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A review by samsegal3
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
5.0
Gosh, what a beautiful book. I'm so touched, I'm at a loss for words.
Growing up, I was a big fan of the Don Bluth film 'The Secret of NIMH'. At the time, I didn't know it stemmed from a book, but the story and illustrations have been burned into my memory ever since. Finally getting the chance to read the original novel was a magical experience. There are definitely differences between the two, but I love them both equally in their own ways.
The writing style is eloquent. The lessons for children on ethics, family, community, and the like are all quite well done. The characterization is excellent. Even the minor characters feel so alive and have so much depth. (The Owl's speech about leaving his home left me breathless! For a character with so little time spent with him, the author still managed to hit you so hard.)
I always loved that it's a story about a mother. I feel like those even now are still so rare. This small little mouse having to find strength and courage to save her son and family, doing things she never imagined, finding answers to questions she never knew she had. There is so much weight. It's so inspiring too.
The backstory of the rats makes you feel so much empathy for their plight. Their efforts to live their own lives, safe and happy, is one you want to fight for with them.
There was just clearly so much passion put into this book, and the ending is so powerful. It lingers just like the movie, and I'll no doubt catch myself thinking back on it and this story again for years to come.
Really just an amazing work of art. I'm so glad I finally had the chance to read it.
Growing up, I was a big fan of the Don Bluth film 'The Secret of NIMH'. At the time, I didn't know it stemmed from a book, but the story and illustrations have been burned into my memory ever since. Finally getting the chance to read the original novel was a magical experience. There are definitely differences between the two, but I love them both equally in their own ways.
The writing style is eloquent. The lessons for children on ethics, family, community, and the like are all quite well done. The characterization is excellent. Even the minor characters feel so alive and have so much depth. (The Owl's speech about leaving his home left me breathless! For a character with so little time spent with him, the author still managed to hit you so hard.)
I always loved that it's a story about a mother. I feel like those even now are still so rare. This small little mouse having to find strength and courage to save her son and family, doing things she never imagined, finding answers to questions she never knew she had. There is so much weight. It's so inspiring too.
The backstory of the rats makes you feel so much empathy for their plight. Their efforts to live their own lives, safe and happy, is one you want to fight for with them.
There was just clearly so much passion put into this book, and the ending is so powerful. It lingers just like the movie, and I'll no doubt catch myself thinking back on it and this story again for years to come.
Really just an amazing work of art. I'm so glad I finally had the chance to read it.