Scan barcode
A review by kairin16
King Matt the First by Janusz Korczak
4.0
Talk about books that can surprise you.
My copy of the story I got as a reward one year of primary or middle school, not sure now which, as it was a required reading then. I didn't read it, because even then I was very bad at following instructions and had too many other books I wanted to read to bother with some childish story about a child that became king. Especially since there was at least two different cartoons about it on the tv at the time, and they made it look, well, very childish. Like, not school-children childish, but kindergarten childish.
I blame those cartoons for bringing lies into my life and making me wait so long to read this amazing, amazing book.
There is a foreword from an author, about the fact that adults shouldn't read the book because they wouldn't understand it, but I don't think that's quite true. Admittedly, I think there are many older people who would laugh at the story, but I also think that part of our society is growing more empathetic and that that part would at least get it.
The book talks about a boy, a small child who has to face not only death of his only remaining parent, but also sudden onset of responsibilities as a king. That child, despite his lack of general knowledge and experience, is one of the best kings I've read about.
Yes, he makes mistakes, but honestly an adult monarch would be hard to not to, much less an eight year old. He wins hearts of his people because when he finds out about a war that other countries declared against him, he sneaks out of the palace and joins the front as a volunteer. And not only he fights, but he is one of the more valuable parts of his platoon, even going so far as to spy on the opponents and bringing a huge victory for his country.
He's sensitive and all he wants is for his subjects to be happy - all of them, children and adults like. He forgives everyone who hurts him, even going as far as forgiving a friend who brought downfall of his kingdom by being selfish and greedy. He opens his heart not only for the neighbours who attacked him and becomes friends with them, but even for African kings who everyone else turns their noses at. He tries to bring progress into the country, despite barely understanding how to.
Admittedly, he is not a perfect character. He's very proud and tends to be very arrogant and hot-headed. But his intentions are always good and although he's a little naive, he works hard at what he thinks is the best for everyone. I have to be honest that when the end of the book came I was covered in tears and there was a while since a book had hit me so hard.
Absolute brilliant read. I'm glad I found it on my shelf.
My copy of the story I got as a reward one year of primary or middle school, not sure now which, as it was a required reading then. I didn't read it, because even then I was very bad at following instructions and had too many other books I wanted to read to bother with some childish story about a child that became king. Especially since there was at least two different cartoons about it on the tv at the time, and they made it look, well, very childish. Like, not school-children childish, but kindergarten childish.
I blame those cartoons for bringing lies into my life and making me wait so long to read this amazing, amazing book.
There is a foreword from an author, about the fact that adults shouldn't read the book because they wouldn't understand it, but I don't think that's quite true. Admittedly, I think there are many older people who would laugh at the story, but I also think that part of our society is growing more empathetic and that that part would at least get it.
The book talks about a boy, a small child who has to face not only death of his only remaining parent, but also sudden onset of responsibilities as a king. That child, despite his lack of general knowledge and experience, is one of the best kings I've read about.
Yes, he makes mistakes, but honestly an adult monarch would be hard to not to, much less an eight year old. He wins hearts of his people because when he finds out about a war that other countries declared against him, he sneaks out of the palace and joins the front as a volunteer. And not only he fights, but he is one of the more valuable parts of his platoon, even going so far as to spy on the opponents and bringing a huge victory for his country.
He's sensitive and all he wants is for his subjects to be happy - all of them, children and adults like. He forgives everyone who hurts him, even going as far as forgiving a friend who brought downfall of his kingdom by being selfish and greedy. He opens his heart not only for the neighbours who attacked him and becomes friends with them, but even for African kings who everyone else turns their noses at. He tries to bring progress into the country, despite barely understanding how to.
Admittedly, he is not a perfect character. He's very proud and tends to be very arrogant and hot-headed. But his intentions are always good and although he's a little naive, he works hard at what he thinks is the best for everyone. I have to be honest that when the end of the book came I was covered in tears and there was a while since a book had hit me so hard.
Absolute brilliant read. I'm glad I found it on my shelf.