I don't know how to review this book. As a child, it was always one of my favorites. Pipi was wild and such a free spirit. And she had a monkey. How can you not love a monkey? I read this dozens of times growing up. I loved how she just did and said whatever and nevermind the consequences. I loved how she transformed the two kids from next door from uptight, perfect children into kids not afraid to have fun. But then....
I re-read it again last week and realized I really hate that kid. I wanted to spank her or tranquilize her, one of the two. She is an unruly spoiled brat. She lies without a single thought to what she is saying and it is not even remotely amusing. She has the manners of a wild boar and I cannot begin to imagine the mess her house was. But I still love the monkey. I could just do without Pipi. I cannot imagine ever letting my own children play with her. And my kids are not perfect little angels. But sending them to play with Pipi???? May as well give them a bottle of gas and a lighter and tell them to go play in the middle of the interstate. Plus did I mention those manners and complete disregard for adult authority?
I guess that is the point of the book. If you are raised on the high seas and your father is a cannibal king, you cannot be expected to know much of anything about manners and being good. You are pretty much destined to be a lying, crazy, monkey-owning heathen. I guess I can say that it was okay. Loved it as a child but as an adult and a parent, I am hoping my kids don't pick up the same manners that Pipi Longstocking had.
[book:Pippi Longstocking|19302]
I agree with you. As a child I loved the book, but as a parent, I hope that my children will never have a friend like that. I really don't know what the author was trying to get over to the reader. Moral of the story, I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteI can't figure it out either. My 10 year old read it too and she even asked me what I would do if she tried some of that stuff. I think I nearly choked on my glass of tea just imagining it. She is wild enough already without the threat of acting like Pippi.
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