very short rec

[blamebrampton]

I have been re-reading Moomin books lately. mostly because I have forgotten almost everything that happened, and so they are all fresh and new! (Whether this is a side-effect of losing a big slab of my memory to a taxi, or being Middle Aged, I'm not wholly sure.) Surprisingly, a lot of people in RL have said to me, 'Moomins? Never heard of them. Any good?'

To which I reply: 'Heathen! And Brilliant!'

It's almost impossible to explain the strange charm of the Moomins, but these lines from Moonimsummer Madness sum it up for me. Snufkin has been out travelling the world and come across Little My (who is thumb-sized and who was swept away from her sister by a wave), who has decided to travel in his pocket. A little while later, they find themselves taking care of 24 woodland children ...

"It's raining," said a small woody.

"I'm hungry," said another.

Snufkin looked helplessly at Little My.

"Scare them with the Groke!" she suggested. "That's what my sister used to do."

"Does it make you a good girl?" asked Snufkin.

"Of course not!" said Little My and laughed so she toppled over.

What child (or short adult) could fail to be utterly charmed by that?

The books come with fabulous little ink illustrations, and the stories are always positive, no matter how many strange or dreadful things, such as Grokes and Park Rangers, might appear. There are new editions out at the moment, which are cheap and easily found. If they weren't a staple of your childhood, I do recommend making them a part of your adulthood ;-)

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

I actually think that much like with Winnie the Pooh these might be more enjoyable for adults. At least in my case I hadn't loved either as a child, unlike now.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

I need to re-read Milne. Later this year, I think. I did love Moomins, but have forgotten so much. Nothing like two tonnes of metal to the frontal lobes to make every day a brand new adventure ;-)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

If it didn't sound crude, crass and insensitive, I'd tell you that from about primary school on I often wished for a lobotomy. OTOH it's normal to wish to be able to reread or rewatch favourites "for the first time" again, so I can say that instead. As I stare out into the rainy darkness, finally dressed but not wanting to go out there.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

Yeah, everyone has memories they'd like to get rid of. But let me tell you, there is nothing more disconcerting than sitting at a dinner party and becoming slowly aware from the conversation of others that you have had flings with about half the people there none of which you can recollect.

And don't go outside today, you may never get back in.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

*tries and fails not to laugh* hm maybe with most you were glad you can't recollect it? *g* I can't imagine that since I have had no life, I couldn't even break my finger properly.

Gahd it was awful. AWFUL. So cold and dark and wet and slippery and dirty and what a horrible area though they would actually have omg trees. But I didn't even buy halfprize tea bags out of fear someone put something in them in a big chain store, it was that bad. Although now I wonder why you warned me, polar opposite in hot country.