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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Nostalgic, sentimental but 'of its time' look at a bygone time and a bygone sort of Englishman
I loved the Greer Garson/Robert Donat film as a girl, and saw this as an audiobook at the library, so thought I'd explore the source material.
With occasional stirring British theme tunes throughout, it highlights the period feel of the novella - Mr Chipping is a young teacher who, over 40 years, gains a place in the heart of the teachers and pupils, becomes central to the public school he loves. He sees change but remains almost wholly unchanged, apart from the changes wrought on him by the love of a progressive young woman.
Seeing his school through wars, bombings, progressive educational policies, we see him into old age and the end of his long tenure.
I can't lie and say I didn't find it moving, but it is definitely a piece that showcases the Empire attitude, though not through Chips himself - he is 'set in his ways', but he is also a compassionate, humorous and non-threatening schoolmaster and guide.
Still preferring the film (Greer Garson is perfect as the woman he loves who enables him to fulfil his potential as a teacher and mentor), I appreciate the historical reality of Chips' English persona. The detail of life in a public school feels real, the sad facts of war.
Definitely still a minor classic that deserves its place on the bookshelf.
I loved the Greer Garson/Robert Donat film as a girl, and saw this as an audiobook at the library, so thought I'd explore the source material.
With occasional stirring British theme tunes throughout, it highlights the period feel of the novella - Mr Chipping is a young teacher who, over 40 years, gains a place in the heart of the teachers and pupils, becomes central to the public school he loves. He sees change but remains almost wholly unchanged, apart from the changes wrought on him by the love of a progressive young woman.
Seeing his school through wars, bombings, progressive educational policies, we see him into old age and the end of his long tenure.
I can't lie and say I didn't find it moving, but it is definitely a piece that showcases the Empire attitude, though not through Chips himself - he is 'set in his ways', but he is also a compassionate, humorous and non-threatening schoolmaster and guide.
Still preferring the film (Greer Garson is perfect as the woman he loves who enables him to fulfil his potential as a teacher and mentor), I appreciate the historical reality of Chips' English persona. The detail of life in a public school feels real, the sad facts of war.
Definitely still a minor classic that deserves its place on the bookshelf.
mes91's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I can see why this is such a beloved story, there is something so sweet and innocent about it, and Chips is such a loveable character.
I have seen and loved the 1939 film and was astonished at what they managed to create. They really padded it out and filled it with life, but keeping the tone and character intact. Highly recommend experiencing both.
I have seen and loved the 1939 film and was astonished at what they managed to create. They really padded it out and filled it with life, but keeping the tone and character intact. Highly recommend experiencing both.
camiwagner11's review against another edition
4.0
Guess I’m on a run of short, sweet, and sad books. This one was suggested by my mom — it’s her favorite book! :,)
kidclamp's review against another edition
4.0
I can't really justify it, but I thoroughly enjoy James Hilton. I am fully aware that he is over sentimental, and probably could be compared to Nicholas Sparks et al, but I just find his works charming and enjoyed re-reading this book as much as I did the first time.
The story is the tale of Mr. Chipping, a young man who begins teaching at a moderately respectable and aged school in England. We follow his aging, the boys he teaches and the lives he changes, and continue into his old age. It's schmaltzy, but Hilton does a good job of describing the scenes and moving form laughter to sadness.
A guilty pleasure, but I enjoy it nonetheless.
The story is the tale of Mr. Chipping, a young man who begins teaching at a moderately respectable and aged school in England. We follow his aging, the boys he teaches and the lives he changes, and continue into his old age. It's schmaltzy, but Hilton does a good job of describing the scenes and moving form laughter to sadness.
A guilty pleasure, but I enjoy it nonetheless.
guylou's review against another edition
5.0
One of my earliest memories about my dad is watching the movie “GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS” with him. My dad was a fan of English singer, actress, and composer, Petula Clark. Ms. Clark recorded music in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. My dad used to play her French record all the time and his favourite song was “Tout le monde veut aller au ciel mais personne ne veut mourrir” (Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven But Nobody Wants To Die). Ms. Clark played Mr. Chipping’s wife in that movie. I remember how touching the movie was and have been wanting to read the book by the same name, written by James Hilton, that inspired the movie. I ordered the book a few months ago and was surprised that it is less than one hundred pages long. It did not take me long to read it, and I enjoyed every page.
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kirstyreads87's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lovely charming and moving
Wonderfully written and read in one sitting
Wonderfully written and read in one sitting
bjhg5053's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
byrdy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
For me, any book that manages to make me laugh and cry and inspire me deserves 5 stars. I'm not sure how I did not happen upon this before. It just goes to show what kind of value and impact one life can have on its community.
mariadavo's review against another edition
4.0
For such a short book, I felt like it very well said a lot in the simplest of ways. Mr. Chips, thought to have died and lived alone, had actually been part of a family made up of hundreds of boys. And exactly that was what made his life, exempt of any adventures such as riding an airplane, pretty well-rounded in the end.
imyerhero's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful little pick up and read book. Mr. Chips represents the type of teacher everyone hopes to get – caring and funny. He also doesn’t skimp on the education, with tough standards and no allowance for slacking. This is a great heartfelt read on the Victorian era schooling as it was brutally thrust into the horrors of World War I and how one man dealt with it as he watched boys he loved die and tried to preserve the school he’d come to love. I can see how this could be made into a wonderful movie, and I can’t wait to watch it.