Tab Article

ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Genre: Children's Classic, Fairy Tale, Fiction

Book Review:
We all know Pinocchio. We know that when he lies, his nose grows. We know he is a puppet who wants to be a real boy. We know the story from the beloved Disney film. But the original Italian novel, Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio, is a much stranger, darker, and more fascinating work. It is a book that will surprise you.

The story begins with a piece of wood. Not just any piece of wood, but a magical one that laughs and cries like a child. It falls into the hands of Master Geppetto, a poor woodcarver who dreams of making a puppet that can dance and do tricks. He carves the wood into a boy he names Pinocchio, and as soon as he finishes, the puppet comes to life and immediately starts causing trouble.

Pinocchio is not a sweet, innocent puppet. He is a rascal. He runs away from home, kills a talking cricket who tries to give him good advice (he smashes it with a hammer!), and is constantly getting into scrapes. He is gullible and easily led astray by villains like the Fox and the Cat, who trick him into burying his gold coins in the Field of Miracles, where they are promptly stolen.

The book is a series of fantastical, often violent adventures. Pinocchio is nearly killed, is hanged by assassins, is turned into a donkey, and is swallowed by a terrifying giant dogfish. It is a far cry from the gentle Disney version.

But Pinocchio is also a story with a heart. Throughout his misadventures, he is watched over by the Blue-Haired Fairy, who tries to guide him toward goodness. His love for his father, Geppetto, is the one constant in his life. And in the end, it is that love that redeems him.

Pinocchio is a book about what it means to be human. It is a story about the struggle between right and wrong, the importance of telling the truth, and the power of love to transform us. It is a moral fable, but it is also a wild, unpredictable, and often hilarious adventure.

This Collins Classics edition is a wonderful way to discover the original Pinocchio. It includes a ''Life & Times'' section that provides insight into the author and his world, and a helpful glossary.

Pinocchio is a book for all ages. It is a classic that deserves to be read and reread. It is a story that will make you laugh, make you think, and remind you of the importance of being good. Highly recommended.