The Willows in Winter

by William Horwood

Book Overview

For now, in an act of homage and celebration, William Horwood has brought to life once more the four most-loved characters in English literature: the loyal Mole, the resourceful Water Rat, the stern but wise Badger, and, of course, the exasperating, irresistible Toad. The result is an enchanting, unforgettable new novel, enlivened by delightful illustrations, in which William Horwood has recaptured all the joy, magic, and good humor of Grahame's great...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312148259
• ISBN13: 9780312148256
• Release Date: November 1996
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

As good as the original

I loved reading The Wind in the Willows with my kids and was glad I came upon that piece of literature for my own sake that I wouldn't have otherwise. I was concerned a sequel by another author would ruin it. But it lives up to the original and is a joy to read.

A Pleasant Surprise

Like other reviewers and the author himself, I questioned the wisdom of writing a sequel to a truly great book by another author. I was, therefore, quite pleasantly surprised when I read this book. Is it as good as The Wind In the Willows? No, but how many books are? It was a most enjoyable read for me. I think that it's more of an adult's book and less of a children's book than The Wind In the Willows, but it will be a rewarding read for anybody who enjoyed Grahame's masterpiece.

Not Kenneth Grahame, but Grahame's not writing anymore

Horwood has taken on an impossible task - to satisfy new and lifelong WITW fans. Sure, it's not the same as reading Grahame's original creation, but I really miss Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad, and Horwood gives us a peek into what they've been doing lately - and he's done a good job of it. If you miss the River Bankers as I did, you should read this with proper expectations. Plus, Horwood improves upon his own work in his next WITW book, so it's worth the trip to get to there. In summary, it's nice to check in on old friends, but you can't go home again.

Enjoyable even if you aren't familiar with the original

This book was a brave attempt by Horwood to follow up Grahame's Classic, the Wind in the Willows. I enjoyed every page of this book to the fullest. All the misadventures of Rat, Mole, Badger, and (of course) Mr. Toad were just as imaginative and humourous as the first book. This time, instead of automobiles, it's flying machines Toad has his eyes set on!! Some readers may not be so inclined to agree *so I give it 4 instead of 5 stars*. I should leave it up to each individual to check into it. I do highly suggest this book, though. A great read!

A rarity: a sequel as good as the original

It is not often that a sequel is as good as - or even better than - the original. William Horwood's The Willows in Winter is one of those rare exceptions. His style and content are true to Kenneth Grahame's original, without being a cheap imitation, and Horwood's book can be read independantly of The Wind in the Willows. The Willows in Winter was a pleasure to read.