The Railway Children By Edith Nesbit- abook review

The Railway Children By Edith Nesbit

 The Railway Children By Edith Nesbit

The Railway Children

One of her most popular books, it was published in 1906. In spite of being published a 100 years ago, young and old readers can connect to it easily. At the beginning of the story, we are introduced to a happy and loving family where both the parents have all the time for their children-Roberta (Bobbie), Peter and Phyllis, until a sudden disaster befalls the family. The father is taken away by mysterious men. Going away of the father changes the f a m i l y ‘ s f o r t u n e drastically as they have to move out of their beautiful and comfortable London home to a cottage in the country. The children are very enthusiastic about the shifting and happy with the new house. This home is located near the railway station, which in their days to come, become their regular hang-out. They befriend the porter, the station master, and an old gentleman. We come to know about the children from the series of events and adventures that take place. The station master lets go of Peter, who steals coal to keep them warm. They celebrate the proud porter’s birthday in their own generous and innoc ent way. The children also avert a train accident by tearing off their red petticoats and waving them. They save an infant from a burning barge (the parents were out at a party). An interesting game of the hare and hounds is played by the village children in the railway tunnel. These siblings also play this game and in the bargain they save the life of a hound (boy in the red jersey) who had fractured his leg in the dark tunnel. These exciting adventures happened because their mother was busy writing to make their ends meet. They were good children tried to help their mother by not quarrelling nor did they show how much they missed their father. Roberta who came to know why her father had suddenly disappeared & even tried to locate him. Was she successful?? Read it for yourself. In spite of the fact that this book is more than 100 years old, it is a very “happening” book. The children have some adventure or the other! A very good balance is struck between conversation and description (sometimes the authoress addresses the reader directly). he book charms its reader with its warmth and appeal A must read for all since the book talks about hope and the fact that nothing lasts forever. So children, what are you waiting for? Go grab the book & get grinding …