Heidi by Johanna Spyri

A young girl discovers the joys of living on the alm, in the midst of snow-capped mountains, wide-open spaces and the simple thrills of childhood in Johanna Spyri’s classic children’s novel, Heidi.

Summary of the Book

When Heidi’s parents die, her aunt Dete takes her to her grandfather, a reclusive old man living on the alm. The old man is called Uncle Alm, and the villagers who live by the alm generally fear him. At first, he is averse to the idea of raising Heidi, but she wins him over with her intelligence and good nature. Heidi enjoys her simple life on the alm, makes new friends and plays all day long. She soon forges a bond between her grandfather and the village folk, endearing herself to all of them. However, her aunt Dete returns one day and whisks her away to Stockholm. There she is placed into the care of the Sesemann household, to be the playmate of Klara Sesemann, the invalid daughter of a wealthy family. Heidi finds it difficult to cope with the rules in the household, she steals bread to take back home and refuses to see a point in eating with cutlery. However, she grows close to Klara, sharing stories of the wide open spaces of the alm, a place that Klara's condition prevents her from visiting. Heidi dreams of returning home, but to do so she will have to abandon Klara.

About Johanna Spyri

Johanna Spyri was a Swiss writer best known for her children’s books. The above title is one of the most widely known works of Swiss literature.

The above title was adapted into a hit anime series entitled Heidi, Girl of the Alps by Isao Takahata. It was also adapted into a live action film in 2005 directed by Paul Marcus.