Charlotte’s Web
This past April, I got very sick with a bad cold that drained me of all energy for three days. So much so that I could hardly read. That speaks volume!
However, I did manage to read something: I remembered I had an easy children’s book on my list of Classics to read, so the perfect timing had come for it. So I finally read Charlotte’s Web!
Wow, what a superb book! No need to summarize it, I’m sure you all know what it’s all about. If you have no idea, that’s the perfect book you HAVE to jump into without knowing a thing about it.
I didn’t grow up in an English speaking country. It was probably known in France too when I was a kid, but there was no library in my tiny village, and then starting around 11, I was given to read other classics which I should actually have read much later. So I totally missed most classics children books.
This one is so fresh, rich in dialogs, in the feelings and reactions. You could make a whole psychological study of it, I’m sure it’s been done. And many sentences are so clever.
I also enjoyed the simple though very evocative black and white illustrations.
I thought first Fern was going to be one of the heroines, but she actually fairly quickly loses interest and gets more in the background to leave the first place to the real heroes of the book.
I loved the conclusion a lot, and for those who have no idea what the book is, I trust it’s not too much of a spoiler. This is the kind of conclusion one would love to rediscover again and again. But alas, when you have read the book once, you won’t be able to forget:
It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.
Definitely something we can all have as a goal in life!
I’m almost happy I got sick and had no strength to do anything nor read any of the books I usually read. I’d better make a list of other children’s book to read for next bout of sickness, lol!
VERDICT: Understandably one of the best children’s book of all times. Psychologically and humanly so rich.
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK?
What other children’s book would you recommend?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A COMMENT PLEASE
This book counted for this Reading Challenge:
Words And Peace 
I haven’t read Charlotte’s Web in years I feel like I need to pick it up again. I am glad you are feeling better and sometimes classics do help when you don’t feel great!!!
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thanks. yes, such an amazing story
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Aww! Your review is as charming as this book must be. I have never read it! Probably my aversion to spiders–I know they are God’s creatures, necessary to the ‘web’ of life, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a story about one. Clearly, I am missing the whole point and should rush to the library to discover a well-worn copy for myself. Thanks.
I have happy and vivid memories of books I read when I was a kid at those times I was stuck in bed recovering. One was Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott. I tried rereading later, not the same, but the perfect book for me at that moment. Glad you found the perfect classic story to revive your spirits during your cold. 🙂
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OMG, with your knowledge of classics, I can’t believe you have not read it yet, and YES, you have to go get it right away. Though you are going to love spiders form now on!! Have you ever considered to do a book on children’s classics, along the lines of your previous book? Just an idea, in case you are not busy enough
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Glad to hear you’re feeling better. I’m just back at work after three days off with a similar lurgy. I barely read the first day cause I kept falling asleep, but I finished (devoured) Exit West over the other 2 days.
I’d love to reread Charlotte’s Web one day – I was 8 or 9 the last time I did.
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Yes, this thing is a killer. Glad you enjoyed Exit West. I usually don’t read in that genre, but I can see the appeal
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