The Long Winter is the forth book in (the MOST) fabulous series (EVER) known as the Little House on the Prairie books. This book is perhaps the best of the set - and that is a daring thing to say in a series that is excellent in its entirety. Nevertheless, this is the book of the series that could stand alone (though I don’t see why you would deprive yourself of reading the rest of them).
It shows the life of the Ingall’s family (and that of their community) during a very long and particularly harsh winter. This book will make readers realise the harshness and difficulties that our ancestors survived before civilisation ‘tamed nature’ to the extent that it has today. This book shows what it really means for people to live dependent on nature.
However, what is more interesting are the people of the book. The difficult trials bring out people’s real personalities. We see how each person behaves when they are faced with mortal danger. We see true courage; real human compassion; true sacrifice and love; and at the same time with see pictures of human smallness. It is exciting for the reader to know that these are real historical people and true stories. An amazing book.
There are 7 books in the series proper, and a few other spin-off books, which you will want to read after you have grown to love the family of the original books. These are works of fiction, but they are true stories. They are the result of Laura Ingalls Wilder telling the story of her childhood to her daughter, who then helped her to write the stories down into books. Laura was born into a cabin in a forest in Wisconsin in 1867. When she was very young her family left Wisconsin and travelled across America, trying to settle in what was then wild country and newly acquired lands. Through Laura’s eyes we see the history of North American Settlers. I cannot think of a better way to learn about the life of the early settlers.
The details in the books are incredible. We see everything about their lives and characters, with such truthfulness and awareness that is difficult to find. We live with these people and we experience the world in the most immediate way. The historical value of these books is immense. They are a treasure chest of early American folk history. Additionally, the books have just as much literary value. The stories are told with simplicity and honesty, and they are very much a joy to read. Finally, what makes these books AMAZING is that the characters we meet within them are exceptionally beautiful and interesting.
Laura and her family will capture your imagination and your heart. I cannot recommend this series of books enough. I would read this book aloud to a seven year old. I expect children should be able to read the book themselves from the age of ten onwards.
