Classic 16 of 40: The Little Prince

Why the Little Prince?

I first bought a copy of this book in French, back when I was studying in France. It came sealed with a cassette tape! And I never unsealed it. It must be in my mom's attic at this point. Which means, it's gone unread for ... 15 years. Woops. Such a little book. It's everywhere in France, little references - shops sell postcards with the art and quotes. I'm finally in on it!

Thoughts on the book:

This little book about a little prince and an aviator was lovely. It was short and playful. It made fun of seriousness and adulating in a big way, but also questioned some big life issues: what does it mean to own something? what does it mean to be a ruler or be ruled? what is love? it even seemed to tiptoe into some meaning of life questions. Some big topics for a tiny book with a tiny protagonist.

The plot existed - with a beginning, middle, and end - to be sure, but meandered here and there a long the way.

It's so little - and such a fun ride, I don't really want to give anything away if you haven't read it! I will say this - this is one of those books that you recall as time goes by. As in, "This is just like what happened in The Little Prince" - loss, grief, tyranny. It keeps popping up and feeling relevant to a surprising degree.

I was surprised that the author died so young. I hadn't realized that. Apparently he was a French pilot (travelling to Africa, which makes sense given the book takes place in Africa), and during the war escaped to the US where he wrote this and another book or two. But then went back to fight and went missing in action.

Recommended for:

All ages - parents & school kids might have fun with this together. Anyone else - feeling a little lost in the world and wanting a quick perspective check.




Added note:
A friend recommended that I watch the movie the Little Prince on Netflix - and I definitely recommend it. I don't think you need to read the book first - it references the book and uses it as a jumping off point. The book is reinterpreted into our modern world.