The Railway Children

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View books by E. Nesbit.

Why am I out of step? - Rated
This is, for me, by far the poorest of E. Nesbit's works - and possibly the most currently popular? All her books, of course, are outstanding; it seems that I prefer the more imaginative ones. If you have not done so, miss reading none of them! While her social awareness is never missing, she does recall for us a world which had its flaws ... but in which one longed to have grown up, however mistakenly!

A classic writer's classic book - Rated
Before J.K.Rowling and Roald Dahl, there was E.E.Nesbitt; the most prolific and inventive children's author of all time, even if the inventor of Harry Potter may be close to usurping that title. Even though her books were written a century ago, such was the universal appeal of her themes and the ease with which children could identify with her characters that she has remained in print to this day and the stories are just as good now as they were then.

As with any children's classic - and "The Railway Children" is both a classic and most probably her best book - its appeal lies in a cracking plot, good character development and adult accessibility; parents are as keen to read as their children are to listen. The plot is simple: well-to-do-kids living ideal life in London suddenly have to "play at being poor" in the country after Daddy mysteriously disappears. After a series of adventures, all based around the railway that runs near their house, events coalesce into a satisfying finale.

The story centres on Roberta (Bobbie), the eldest daughter through whose eyes the story is narrated. She is one of my own favourite literature heroines and, as she suffers loss and hardship; and gains friendship and love, I would challenge even the most hard-boiled cynic not to shed the odd tear. The story is not, however, nearly as fluffy as all this may intimate. Like Rowling, Nesbitt loved to include magic and enchantment in her stories (it is, perhaps, ironic that her best tale contains none although it is certainly enchantING). Like Rowling, her stories also tend to have a dark side: many contain, and even hinge around, an absent, idealised father, reflecting the loss of the writer's own parent when she was just six. I've worn my way through two copies already!). Buy dozens! Spread them around your own children, their friends, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, neighbours ... any child who can manage joined-up writing will be enchanted by this story - and so will their parents

A fabulous book to remember forever. - Rated
This is an enchanting book for people who love to read. I read the book in four days for it was so good I couldn't put it down. Adults will love this just as much as children and the good thing is everyone can relate to the children in the book.

A true children's classic. - Rated
This book was first read to me about 18 years when I was at school. The school was next to a working steam railway. This was to have a wonderful affect on the reading of the story. I was totally draw into the story, it's higns and lows. I really liked the charcter Bobbie as I was a similar age. I felt Bobbie's charcter was growing up as I was and beginning to join (but not quite) the adult world. My eldest daughter is now of a similar age and I will be reading this and other children's classics to her. I have found the best thing about having children is I can read my favourites from childhood to them. The joy I get is finding they love books such as The Railway children as much as I do.

this classic has everlasting appeal - Rated
A rollercoaster (well, steam train) ride of adventures and emotions which captivates young and old alike. Most readers will identify with one of three children in the book and the theme of a parent leaving home is perhaps particularly apt in this day and age.

The mystery and the multi-layered plot will keep the pages turning and many will find the book hard to put down until they reach the book's satifying conclusion.

This book meets all the criteria of its status as a classic and you will find yourself nostalgically returning to read this text to future generations.