The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf (novel #181)

(translated from the Swedish by Velma Swanston Howard)

 

Once there was a boy. He was – let us say – something like fourteen years old; long and loose jointed and towheaded. He wasn’t good for much, that boy. His chief delight was to eat and sleep; and after that – he liked best to make mischief.

 

This children’s book was originally written and published as two: The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, and Further Adventures of Nils. My version, like most today, is combined into one. It’s also a sneaky book, intended to teach Swedish children about Swedish geography, topography, and spelling. But it is disguised as a fanciful story that would appeal to children. 

 

It is set in very early 20th Century Sweden, and is of course, the adventures of Nils – Nils Holgersson. Nils as you can see from the quotation, was a mischievous lad, and a source of sorrow and concern for his parents. His chief form of mischief was tormenting the animals on the family farm. One day while left alone, he captures a magical elf, who eventually turns the tables, and turns Nils into an elf. Tiny elf Nils discovers he can talk to the animals, and learns they are none too anxious to help him. 

 

And then the real adventure begins. One of the tame geese, Morten-Goosey-gander, takes off to follow a flock of wild geese, with Nils on his back. Neither Goosey-gander, nor the wild geese are keen to have Nils along, but he eventually makes himself useful, and they develop a mutual devotion and loyalty. There are many adventures, perils, and comic circumstance along the way, as Nils becomes a kind and compassionate human being. 

 

I think the purpose of Lagerlöf’s writing was a noble effort. I don’t think it would teach much geography, if the children didn’t read it with a map at hand – but perhaps that was the norm. If I were starting over, I’d read it with a map. I can’t say I enjoyed it much, but I wouldn’t expect to. Lagerlöf weaves some Scandinavian folk-legend into the tale that I found interesting, but that was about it. I believe it’s an important work. Glad to have read it, glad to be done.

 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

This book satisfies A Children’s Classic in the Back to the Classics Challenge 2021.

 

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