Monday, 28 February 2011

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

I'm in a classics reading mood lately and The Jungle Book had been sitting patiently on my shelf for too long.  Before I get into the actual review I will admit that it was impossible for me to read this without constantly comparing it to the Disney film, which I loved as a child.  The book is completely different, but I couldn't help myself thinking thoughts like "But Kaa is supposed to be the bad guy!".

Synopsis: After escaping from the tiger Shere Khan as a toddler, Mowgli is raised by wolves and must learn all of the laws of the jungle.  Kipling also includes some other stories, such as Rikki Tikki Tavi and White Seal.

Score: 3 out of 5

If I could rate just the story of Mowgli, I would have given this book a 5 out of 5 without a doubt.  Mowgli's story was fast-paced, full of adventure and very well written.  It packed an emotional punch at times, for example when Mowgli is disowned and betrayed by the wolf pack he feels his eyes start to water and Bangheera tells him that now he knows for sure that he is human and not wolf.  Mowgli's inability to fit in fully with either wolves or humans was resonant too, and something that most people can relate to.  Mowgli's tale fits easily into the category of "children's books I wish I had read as a child".

But unfortunately the book doesn't finish with Mowgli.  I wasn't expecting other tales and whilst I enjoyed Rikki Tikki Tavi in particular, none of the other stories had the pace or emotional connectedness that Mowgli's story did.  I find myself reading them just to get finished.  In my opinion the book would have been better if Mowgli's story was expanded and the others simply left out.  But that is just my opinion - I can't fault the writing at all and still appreciate why it is classified as a classic.

Up next on my classics binge - Anna Karenina.  Wish me luck!
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9 comments:

  1. Unknown28 February 2011 at 16:27

    i feel the same way...good luck with anna karenina...i've tried to read that like 14 times... :D and, am pretty close to finishing...i've seen the mini series so...it's hard...:)

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  2. Sam (Tiny Library)28 February 2011 at 16:44

    Stephanie, I'm only about 200 pages in so far but really enjoying it. I knew nothing about it before starting which I think does make it easier.

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  3. Teacher/Learner28 February 2011 at 17:17

    I would have probably had the Disney movie in my head the entire time I read this, too! Anna Karenina is patiently waiting on my TBR shelf. Hope you enjoy it & I'm looking forward to your review :)

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  4. Lesa28 February 2011 at 17:33

    I've read this but only remember the stories of Mowgli and Rikki Tikki Tavi. I spotted this book on my shelf recently and flipped through it thinking: white seal? Now reading your review, I'm thinking those extra tales just weren't memorable.

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  5. anarmchairbythesea28 February 2011 at 18:27

    I really loved Anna Karenina! And I totally know what you mean about reading just to get it finished -the same thing happened to me during my recent Kipling experience! It's very odd as the writing is really very good...

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  6. Playing Librarian1 March 2011 at 00:43

    I've been wanting to read Anna Karenina..I'll wait for your review =)

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  7. Darlyn (Your Move, Dickens)2 March 2011 at 04:10

    Great review. I saw the Disney movie when I was a little, but I've forgotten all about it--which is a good thing, I think, since I intend to read the book this year. :)

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  8. Anupam Karn5 March 2011 at 15:46

    I'll rate jungle book at least 5.
    Anna Karenna is my all time fav. Have u read the other War and Peace?

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  9. Anupam Karn5 March 2011 at 15:48

    5 out of 7

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