A review by insarahsgoodbooks
The Tinderbox by Hans Christian Andersen

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I really enjoyed this collection. Andersen mixes humor, sadness and life lessons in a way that keeps you hooked. “Little Claus and Big Claus” was definitely my favorite. The humor and cleverness had me rooting for Little Claus all the way. Big Claus totally deserved what he got and it felt like justice was served!

Another story that got to me was “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” The soldier’s loyalty and love for the ballerina, despite everything, really tugged at my heartstrings. It left me feeling a little heartbroken but in a good way, if you know what I mean.

Andersen’s writing is engaging and just flows - it almost feels like he’s telling you the stories himself. Even though I usually find classics a bit tricky, these stories were so compelling that I ended up finishing the whole book in a day.

I’d totally recommend this collection to anyone, whether you’re new to Andersen or just want a good intro to classic lit. The stories are short and enjoyable - perfect for a quick read on your commute or when you just want to escape into a good story for a bit.