#AtoZChallenge : H is for Heidi

Here is another battered book from my childhood, Heidi.

Published in 1881 by Swiss author Johanna Spyri, it was originally written in German in two parts. Heidi was an orphan being brought up by her Aunt Dete but when she was five, her aunt decided to take her to live with her grandfather in the Alps. Called the “Alm-Uncle by the villagers at the bottom of the mountain, he was used to living alone. Gradually her enthusiasm and kind nature soften his harsh exterior. Once again, this theme of the wisdom of an innocent child brings joy to an embittered adult. Heidi also befriends Peter, a young goatherd and his family. She is living happily in the stunning countryside environment until her Aunt Dete arrives to take her to be a companion to a rich invalid girl in Frankfurt. Although fond of the invalid Clara, Heidi is bitterly homesick and finally is able to return to her home in the mountains where she has more adventures.

This is a classic book which I am sure many of you will have read.