Customer Reviews

Bambi: A Life in the Woods

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Salten's 1929 children's story bears little resemblance to the famous animated version; no saccharine tale, this little masterpiece presents the story of the value of Life in the forest. In his Foreward to the original novel, British author John Galsworthy praises two elements of BAMBI: the realistic depiction of the challenges facing deer and other woodland creatures, as well as the light-hearted style of dialogue and witty comments on human nature. Translated into English, this literary gem has delighted readers for three generations, truly having earned its classic status.

Born into a large family of deer, Bambi is not yet congnizant that he is the son of a prince. More observant and thougtful than the other fawns, young Bambi learns many harsh lessons about survival against Nature, other animals, and most of all Man--described as the ubiquitous, merciless predator with the pale face, HE. After winning his beloved Faline, Bambi matures over the seasons; but an essential part of his education is provided by his solitary mentor, the old stag. Can Bambi learn enough from him (and other species) to save his family from hated humankind, or will he study merely for his own self-preservation?

Beneath the author's charming tale in which animals act and sound much like the humans they fear, there remains a serious underlying theme: man' wanton destruction of the forest for sport or amusement. Hinting at our moral obligation Salten subtly shames us--and our faithful pets--for blatant disregard or disrespect of nature. Disney's version is fine, but until you have read the original, you don't really Know Bambi. A story of personal growth and a gentle study in compassion, for readers of all ages.

Don't let the cartoons fool you. This book is an excellent afternoon's read. It is lyrical in its descriptions of both the forest and the animal personalities that abound there. You will no doubt find people you know mirrored through these accounts. I was very much touched by chapter 8 - only mature adults will truly appreciate it! The story is honest and thought-provoking. I recommend it to teenagers and adults. I don't really know that it is good for children to read until they are fairly advanced as it introduces death plainly and touchingly.

Most people may not even know about this book as I believe a lot of people think that Bambi was created by Disney. I actually had to read this book in high School and it always made an impression on me. Chapter 8 is especially moving and wonderful. This book is such a hidden gem and I hope more people happen upon it's beautiful storey of life. There are great messages in this novel to teach people of all ages. The fact that is was also written just before WW2 is amazing too. In my opinon it's a timeless classic.

The story is a little sad, but it is very interesting. There are a lot of animals in it, and anyone who likes animals would enjoy reading this book. It takes place in a forest and a meadow. The author uses lots of exotic names of animals such as sedgehens and yellow birds. The main enemy is man and He comes into the story a bit too much. The story is very detailed and does have lots of hard words, but it's worth reading. I liked it much better than the Disney movie.

I liked this book alot, in fact it's one of my favorites. ... It is alot different then the movie, but some parts are quite the same, thought the book is much better. the only thing i didnt like about it was the simplicity. ... This book seems like for kids, but is kinda brutil. shows how nature REALLY is. ...

Those of you who pick up Bambi expecting a disney-like story will be very surprised. Instead of a fairy tale land of flowers and butterflies, you find a much harsher setting where survival of the fittest is often a humbling reality. The sad hardships of Bambi and friends really strike home.

I enjoyed this book mostly because it made me think, and although it was depressing, a book that evokes no emotion in the reader is not my idea of a great book.

I first read Bambi 30 years ago and was lucky enough to find a 1929 copy that I will hold dear to my heart forever. The author takes you deep into the forest where you become one of the animals. You can feel the cold and smell the fear among them when the two-legged animal called "Man" arrives. It allows readers to immerse themselves in the world, seeing it from an animal's point of view.

It's a great book to share with kids and a valuable learning experience about the ways of nature. At times it is cruel and very true to life. It teaches respect for our elders, and love of family. We stand back and watch Bambi grow stronger until he has a sense of wisdom that only experience can bring. This is truly a book to share with your kids. It is so much more than a Disney cartoon.

The only reason I read Bambi by Felix Salten was because I thought the Disney movie was kind of "cute."

THE BOOK IS SOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER.

This isn't exactly what you would call a children's book. Salten has written what some would almost call a satire about survival in the woods and the dangers of manpower. This book (along with Salten's other book, Fifteen Rabbits) has been the only book that has moved me to tears. This is a must-read for ANYONE. You won't be able to put it down. But, beware, there are some pretty moving and powerful scenes in this story, so have some kleenexes ready! (In the end, EVERY major character, including Faline, his father, etc., is killed except for Bambi and his two young children.)

P.S.--If you liked this book, be sure to go out and read Salten's other book about forest life, except this time from a rabbit's point of view: Fifteen Rabbits. You'll love it!

Bambi has everything: lessons in the trials and obsticles of growing up, humanity, humor, adventure, and love, among many others. I read Bambi when I was about 10, and it made a great impact upon my outlook on life as a child. It is so poetic and simple but it cuts deep, and it's a hard book to forget. Now that I'm in college, I made my boyfriend read it, and he said it was one of the best children's lit. books he's ever read! It is extremely effective in all aspects. Don't forget to read Bambi's Children by the same author!!

Salten's tale of animal lives and survival in the woods can touch many people.The tale of Bambi's maturity from fawn to stag parallels many other stories of growing up and realization.Bambi is one of Felix Salten's first and best animal stories, showing how similar humans and animals really are.