follow the point of view of the little fir tree, from beginning until the end of its life journey. This book is great for teens and adult readers because of the meaning on life. It’s not a positive read for kids because of it not loving itself for being small, of it being locked up in the attic in the dark with only mice as friends, of it being stepped on by kids, and of being burned alive.
“Take pleasure in us!” said the air and the sunlight. “Take pleasure in your fresh youth out in the open!” p.14
Pro: each day to live life to the fullest
Con: self-conscious, looking forward for something better, not accepting for what is in front, no family or friends
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: I received this book via BloggingforBooks.com and my opinions are honest. Many thanks to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
Summary from the book: A little fir tree realizes too late that it did not appreciate the grand moments of life, such as being a Christmas tree, while they were happening.
My Experience: I started reading The Fir Tree for my 5-year-old son on 11/15/16 and finished it on 11/20/16. This book sends a good message to all readers that we should cherish and live each day as if it’s our last day on earth. What the little fir tree did in this book was only looking forward to what will happen next that he did not pay attention to what is currently happening. When he looks back, he realizes that life was actually great. Readers follow the point of view of the little fir tree, from beginning until the end of its life journey. This book is great for teens and adult readers because of the meaning on life. It’s not a positive read for kids because of it not loving itself for being small, of it being locked up in the attic in the dark with only mice as friends, of it being stepped on by kids, and of being burned alive.
“Take pleasure in us!” said the air and the sunlight. “Take pleasure in your fresh youth out in the open!” p.14
Pro: each day to live life to the fullest
Con: self-conscious, looking forward for something better, not accepting for what is in front, no family or friends
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: I received this book via BloggingforBooks.com and my opinions are honest. Many thanks to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
December 7, 2019
A beautiful (a bit gloomy) story that gives a moral that we hear almost every day, but mostly don't give much thought to. Stop for a moment and enjoy the rustling sound of tree leaves or the sound of the rain, the sight of the plain blue sky or that of dark grey clouds above your head. Be grateful for what you have at this moment because you never know if the future will be better or worse. Having high expectations of what the future holds for you might only upset you eventually.
I need to start reading more of H.C. Andersen. Strangely, I sympathised with the trees to a high extent. I wish humans bought Christmas trees that could be planted again later; the end of the story literally broke my heart.
I need to start reading more of H.C. Andersen. Strangely, I sympathised with the trees to a high extent. I wish humans bought Christmas trees that could be planted again later; the end of the story literally broke my heart.
December 22, 2020
Meget fin, dog noget sørgelig historie. Men med en morale i top, som kun H.C Andersen kan bedst, hvor min datter og jeg efter endt læsning fik en god og lang snak om at man skal være glad for det man har, og være i tiden man er i. Og ikke mindst at jeg skal blive lidt bedre til, at være til stede - altså sådan generelt. Men hvem kan ikke blive bedre til det med al den teknologi og forstyrrelser, som vi er en del af i næsten alle døgnets 24 timer.
December 25, 2023
Very lovely message. Andersen was a man who really could add a lot of meaning and thoughts into very few pages while keeping the magic going.
Read: 25.12.2023
1st rating: 3.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Fairytale/christmas
Cover: 1 stars
Will I recommend: Yes
Read: 25.12.2023
1st rating: 3.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Fairytale/christmas
Cover: 1 stars
Will I recommend: Yes
December 24, 2012
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Out in the woods amongst his many large companions, a nice little fir tree is keen to grow up. Read by Paul Copley.
Out in the woods amongst his many large companions, a nice little fir tree is keen to grow up. Read by Paul Copley.
December 24, 2019
Åh, "Grantræet" er sådan en skøn historie med en melankolsk stemning, som underbygger den vigtige pointe. Helt klart en af mine yndlings historier af H. C. Andersen!
March 6, 2024
Beautiful… and sad. When we think we had time to enjoy life and we wait to discover that our time has come to an end.
July 18, 2024
Catching up on classics, and adding some children’s books as well. Plus, I’m a sucker for fairytales and Hans Christian Andersen.
I hadn’t heard of “The Fir Tree,” probably one of Andersen’s lesser known stories. It’s a lovely short tale with a mighty big message: appreciate what you have (not what you don’t).
LIVE IN THE PRESENT.
Most of us adults can use this advice.
Certainly a great message for our children.
I hadn’t heard of “The Fir Tree,” probably one of Andersen’s lesser known stories. It’s a lovely short tale with a mighty big message: appreciate what you have (not what you don’t).
LIVE IN THE PRESENT.
Most of us adults can use this advice.
Certainly a great message for our children.
December 18, 2023
I’m not crying about the life of a tree, you are crying! 🎄
Read
December 13, 2025dude who hurt this motherfucker lmao HANS CHILL
December 30, 2018
The Fir Tree is about a tree that starts out as a little sprout. All the action that takes place around him he thinks he wants to grow up and leave the forest like all the other trees.
When finally he is chosen and his limbs stay intact, he is so excited about being a loved and decorated tree with a gold gilded star made of paper is placed at the top.
The servants carry him up to the attic to be left, but in the end the Tree dries up, is sawed into pieces and is set on fire.
Sad little Fir Tree :(
When finally he is chosen and his limbs stay intact, he is so excited about being a loved and decorated tree with a gold gilded star made of paper is placed at the top.
The servants carry him up to the attic to be left, but in the end the Tree dries up, is sawed into pieces and is set on fire.
Sad little Fir Tree :(
August 7, 2016
Moving fable by Hans Christian Andersen which illustrates the old adage, "be careful what you wish for…" Reading it in the 21st century, it takes on ecological and environmental themes as well.
Thanks, NetGalley, for introducing me to Sanna Annukka's stunning artwork! This one will also make its way to both my personal and classroom libraries.
Thanks, NetGalley, for introducing me to Sanna Annukka's stunning artwork! This one will also make its way to both my personal and classroom libraries.
November 29, 2020
En fin men sorglig novell om en gran som låter livet passera utan att leva i stunden, utan alltid längta till det nästa.
December 5, 2020
1 adventsbok som blev läst idag. Fin och tänkvärd.
December 6, 2020
Första luckan av Novellix adventskalender! En fin berättelse med metaforer om livets alla ögonblick.
November 14, 2021
A master storyteller, yet I hadn’t remembered hearing this story before. Part of a collection of festive tales for a Nordic Noël, entitled “A Scandinavian Christmas”.
I am slowly working my way through these short stories and feeling that special glow usually only Sherry bestows.
It is good to feel the magic of this special season and build up for it with these type of stories. A real tonic to “bah humbug”*. ( * “Literary quote not a signature gin.”).
So I was delighted to read and become aquatinted with this gem, The Fir Tree. The author imagines the tree has a personality and can think and converse with all the woodland creatures.
It is a clever story, revealing the impatience of youth that distracts from the splendour of the forest environment.
I loved this glimpse into another country’s celebrations and the life lessons the Fir Tree experiences as you read along. Suitable for all ages. Indeed it was good to feel childlike again myself reading this traditional tale.
I trust many will find with me wisdom in these words and a new perspective of the joy living in a moment. It is easy to become cynical and hope you survive Christmas. By reflecting before the rush starts I guess these stories are an early gift to ourselves. The Fir Tree stands out as one I had never read but refreshed my spirit (that’s like a sprinkling of fairy dust for you kids at heart).
I am slowly working my way through these short stories and feeling that special glow usually only Sherry bestows.
It is good to feel the magic of this special season and build up for it with these type of stories. A real tonic to “bah humbug”*. ( * “Literary quote not a signature gin.”).
So I was delighted to read and become aquatinted with this gem, The Fir Tree. The author imagines the tree has a personality and can think and converse with all the woodland creatures.
It is a clever story, revealing the impatience of youth that distracts from the splendour of the forest environment.
I loved this glimpse into another country’s celebrations and the life lessons the Fir Tree experiences as you read along. Suitable for all ages. Indeed it was good to feel childlike again myself reading this traditional tale.
I trust many will find with me wisdom in these words and a new perspective of the joy living in a moment. It is easy to become cynical and hope you survive Christmas. By reflecting before the rush starts I guess these stories are an early gift to ourselves. The Fir Tree stands out as one I had never read but refreshed my spirit (that’s like a sprinkling of fairy dust for you kids at heart).
November 18, 2018
The Fir Tree, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert.
Originally published in 1844, as part of Hans Christian Andersen's New Fairy Tales, The Fir Tree - like The Little Mermaid and The Snow Queen - is one of the author's original creations. The story of a young tree who is unable to appreciate present blessings, because he is always looking forward to future glories, it displays that unmistakable melancholy found in so many of Andersen's creations, and concludes with the little fir's sad demise.
Nancy Ekholm Burkert's gorgeous full-color brush and ink paintings, and black and white drawings in pencil, add to the emotional weight of this retelling, emphasizing the beauty of the forest, the magic of Christmas night, and the loneliness of the tree's final days. Visually appealing, this is one I would recommend to all Hans Christian Andersen readers...
Originally published in 1844, as part of Hans Christian Andersen's New Fairy Tales, The Fir Tree - like The Little Mermaid and The Snow Queen - is one of the author's original creations. The story of a young tree who is unable to appreciate present blessings, because he is always looking forward to future glories, it displays that unmistakable melancholy found in so many of Andersen's creations, and concludes with the little fir's sad demise.
Nancy Ekholm Burkert's gorgeous full-color brush and ink paintings, and black and white drawings in pencil, add to the emotional weight of this retelling, emphasizing the beauty of the forest, the magic of Christmas night, and the loneliness of the tree's final days. Visually appealing, this is one I would recommend to all Hans Christian Andersen readers...
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