My K Author

The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


"First published in 1863, The Water-Babies is one of the most enchanting children's classics of all time. It tells the story of how little Tom, the chimney-sweep, runs away from his bullying employer, Mr. Grimes, falls into a river and is turned into a water-baby, and of his many adventures in the river and sea."
~~front flap

Why in the world did I ever think I wanted to read this book? Generally the books on my wish list are books that someone has recommended, or that I've come across by virtue of liking the author, or perhaps the illustrator, or else by a reference that intrigued me. I cannot for the life of me remember any of those, so I'm at a lost to know why I had this book in my TBR shelf.

The book is quite dated, not just because of the characters, but because of the social caste system inherent in the plot; because of the very thinly disguised strictures on how to be a good little boy, and to know one's place in the world, and to not grumble at one's lot in life. The plot is unbelievable for today's audience, and the "adventures" dull and unappealing.

Unless you're really an aficionado of Victorian children's literature, I wouldn't bother with reading this book.