My Robin   By: Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924)

My Robin by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a heartwarming and captivating tale that beautifully captures the essence of love, connection, and the power of nature. Set in a quaint English village, the story revolves around a little girl named Robin, whose deep empathy and pure heart make her feel an intense connection with all creatures, especially the little bird she lovingly names Robin.

The novel showcases the author's incredible talent for creating vivid imagery, as she beautifully describes the idyllic setting and tenderly portrays the relationships between the characters. The reader is transported to a place where they can feel the soft breeze rustling through the trees and smell the fragrant flowers in the garden.

What sets this book apart is its ability to explore complex themes such as loss, hope, and the healing power of nature through the eyes of a young child. Robin's unwavering belief in the magic of the world, even after experiencing heartache, serves as a poignant reminder that there is always beauty and joy to be found, no matter how dark the circumstances may seem.

The character development in this novel is also exceptional. Robin is a truly delightful and relatable protagonist, and her interactions with the other residents of the village are both heartwarming and insightful. From her interactions with her loving and supportive father, to her endearing friendship with the grumpy yet wise old gardener, each relationship adds depth and emotion to the narrative.

While the pacing of the story may be considered slow by some, the deliberate pace allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world that Burnett has created. The descriptions of Robin's exploration of nature are poetic and meditative, offering a respite from the noise and chaos of the modern world.

Overall, My Robin is a touching and enchanting novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Burnett's ability to infuse her story with tenderness, hope, and the beauty of nature is truly remarkable. This book is a delightful reminder of the importance of kindness, connection, and cherishing the small wonders that exist all around us.

First Page:

I did not own the robin he owned me or perhaps we owned each other. He was an English robin and he was a PERSON not a mere bird. An English robin differs greatly from the American one. He is much smaller and quite differently shaped. His body is daintily round and plump, his legs are delicately slender. He is a graceful little patrician with an astonishing allurement of bearing. His eye is large and dark and dewy; he wears a tight little red satin waistcoat on his full round breast and every tilt of his head, every flirt of his wing is instinct with dramatic significance. He is fascinatingly conceited he burns with curiosity he is determined to engage in social relations at almost any cost and his raging jealousy of attention paid to less worthy objects than himself drives him at times to efforts to charm and distract which are irresistible... Continue reading book >>