Bibliographic data
Holub, Josef. The Robber and Me. New York: Henry Holt And Co. (Byr), 1997. ISBN 0805055991
Brief plot summary
A young orphan, Boniface Schroll is abandoned in the forest close to a German village, Graab. A man in a big black hat rescues him and takes Boniface to his uncle’s house. Boniface faces many challenges as he tries to adjust to a new family, new schoolmaster, and a new life. Boniface finds out that the mysterious man that saved him in the forest is the supposed dangerous robber in the village. Boniface befriends a boy in his school, only to find out that it’s the robber’s son. Boniface’s uncle urges him not to be friends with the robber’s son. This torments Boniface and he struggles to live a happy life in this new village without befriending the robber’s son.
Critical analysis
This German to English translation is a well-written book for children. Children reading this book will definitely pick up on the Christian theme throughout this book, which is always an issue in Germany.
Since a few of the terms are in German, Holub provides the reader with a glossary with 18 terms in the back of the novel. Like in Ellis’ The Breadwinner, this helps readers figure out what is meant by certain terms. This is a great positive attribute to this novel. The word “Exakt” is used quite often throughout the books. This word is defined as meaning “precisel,” and “absolutely.” Of course readers can derive that from the term, but with its odd spelling and being used so often in the novel, it is a good idea to add this word to the glossary.
Besides the language and the far away village theme, I found it was difficult to notice the Germanic culture in this novel. It seems like this novel could be set anywhere. It is a well-written novel, but for this to introduce a young reader to the German culture, I feel that it needs more of that written in the novel.
The translator’s note towards the end of the novel helps to highlight some of the issues within this book. Holub relates to the readers that there are many rulers, which was true for Germany in the 19th century. This is an interesting book, a quick read, and held on to my attention throughout the novel. The only drawback is that there needs to be more Germanic culture sprinkled throughout the novel.
Review excerpt
Kirkus Reviews
It's hard to ask for more than this: an old-fashioned story that starts with an orphan, includes a mystery, and ends happily. This is a sophisticated read, for those who like to escape to times past and lands far away, with a translator's note to provide context.
School Library Journal
Boniface, an orphan, is sent to live with his uncle, the mayor of a small German village. On the way, he is left to fend for himself in the middle of the forest and is rescued by a mysterious stranger.... Full of humor and good spirit... Crawford’s translation ... invites reading aloud, especially with a twinkle in one’s eye.
Connections
The 1998 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Book.
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year1998 ALA Notable Children's Book
Holub, Josef. The Robber and Me. New York: Henry Holt And Co. (Byr), 1997. ISBN 0805055991
Brief plot summary
A young orphan, Boniface Schroll is abandoned in the forest close to a German village, Graab. A man in a big black hat rescues him and takes Boniface to his uncle’s house. Boniface faces many challenges as he tries to adjust to a new family, new schoolmaster, and a new life. Boniface finds out that the mysterious man that saved him in the forest is the supposed dangerous robber in the village. Boniface befriends a boy in his school, only to find out that it’s the robber’s son. Boniface’s uncle urges him not to be friends with the robber’s son. This torments Boniface and he struggles to live a happy life in this new village without befriending the robber’s son.
Critical analysis
This German to English translation is a well-written book for children. Children reading this book will definitely pick up on the Christian theme throughout this book, which is always an issue in Germany.
Since a few of the terms are in German, Holub provides the reader with a glossary with 18 terms in the back of the novel. Like in Ellis’ The Breadwinner, this helps readers figure out what is meant by certain terms. This is a great positive attribute to this novel. The word “Exakt” is used quite often throughout the books. This word is defined as meaning “precisel,” and “absolutely.” Of course readers can derive that from the term, but with its odd spelling and being used so often in the novel, it is a good idea to add this word to the glossary.
Besides the language and the far away village theme, I found it was difficult to notice the Germanic culture in this novel. It seems like this novel could be set anywhere. It is a well-written novel, but for this to introduce a young reader to the German culture, I feel that it needs more of that written in the novel.
The translator’s note towards the end of the novel helps to highlight some of the issues within this book. Holub relates to the readers that there are many rulers, which was true for Germany in the 19th century. This is an interesting book, a quick read, and held on to my attention throughout the novel. The only drawback is that there needs to be more Germanic culture sprinkled throughout the novel.
Review excerpt
Kirkus Reviews
It's hard to ask for more than this: an old-fashioned story that starts with an orphan, includes a mystery, and ends happily. This is a sophisticated read, for those who like to escape to times past and lands far away, with a translator's note to provide context.
School Library Journal
Boniface, an orphan, is sent to live with his uncle, the mayor of a small German village. On the way, he is left to fend for himself in the middle of the forest and is rescued by a mysterious stranger.... Full of humor and good spirit... Crawford’s translation ... invites reading aloud, especially with a twinkle in one’s eye.
Connections
The 1998 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Book.
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year1998 ALA Notable Children's Book
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