The book "Heidi" was written more than 100 years ago, but children today can still easily feel the full meaning in it.
In October, the Vietnamese Women's Publishing House released Heidi - the most famous book by Swiss children's literature writer Johanna Spyri (1827 - 1901).
The story is about an orphan girl who comes to live with her grandfather in the vast Alps. Everyone feels sorry for Heidi when she has to live with that eccentric and grumpy old man. But with her innocent look and full of kindness, she changes the sad things in the lives of many people.
Against the backdrop of authentic and fresh Swiss natural scenery, Johanna Spyri weaves small stories about love, sharing, freedom and prejudice.
Many countries around the world have translated Heidi (there are 13 different versions in English alone, from 1882 to 1959). The book has also been adapted into films, plays, video games...
Based on the number of copies sold, Heidi ranks among the best-selling books of all time.
Cover of the book "Heidi" (Photo: Vietnamese Women Publishing House).
The work opens with the image of a very active, freedom-loving little girl, Heidi: "Then Heidi suddenly sat down, took off her boots and stockings. She took off her thick red scarf, then unbuttoned her most beautiful dress.
[…] She took off both her dresses and stood there in her petticoat, waving her arms in the air with delight. Then she folded her clothes into a neat pile and ran off to join Peter and the goats."
This action evokes the desire to shed "burdens" - only then can people freely pursue joy and happiness.
Readers will be impressed with the scene where Aunt Detie scolds Heidi: "Heidi, what the hell are you doing? Look at your appearance! What have you done with the dresses? Where is the scarf? And what about the new boots I bought you to wear here, and the socks I knitted for you?".
However, the girl calmly replied: "I don't need them."
Aunt Detie returned Heidi to her grandfather, the mysterious and difficult Alp. With her mind and soul unstuck, Heidi freely got to know her grandfather after many years of separation, quickly explored the new living environment, and even enthusiastically helped him prepare dinner.
On the very first night Heidi slept on the mountain, the image of the lovely, peaceful girl like an angel suddenly watered Alp's seemingly dry mind.
Life in the mountains is difficult in many ways, but Heidi has never considered it as a lack or harshness. She always looks for the available, natural things that, to her, are truly full and fresh.
Heidi not only experiences but also integrates, makes friends, and creates many bonds - with landscapes, animals, and people.
When giving pure, unlimited love, Heidi makes everything and everyone in the highlands cling to her, from which everyone also has a warm connection with each other.
"Heidi" was adapted into a film in 1937 (Photo: Mountain History Museum).
When deciding to translate Heidi, translator Nguyen Bich Lan wanted to find gifts in children.
The book is not just "for children", but on the contrary, the little girl Heidi herself has given us many valuable gifts: a clear, unprejudiced perspective; enthusiasm and determination when starting to do everything; honesty and especially trust - kindness.
"Every word and action of the little girl contains joyful energy, the ability to soothe, and can heal not only her peers, but also adults, the elderly, both successful and failed people," said translator Nguyen Bich Lan.
"Thanks to Heidi, we realize that if we want to make friends, we must first be a friend. The book was written more than 100 years ago, but children today can still easily feel the full meaning in it," commented The Guardian.
Phuong Hoa (according to dantri.com.vn)
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