Railway Children by Edith Nesbit
A thrilling spy story, a children's adventure, a charming portrait of early twentieth century life in London and the countryside and a heart warming family tale are all combined in this classic of children's literature The Railway Children by E Nesbit.
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A thrilling spy story, a children's adventure, a charming portrait
of early twentieth century life in London and the countryside and a
heart warming family tale are all combined in this classic of
children's literature The Railway Children by E Nesbit. The book
has remained on the list of the best-loved children's books ever
since it was first published as a serial story in The London
Magazine in 1905. Later, it was published in book form and won
acclaim from critics and readers across the world for its wonderful
elements of character and plot. Edith Nesbit the author published
more than sixty books during her long and illustrious career as a
children's writer. She was considered to be the first modern
children's writer and departed from the hitherto focus on fantasy
and fairytale type of themes that were considered suitable for
children. Apart from writing for children, she wrote several novels
for adults. She also dabbled in poetry, horror fiction and
collaborations with other writers. Her works include another famous
book, The Secret Garden which also explores the childhood landscape
and influenced generations of children's writers. She was also a
political activist and laid the foundations for the present Labor
Party in England. Her dominant themes were children in real life
settings, contemporary events, children's encounters with the
mysterious and often nefarious activities of grown-ups, a deep
psychological insight into the mind of a child and the enduring
love of nature, family relationships and the simple pleasures of
countryside life. The story opens with the description of three
little Londoners who enjoy an ordinary, peaceful life in the city
with visits to the Zoo and Madame Tussauds. They have a charming,
well-appointed home and loving parents. Things take a sudden turn
for the worst when Father suddenly leaves after receiving
mysterious “bad news.” Mother decides equally suddenly to move with
the children to the country-side and here begins their adventure
with the railways. They befriend a strange Old Gentleman who
invariably travels on the 9.15 train from near their home and get
drawn into bizarre and dangerous events. Said to be based on
contemporary events such as the Dreyfus Affair, Russian dissidents
who were fighting the Tsarist regime and the circumstances leading
up to World War I, The Railway Children though ostensibly written
for children certainly appeals to readers of all ages. It has been
adapted extensively for radio, stage, television and screen and has
retained its freshness and thrill over the hundred plus years since
it first made its debut.
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