For the curious reader who loves fairy tales and wonders about the fascinating lives of the brothers who collected them, this book delves into their world.
A parent might reach for this book when their fairy-tale-loving child begins asking deeper questions about where stories come from. This compelling biography introduces readers to the real lives of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. It goes beyond the 'once upon a time' to explore the historical and political turmoil of 19th-century Germany that fueled their passion for collecting and preserving their nation's folklore. The book highlights themes of family loyalty, perseverance through hardship, and the immense power of stories. Perfect for curious readers aged 9-14, this book beautifully connects beloved tales to the real people and historical events that shaped them, making it a great choice for kids interested in history, writing, or the backstory of their favorite myths.
The book addresses historical hardship, including poverty, political unrest, and war (the Napoleonic Wars). The death of the brothers' father and its impact on the family is a key event. These topics are handled directly and factually as part of the historical record. The overall tone is not emotionally overwrought but rather scholarly and informative. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on the brothers' incredible success and enduring legacy despite the many obstacles they faced.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a curious 10-13-year-old who already has a love for fairy tales or mythology and is ready for a more challenging, text-heavy nonfiction book. They are likely asking 'why' and 'how' questions about the stories they read. This is also an excellent choice for a student researching European history, literature, or needing a well-written biography for a school project.
Parent Prep
No significant prep is required as the book provides excellent context. However, a parent could enhance the experience by being prepared to discuss the concepts of nationalism, folklore, and primary sources. Previewing a chapter on the political situation in 19th-century Germany might be helpful for guiding conversations with a younger reader in the age range. A parent notices their child checking out the same book of fairy tales for the third time and asking, "Who decided that Cinderella's slipper should be made of glass?" or "Are these stories real?" The child is showing an interest in the origins and history behind the fiction they love.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-11) will likely focus on the biographical details and the fascinating process of story collection. They will connect with the brothers' relationship and the 'behind the scenes' feel. An older reader (12-14) will be better equipped to appreciate the complex interplay between the Grimms' work and the broader historical forces, such as the rise of German romantic nationalism and the academic field of linguistics.
What Makes It Special
Unlike simple retellings of their tales or basic biographies, this book excels at contextualization. It masterfully links the Grimms' personal lives and academic work to the sweeping political and social changes of their time. The integration of archival prints and photographs provides a strong sense of authenticity and place, making it a more thorough and scholarly option for middle graders than most alternatives.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction work details the lives of brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. It traces their journey from a comfortable childhood to facing poverty after their father's death, their university education, and their lifelong, collaborative career. The narrative focuses on their pioneering work in linguistics and philology, which led to their famous project: collecting and publishing German folktales (Märchen). Hettinga places their work firmly in its historical context, explaining how the Napoleonic occupation of German states fueled a desire for national and cultural identity, a desire the Grimms' collection helped to satisfy. The book covers their methods, the evolution of the tales through various editions, and their lasting impact on literature and culture, all supported by archival illustrations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Grimm brothers started their collection when France ruled their land. How do you think this political situation influenced their desire to save German stories?
2
The brothers often changed the stories they collected to make them more 'appropriate' for children. Do you think it's okay to change a folktale, or should it be preserved exactly as it was first told? Why?
3
Jacob and Wilhelm worked together their whole lives. What strengths did each brother bring to their partnership? How did their collaboration make their work better than if one had done it alone?
4
The book's subtitle is 'Two Lives, One Legacy'. What do you think their single most important legacy is: the fairy tales themselves, their work with language, or something else?
