The Railway Children

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Edith Nesbit: The Railway Children (2010, Penguin Publishing)

E-book

English language

Published Nov. 11, 2010 by Penguin Publishing.

ISBN:
978-0-14-196360-0
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3 stars (1 review)

When Father is taken away unexpectedly, Roberta, Peter, Phyllis and their mother have to leave their comfortable life in London to go and live in a small cottage in the country. The children seek solace in the nearby railway station, and make friends with Perks the Porter and the Station Master himself. Each day, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis run down the field to the railway track and wave at the passing London train, sending their love to Father. Little do they know that the kindly old gentleman passenger who waves back holds the key to their father's disappearance. One of the best-loved classics of all time, with a wonderful introduction by Jacqueline Wilson.

41 editions

reviewed Railway Children (Children's Library) by Edith Nesbit (Parragon Children's Library)

Middle of the (Rail)road Kid Lit

3 stars

This was a cozy-feeling book that was gentle and sweet, and the kids were all likeable, but it didn't get to the next level like Nesbit's Five Children books do. Maybe she just works better when there's magic involved.

Growing up with The Boxcar Children, I figured the kids would be orphans or live at a railyard or something, but they were just somewhat poor (but labor was cheap enough they still had domestic help) and lived near a railroad.

Whenever I think about 20th century Britain, the World Wars play a huge part, so it was interesting to read something written before then.

As many rescues as the kids did, I was surprised that their Dad being released happened basically totally offscreen.

It was funny that Phyllis's main character trait was being a screwup.

It got surprisingly meta at the end, considering the era and audience.