This was a book from my dad’s childhood, which he gave to me a few years ago. Like a lot of books, I just never got around to reviewing it but I revisited it recently, and decided that now was the time to review it.
Hidden beneath the kitchen floor is practically another world, or at least another home, belonging to a family of Borrowers comprised of Pod and Homily Clock and their daughter, Arrietty. They are effectively tiny people and, in their home, matchboxes serve as dressers, and postage stamps as paintings on the walls. While they live a fine life, Arrietty is quite bored, especially since Pod is the only one allowed to venture into the house above, where the “human beans” live, to “borrow” items since the Borrowers seen by humans tend to never to be seen again. However, the family in the house above have a little boy, and Arrietty is desperate for a friend…
This is a nice story and is generally quite sweet. It reads almost like a fairytale, and is just a pleasant read. The characters are nice, I really enjoyed the writing style, and it was quite comforting and fun to read even though it was directed at a younger audience.
I really liked it both when I was younger and now, and would recommend to people, regardless of age. It’s honestly just enjoyable as a quick and nostalgic read. Also, there’s such great conversations like this one.
“…Borrower’s don’t steal.”
“Except from human beings,” said the boy.
Arrietty burst out laughing; she laughed so much that she had to hide her face in the primrose. “Oh dear,” she gasped with tears in her eyes, “you are funny!” She stared upward at his puzzled face. “Human beans are for Borrowers – like bread’s for butter!”