Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge is a classic I’ve known about since childhood. I vaguely remember seeing a movie adaptation long ago, but until now, I had never read the book. When I noticed the audiobook in my Audible library was about to leave the catalog at the end of the month, I decided it was the perfect time to listen to it while wrapping Christmas presents.
The story is compelling and rich with Dutch culture, transporting readers to a vivid and beautiful Holland. Mary Mapes Dodge writes in a style that feels familiar to Louisa May Alcott, speaking to children as friends and inviting them to explore the lives of people in faraway places. The family life depicted in the book is wholesome and idyllic, just like Alcott’s books, and the morals woven into the story are timeless and inspiring.
The language is beautifully crafted, and the pacing mirrors the rhythm of the characters skating down the canals—slow and steady, with lovely sights along the way. As the plot unfolds, the reader is immersed not only in the lives of the characters but also in Dutch history and geography. While this is delightful in many ways, it can also feel overwhelming, as the story sometimes reads like a history or geography lesson.
One of the challenges of the book is its large cast of characters. It takes time to get to know each one, and keeping them straight can be difficult, especially on a first reading. Like Alcott’s Eight Cousins, the story feels sprawling, though here the slower pace makes it harder to connect with everyone. I imagine the book would be even more enjoyable on subsequent readings when the characters feel more familiar.
Despite these challenges, Hans Brinker is a rewarding read for those who love classic literature and are willing to invest time and attention. Its depiction of Dutch life, its rich language, and its moral clarity make it a treasure. Readers who enjoy this book might also appreciate The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum or When the Dikes Broke by Alta Halverson Seymour—both shorter works with similar themes and settings.
Ultimately, Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates is a story of beauty, culture, and hope, perfect for readers with the patience to savor its slow, methodical journey. If you are looking for an excellent and faithful reprint, check out Living Book Press.