Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002)

I read this to my grandkids over several visits. From one month to the next they remembered what was going on in the story and where we left off. We all enjoyed it greatly: Ronia's temper, so much like her father's, scary times with dwarves and harpies (not too many), taming wild horses, living in a cave and swimming in the river, her mother's bedtime song and homemade bread. They are robbers, however, and the ethics of this aren't really addressed; but this setting does allow for a feeling of freedom/independence and a lifestyle that is outside the cultural norms in which strong characters are fostered. This book shows Ronia's character developing, albeit reluctantly, and learning to accept a friendship with someone her family considers an enemy. Also shows her father's parallel reluctant change, something not often seen in a children's book.… (mais)