A review by gen_wolfhailstorm
The Complete Illustrated Stories of Hans Christian Andersen, by Hans Christian Andersen
5.0
What a beast this was to get through... But my, what a beauty it was to read!
(^ See what I did there...? ;D)
The complete illustrated stories of Hans Christian Anderson fell nothing short of my high expectations. Of course I grew up reading and seeing film adaptations of some of his most famous works so being able to read his entirety (and finding it for only £1.99!) was a wondrous and nostalgic experience that I wish for everyone to try!
I was shocked to see that not everything Mr. Anderson created was that of fairy-tales and was astonished to see that even a simple tale about a shilling pulled fond emotions from my heart and soul. I loved how the words flowed with the stories that I was familiar with (e.g. The little sea maid, Thumbelina, The snow queen, of which if you check out my progress updates you can see some little reviews of) and rekindled my love for some stories I had once forgotten. For example, whilst reading The Little Match girl I remembered how I had a cassette set with a lot of Anderson's work on them and it brought me back to the times where I'd take them out, sit at my desk at home, with my little red chair and tape player, and listen to them for hours! Ah! The memories!
I did find it a struggle to get through some of the more unfamiliar stories, especially ones that were very different to what I'd usually read, but this doesn't in anyway cheapen the beauty of the tales, it just took a little more effort to read, therefore in most cases, increasing my appreciation. Some examples of ones that were a little difficult to read and slow to start but I ended up loving were Grandmother, Poultry Meg's Family and Under the willow tree.
I was confused with if the whole of the stories after The Story of my life were still part of the autobiography, which would make sense if they were, but if so, almost felt detached somehow.
The layout of the original text and illustrations complemented the stories beautiful and I'm so happy to have read all of Hans Christian Anderson's works from when he was just beginning and finding his feet to when he was soaring high with the best of them- which was enhanced through his autobiography!
This is a special gem that I think everyone should read, whether you're just introducing The Little Mermaid to your young ones for the first time (perhaps with the censor on :P) or you're picking up some much beloved stories for the 500th time, just read it! :D
There's so much more I can say, but can't put into words, so instead of stumbling on my words read Anderson's words instead!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
(^ See what I did there...? ;D)
The complete illustrated stories of Hans Christian Anderson fell nothing short of my high expectations. Of course I grew up reading and seeing film adaptations of some of his most famous works so being able to read his entirety (and finding it for only £1.99!) was a wondrous and nostalgic experience that I wish for everyone to try!
I was shocked to see that not everything Mr. Anderson created was that of fairy-tales and was astonished to see that even a simple tale about a shilling pulled fond emotions from my heart and soul. I loved how the words flowed with the stories that I was familiar with (e.g. The little sea maid, Thumbelina, The snow queen, of which if you check out my progress updates you can see some little reviews of) and rekindled my love for some stories I had once forgotten. For example, whilst reading The Little Match girl I remembered how I had a cassette set with a lot of Anderson's work on them and it brought me back to the times where I'd take them out, sit at my desk at home, with my little red chair and tape player, and listen to them for hours! Ah! The memories!
I did find it a struggle to get through some of the more unfamiliar stories, especially ones that were very different to what I'd usually read, but this doesn't in anyway cheapen the beauty of the tales, it just took a little more effort to read, therefore in most cases, increasing my appreciation. Some examples of ones that were a little difficult to read and slow to start but I ended up loving were Grandmother, Poultry Meg's Family and Under the willow tree.
I was confused with if the whole of the stories after The Story of my life were still part of the autobiography, which would make sense if they were, but if so, almost felt detached somehow.
The layout of the original text and illustrations complemented the stories beautiful and I'm so happy to have read all of Hans Christian Anderson's works from when he was just beginning and finding his feet to when he was soaring high with the best of them- which was enhanced through his autobiography!
This is a special gem that I think everyone should read, whether you're just introducing The Little Mermaid to your young ones for the first time (perhaps with the censor on :P) or you're picking up some much beloved stories for the 500th time, just read it! :D
There's so much more I can say, but can't put into words, so instead of stumbling on my words read Anderson's words instead!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén