Indian Readers discussion

Austin and Tazmeen, I have started this Wind in the Willows thread . Please do join in at your earliest possible convenience. Looking forward to this read .

Thank you, Savita. when are you starting?

Savita wrote: "Austin and Tazmeen, I have started this Wind in the Willows thread . Please do join in at your earliest possible convenience. Looking forward to this read ."

Have you started reading? Are we just going to read it sporadically and discuss whenever.

@ Austin and Tazmeen : It's 12.30 am here . I had very much intended to start tonight , but luck is not with me 😒 . Definitely going to give it priority tomorrow.
Tazmeen , we'll start reading it , and will comment at appropriate points in the story as we go along . As our speeds are bound to be different , we could , in spoiler comments , mention the chapter being commented on , then before the comment put the following marker: ☆☆Beware Spoilers: After the spoiler comment we could put ☆☆ to indicate that the spoiler comment has ended . Any other suggestions are welcome .

@savita, oh that makes sense...


I'm so sorry, I couldn't begin the book; I had a huge assignment due today, so, had to concentrate on that. I guess I could start today.

Take your time , Tazmeen . Reading should be for pleasure, and should not become a chore . Anyway , I am such a slow reader , you will , most likely , out pace me . 🌝
I have reached halfway of chapter 1 . Loving the relaxed, sweet ambience! Don't know which way the story will progress, but it's such a famous book , so expecting the progress to be good . It was my sister's 10th standard ( ICSE ) English text . I have never read this book before myself .

Sara , from another group , told me that if we go via the Goodreads web link route ( not the app route ) > sign in using email and Goodreads password > the page that opens has self book update on the left , and book updates by Goodreads friends on the right . There is a self photo icon on top right corner.. click > a drop down menu appears ... select " discussions > select your group preference and click ... then all your receent comments in that group will appear ... choose the desired comment.. eg The Wind in the Willows ... the entire thread will appear along with the comment box , which has the option for using html also ! So you can hide spoiler comments the usual way . That's neat ! Back to the good old days !! 🤗

Hello
I will be joining you guys for this.
I plan to start the book by Friday.

Welcome , Anulekha ! The more , the merrier ! 😊

I am reading chapter 4 . Rat and Mole are nice , simple folks with homely ideas and pleasures . About Toad ... well he's got rather lofty ideas , some of them quite dangerous . 🤔 . Well , I prefer sensible , down to earth Ratty . Badger has just been introduced . Wonder how he'll turn out to be ?
Tazmeen , have you been able to start this book ? Austin , any comments ?

Sorry about that, I completely forgot to check on GR. And due to the new notification policy. I didn't get an email.
I did begin, and finished around half of the first chapter, here are my thoughts:

(view spoiler)[ "After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working." HOW IS THIS SO TRUE?

The mole seems to basically sum up all the working people, working day and night, doing things they don't want to.

(hide spoiler)]

I might catch up to you Savita by next week. Life got a *bit* busier than usual.

Absolutely no problem , Tazmeen ! I , myself , am such a slow reader , and with that it's true that for all of us real life commitments have often to be given priority .
I also completely agree with the holiday remark . I can't remember who made it . I don't , however , fully agree with the second remark . Work is not always a chore . Many people do enjoy their work , so much so that they actually go into withdrawal if their work is taken away from them . But , in this story , perhaps I'm not remembering the exact context to which Mole makes this remark .

Savita wrote: "Absolutely no problem , Tazmeen ! I , myself , am such a slow reader , and with that it's true that for all of us real life commitments have often to be given priority .
I also completely agree w..."

I think the Mole was describing his white washing work. And yes Savita- some people do enjoy their work, but with what I have known and experienced that number is very low these days...

Yes , I think you're right . Work is not always a pleasure.... hmm . In fact , yes , come to think of it , people are more concerned about the rapidity of monetary gains from a particular work , than the enjoyment derived when ( any ) work is done is done sincerely, even non creative work . Actually , when honesty and sincerity is applied to any work , success is bound to follow , maybe soon , maybe later 🤔 . And that success includes monetary success . And this on a fulfilling path . But this attitude necessarily entails patience , and patience is one thing our younger generation does lack many times . I am not dismissing the importance of money , but wishing that it should be kept in the proper place , otherwise it becomes the master , and we the obedient servants !
I am still on chapter 4 , but hope to make progress today .
Looking forward to more comments from you and our other members.

Savita wrote: "Yes , I think you're right . Work is not always a pleasure.... hmm . In fact , yes , come to think of it , people are more concerned about the rapidity of monetary gains from a particular work , th..."

I have finally finished chapter one. The book is more on the medium paced side.

My thoughts:

(view spoiler)[ What it hasn't got is not worth having, and what it doesn't know is not worth knowing.

Rat is pretty fine. The Mole's excited while listening to the Rat.

I'm sorry, I just couldn't finish more than one chapter. I'm just nkt having time these days. I'm going to try and finish this book up. It's average so far.

(hide spoiler)]

Wow, Anulekha is also joining!

I am done with my finals. I will start reading soon!

Tazmeen wrote: "Sorry about that, I completely forgot to check on GR. And due to the new notification policy. I didn't get an email.
I did begin, and finished around half of the first chapter, here are my thoughts..."

The new notification policy is terrible.
I have finally started and am currently on the first chapter. Will add my thoughts soon.

Austin wrote: "Wow, Anulekha is also joining!

I am done with my finals. I will start reading soon!"

Buddy reads are fun, especially in this group. :)

Austin wrote: "Wow, Anulekha is also joining!

I am done with my finals. I will start reading soon!"

Will be making a post tomorrow .
But , Austin , I thought you'd already finished reading this book ?

Anulekha wrote: "Austin wrote: "Wow, Anulekha is also joining!

I am done with my finals. I will start reading soon!"

Buddy reads are fun, especially in this group. :)"
Agree !
Welcome Anulekha !

I'm halfway through chapter 5 and loving this very easy read after just finishing Leo Tolstoy 's The Death of Ivan Ilyich and other stories , which is a deeply philosophical book with a wealth of knowledge on human behavior , the good and the not so good . Wind in the Willows steals the heart with its simple and sweet imagery . The behavior of these little animals is not so different from us , the superior human beings , at least in the way the story is portrayed. I am greatly enjoying chapter 5 ... it's so easy to relate with the feelings aroused in Rat and Mole ! Tomorrow I'll post a comment on chapter 5 . I hope the book will continue to be as delightful as it's at present .
I don't suppose I am wrong in calling this book a satire on the human race ?

Tazmeen wrote: "Savita wrote: "Yes , I think you're right . Work is not always a pleasure.... hmm . In fact , yes , come to think of it , people are more concerned about the rapidity of monetary gains from a parti..."

In chapter 2. I resonate with your thoughts, Tazmeen.
I like the pacing of the book. I feel I cannot hurry this one.

I think you are right Savita. This one feels like a satire.

Though I have reached chapter 6 , I want to post a few quotes from chapter 5 . How beautifully the author has captured that wonderful feeling of home coming , how dear our home seems to us , most of all realized when we come back from a weary travel abroad . Will post shortly .

I have reached chapter 9 , and am loving this sweet story !
Going back to chapter 4 , posting 2 passages on home and homecoming . How exactly and beautifully the author has taken our very own emotions and threaded them together so eloquently ! It's little wonder that this apparently simple book has become a timeless classic !
I think these are non spoiler remarks . I hope my fellow readers will agree .
.... and they made softly for home , for firelight and the familiar things it played on , for the voice , sounding cheerily outside their window , of the river that they knew and trusted in all its moods , that never made them afraid with any amazement .....
... the mole saw clearly that he was an animal of the tilled field and hedgerow , linked to the ploughed furrow, the frequented pasture , the lane of evening lingerings , the cultivated garden plot . For others the asperities , the stubborn endurance , or the clash of actual conflict , that went with Nature in the rough ; he must be wise , must keep to the pleasant places in which his lines were laid and which held adventure enough , in their way , to last for a life time . Well , truly said , to each his own . 🤔 .
Chapter 5 , Mole : But it was good to think he had this ( home ) to come back to ; this place which was all his own , these things which were so glad to see him again, and could always be counted upon for the same simple welcome ...... and now smilingly received him back without rancour ; Hmm .... 🤔 ... brings to my mind J . Payne 's beautiful quote : Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam , be it ever so humble there is no place like home !
A quote from chapter 5 tomorrow , as well as a comment on the friendship between Rat and Mole , and , oh yes , not to forget , a good natured dig at Toad !
Looking forward to comments from my fellow readers .

I have reached chapter 10 . Very enjoyable book ! I just love the uncomplicated friendship between Rat and Mole . They think of each other's good first , rather than their own . True friends . Not so very common in human society... hmm 😒.
Chapter 7 is a rather curious beauty ! I think ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ that vision that Rat and Mole see is that of the Greek God of the woods ... God Pan . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆ I wonder if I am right ? Waiting for comments/ opinion of my fellow readers . As usual , very gently beautiful language is used . Loved the description of the mystical event 👌!

I am at Chapter 6. Unfortunately, I am reading rather slowly due to other commitments. I agree; the camaraderie between rat and mole is beautiful. Though they sometimes get frustrated with each other, they still put their neck on the line for the other.

Don't worry , Anulekha , just enjoy the book as you go along .
I have reached chapter 11 . In chapter 10 , Toad just had me grinning grimly 😬!! ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Good God , will he never learn a good lesson in life , from his good friends Badger , Rat and Mole? And then , the miserable time in prison... you would think .. Ah , Toady is going to get reformed at last ! But no ... there he is , singing his foolish , conceited song and upto his old tricks all over again !! 🙄🙄😜🤣 !! Well well , it's so hilarious , and so sad !! But , the title of the 11th chapter takes the cake 😅🤭 .... Like summer tempest came his tears !! ( Title of R.L. Stevenson 's { I hope I've got the poet's name right ?? } beauuutiful sonnet Like summer tempest came her tears . I do hope Toady has finally learnt his lesson 🤔 . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆ Hoping to find out in chapter 11 today .

I'm sorry, but this book wasn't very interesting. So I'm still stuck in the second chapter. Life was a *bit* busy, so here are my thoughts on the second one
(view spoiler)[ So, the toad is a lazy fellow, but still wants to go on adventures. I do feel bad for the rest as they are to take care of the toad, when it was the toad who invited them on the trip. The mole just wants to have an adventure, while the rat joined them unwillingly.

This was fine, but the long chapters are tiring and sometimes boring.
(hide spoiler)]

Tazmeen wrote: "I'm sorry, but this book wasn't very interesting. So I'm still stuck in the second chapter. Life was a *bit* busy, so here are my thoughts on the second one
So, the toad is a lazy fellow, but stil..."

It is a slow-paced book. Take your time.

I have finished the third chapter, it was a good change from the LONG previous chapters. It was faster, the story pace increased, I think I like the book sort of.

Since both of you guys are done with this chapter, The Rat is very nice, he acts nonchalant, but he still cares about the Mole. And he's smart I reckon.

The Mole, I don't know, he's fine? He's a bit dumb, (as described by the Rat in twenty something possible phrases)

I had good laugh 🤣 .. the way you called the Mole a bit dumb... hehehe ! I will comment on Rat and Mole tomorrow ( it's too late tonight ) , in view of the subsequent chapters which I have read , and without using spoilers . In a way your observation is quite right , only thing , I will put a few words in his defence 😉 .

I never meant to demean the Mole's image, forbid me. Lol. I'm FINALLY done with the fourth chapter, and I'm liking this, but this marked as a middle-grade, is a bit hard to understand, in terms of literature and the English used that is. (I hated English as a subject back in school tbh)

So , so sorry , Tazmeen and Anulekha ! I wasn't able to post as I'd intended because I got caught up in various commitments, and also because of the New Year . Looking back at the story from chapter 11 ( which I am reading at present ) , Tazmeen , you are right about calling Rat smart .. but elaborating on this description, Rat comes out to be very insightful about the true nature of his friends , he's able to see the actual picture beyond the superficial facade .
Mole , on the other hand , is a naive , trusting being , inexperienced with the ways of the world and the not always predictable and trustworthy behaviors of his fellow creatures . Thank God Mole has Rat to guide and protect him .
This book is really a satire on human beings in a pleasant, easy and very enjoyable style . Plenty to learn from the clear mirror that the author s holding up before us, in an inoffensive manner . It does remind me of Animal Farm .
Hope you'll enjoy the book a you go along , Tazmeen . This book gives so much , but doesn't make any stressful demands from the readers.
Chapter 5 is a very sweet chapter . The descriptions of Home , Sweet Home , really touched me . I loved everything about the chapter ❤ !

The rat reminds me of some friends that taught me SO much, those friends that helped even when they barely knew you. I completely agree with you kn the comment about this being a satire on humans, as I read along I can notice this.

I cannot call myself the Mole, but everyone has a bit of him in their souls, inexperienced and all that. But, he is willing to learn about the Wild, which is remarkable.

Tazmeen wrote: "The rat reminds me of some friends that taught me SO much, those friends that helped even when they barely knew you. I completely agree with you kn the comment about this being a satire on humans, ..."

It's nice to have friends such as you've described , Tazmeen . Do cherish their friendships , for unpredictable life doesn't always bring such invaluable gifts . And do avail of any opportunity to return their goodwill.

True ... .... everyone has a bit of him in their souls.... ... and I
think this is more or less true right until the very end of life . Life is
such an infinitely vast university , one really never stops learning
new ( practical) lessons ( both mundane and spiritual ) , and
unexpected surprises never cease , though they do lessen as age
advances.

Couldn't do much reading yesterday , but hope to make progress today .

I agree with you guys. The author tries to identify different human characteristics among animals. The rat is the well-meaning friend, always out to help others, even though sometimes having no clue how to do so; Mole is like an innocent child, unaware of the ways of the world, and Badger is like a wise old man. I don't know how to describe Toad. Sometimes, he seems spoiled, as he is too rich and idle, self-centered, and sometimes really inquisitive, as he is always interested in trying new things, almost to the point of obsession.

You've described the different characters very well , Anulekha. And about Toad , I , too , am finding it difficult to describe . Many times I feel so irritated by his conceit , arrogance and selfish , obsessive, dangerous whims . Yet his innate good nature ( when confronted by his concerned and alarmed friends ) can be quite disarming . It 's difficult to dislike Toad , for all his negative points , yet , it's also difficult to overlook the fact that his current craze with motorcars , driven recklessly , can not only harm him , but also jeopardize the lives of others . And , in the beginning of the book , Toad actually remarked that he lives for others !!.. .. 😅 !
I am making progress with chapter 11 . I love the title Like summer tempest came his tears . . I hope you two have read Tennyson 's 14 lines ' sonnet from which this line is taken ( the ' her ' has been changed to 'his ' in this book ) . The sonnet is very beautiful and deeply touching . Worth reading . You can find it on
the net quite easily , I suppose .

Savita wrote: "You've described the different characters very well , Anulekha. And about Toad , I , too , am finding it difficult to describe . Many times I feel so irritated by his conceit , arrogance and selfis..."

I have not read it. Will check it out.

👍

Finished 2 days back , but was unable to comment because of time crunch . Absolutely loved this extremely sweet book ! 5 stars' read for me . Don't know how you two are liking it . Made any progress , Anulekha and Tazmeen ? I enjoy reading your takes on this book , new angles . I will make a few comments shortly , whenever time permits .

Exam season starts as of this week, so I reckon I won't be able to finish anytime soon. But I'll try to read, even if it is at the speed of a sloth.

But, yes, @anulekha, the Mole described as an innocent child, these words captured my thinking honestly.

I am on the 10th chapter. The story has picked up pace now. I hope to finish it this week.

Tazmeen wrote: "Exam season starts as of this week, so I reckon I won't be able to finish anytime soon. But I'll try to read, even if it is at the speed of a sloth.

But, yes, @anulekha, the Mole described as an ..."

All the best for your exams , Tazmeen ! ☘
I suppose you'll only be able to get down to reading this book after your exams are over . Can't possibly enjoy a novel while the exam pressure is on .

Anulekha , you must be close to finishing this story . What do you think of the four friends: Badger , Rat , Mole and dear Toad ? ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Trying to make Toad turn into a new leaf is , I think , an impossible task 🤔 . He just keeps slipping back into his old arrogant , reckless , thoughtless, whimsical self !! But kudos to Badger , Rat and Mole 👏 .... they're equally resistant to giving up on him ! Oh , to have such reliable, mature , trustworthy and abiding friends ( even one is more than enough 🤔 ) like Badger , Rat and Mole ! Friends who not only try to prevent you from taking a hazardous path , but even more rare and wonderful , these were friends who stood right by him ( Toad ) even when he continued to disregard their advices and got himself into serious trouble . Hmm .... 🤔 . Truly , friends worth their weight in gold . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆
In the movie on Sanjay Dutt's painful life , there were , likewise , three people who never gave up on him .. ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ His father , Sunil Dutt , his mother , Nargis , and a friend whose name , unfortunately , I can't remember , but who abided by their friendship even through all the miserable periods of Sanjay Dutt 's life when he ( Sanjay Dutt ) was hooked to drugs and other evil vices . He ( the friend ) must be , indeed , an extremely rare person .. 🤔 . People usually tend to simply disappear when things get dark and ugly . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆ I am glad that there are people in real life too like Badger , Rat and Mole . I salute them !

Seriously, (view spoiler)[Toad is so boastful that he doesn't realize his mistakes. He credits himself for escaping, mostly due to his luck and not much cleverhandedness. (hide spoiler)]

I finished the book. It took me too long.
But, better late than never.
(view spoiler)[ Mole turned out to be quite a saviour and an out-of-the-box thinker in tight situations. He might not be as naive as I thought him to be. I quite liked the Badger's sagacity and Rat's affability.
But I think Toad will stick to the alternate persona shown in the end only to amuse himself and surprise others. Sadly, it seems what he does is all to get a reaction from other animals, be it surprise, praise or jealousy. So, when people get used to this new "wise" Toad, he will return to his old ways. (hide spoiler)]
I quite liked the book (view spoiler)[. However, There were discontinuities in a couple of chapters. I couldn't figure out why the sea rat came in the story. I suppose the author wanted to explore the need for some to leave their homes and explore and go on adventures, but somehow, the chapter felt disconnected and incomplete. Maybe it would have been placed initially; it might have made more sense. Also, it is shown in the beginning that the water rat is proud of his home and the place where they live. So, his being mesmerized, dropping everything, and planning to follow the sea rat did not make much sense to me. (hide spoiler)]

Anulekha wrote: "I finished the book. It took me too long.
But, better late than never.
Mole turned out to be quite a saviour and an out-of-the-box thinker in tight situations. He might not be as naive as I though..."

Anulekha , read your review and liked the points you've mentioned, especially about Rat's sudden turn of heart . Will be commenting tomorrow ... too late tonight .

Oh my god, I just reached the sixth chapter, and I'm dying out of wholesomeness.

The rat's generosity clearly shows in the fifth chapter. Ahhh, that's so cute. (This was the chapter where the rat offers to find the Mole's abode)

Savita wrote: "So , so sorry , Tazmeen and Anulekha ! I wasn't able to post as I'd intended because I got caught up in various commitments, and also because of the New Year . Looking back at the story from chapte..."

Absolutely, chapter Five was such a nice change. I loved how the Rat although having experienced way better things, still tries to cheer the Mole up.

Yes , Anulekha , I think you have summed up Toad precisely ! I suppose he's ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ never going to change for the better permanently. Hmm ... Lucky for him he's got such good friends in Badger , Rat and Mole .

I agree about the sea rat episode . Difficult to understand why that chapter was suddenly included . Maybe it just reveals that no one is perfectly superior, strong and infallible all the time . Though most of the times it's Rat who , with his superior wordly wisdom, is able to handle things better than Mole and Rat. But , even Rat was about to make a wrong decision and was saved in time by Mole . Perhaps that's what the author is trying to say . It's actually quite true that no matter how high we get , what shining qualifications we acquire , there are many times when humbler human beings happen to say or do something that could teach us something important about life .... maybe just little things , but important all the same. There's a saying , whose exact words I don't recall , but the gist is that Everyone has something to teach the rest of humanity , no matter how humble and uneducated their station in life . . Maybe it's the manner of speaking and handling a difficult life , maybe it's how an unimportant clerk handles an impatient, irritated crowd waiting outside an important person 's office . In this story it's Mole , surprisingly, who comes to Rat's rescue . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆
Have you rated the book as yet ?

Tazmeen , I will read and comment on your posts tomorrow . But glad you enjoyed chapter 5 . I loved it too !

So currently reading the sixth,

Spoiler: (but like, all of you guys are done, sooo no tags)

Toad seems like a spoilt thing to say the least, and the Rat fell for HIS antics. A bit stupid of the Rat, but even the smartest make mistakes. The Mole is learning new things, and that is nice