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Summary: Oh Brother, Where art thou?
Review: All of my family, most of the children at school, most of the people I have since met, have read this book. In Denmark and generally in all of Scandinavia, Lindgreen's books, and especially the Brothers Lionheart, is held in the highest regard: She has for several years been considered a respectable candidate for the Nobel Prize in literature. So why, oh why, is this most wonderful book not available in an updated english version? If by any chance you get an opportynity to read this book - do so, it will be worth it.
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Summary: We need this reprinted!!
Review: I am, with my 9 year old daughter, a member of a mother-daughter book discussion group in the U.S. Being Swedish, we have previously proposed the reading of Ronia, the Robber's daughter, which all our members truly loved. Now, we wanted them to discover Brothers Lionheart, which is, in my opinion, Astrid's very best (and believe me, I have read them all) and also one of my all time favorite books (including all the books I have read during my 30 years of reading).
It is a disgrace that english-speaking readers should be denied the opportunity to read this magnificent book....
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Summary: Wonderful story that has stayed with me
Review: I first read this book back in the mid 1970s when I was 12 and it has stayed with me ever since. There were a few things which didn't make sense in my old book, but after reading this new translation I find the story easier to read since it flows more naturally in this new edition.
For example, I never knew what a "spring-fiddle" was, which Hubert gave Karl to eat on his trip. How do you eat a spring-fiddle and what is it, I thought? Now I know it should have said, "a leg of lamb!"
As a kid I also didn't know what a rusk was, so Karl's nickname was confusing. Rusky made me think he was Russian. I like Scotty, derived from biscotti, and I also think it's more elegant to call Sofia the Dove Queen instead of the Queen of the Pigeons.
I really appreciate this more accurate English translation of Astrid Lindgren's great story, which was origially written in Swedish :)
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Summary: One of my all time favorite books
Review: I just can't express how wonderful this book is. I loved it when I was a child, and I've only recently managed to get my hands on a good copy of it, with the original illustrations.This book is magical on so many levels: it's comforting about death, and it demonstrates bravery and integrity in ways kids can understand and appreciate. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
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Summary: A fan at 47
Review: I never knew about this book as a child, though I absolutely loved the Pippi Longstocking stories while growing up. This past year I have been learning Swedish and was fortunate enough to acquire a copy of the Brothers Lionheart in Swedish, along with a set of CD's featuring Astrid Lindgren reading the book aloud. What a treat! Now I want to be able to share the story with my family, and with friends from seminary who will surely enjoy reflecting on its many spiritual and theological themes. I look forward to an English version becoming available soon.
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Summary: Much Needed Reprint of an Exceptional Book
Review: I read this when I was a child in the early 1970's, and really loved it! It's not a happy-sappy book. There are sad, scary, and edge-of-your-seat moments, and all add up to one fantastic and moving story. My only complaint about this recent reprint is the changing of Karl's nickname from "Rusky" to "Scotty". The boy had been given his nickname based on his love of rusks as a small boy; perhaps the new translators thought Americans wouldn't know what a rusk is, and so substituted biscotti. Minor, minor quibble! I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves adventure stories. Probably best for the older child (maybe over 8 or so), because there are some parts which could be quite frightening.
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Summary: Fantastic!
Review: If it is true that this book is unavailable in English, it is worth learning Swedish just to read it! I know that listening to this book on tape (read by the author) and reading along certainly played a large part in my learning the language, but beyond that, the book is wonderful! My son is only four, still too young for this one, but when I do read it to him I'm sure that he will enjoy the fact that his middle name is that of the hero. I felt that strongly about this book. Most highly recommended.
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Summary: classic fairy tale
Review: Like other readers, I cannot believe this book is out of print. I read it as a child and was deeply moved. It is a classic story about courage, love, loyalty, life and death. The language of the book is simple-- after all, it's written for children. However, the book confronts the reader with important philosophical issues, in a way similar to Greek mythological stories. Try to get hold on a copy of this book and enjoy it at whichever level!
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Summary: Wonderful Memories
Review: My grandmother bought me this book in the mid 1980's, when I was "school-aged." I absolutely loved it. I think back fondly to the countless times I read it. This book is one of the most wonderful and formative memories of my childhood.
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Summary: Best book for a bedtime story!
Review: My mother found bought the first US edition at a garage sale when she was in college, and it was my sister and I's favorite bedtime story growing up. Johnathan and Karl were the essential heroes of my childhood. The beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations of J.K. Lambert only enhance my understanding of Nangiyala, and I look forward to the day when I have my own children, so I can read this book to them.
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