The Willows in Winter

I loved reading The Wind in the Willows with my kids and was glad I came upon that piece of literature for my own sake that I wouldn't have otherwise. I was concerned a sequel by another author would ruin it. But it lives up to the original and is a joy to read.

Like other reviewers and the author himself, I questioned the wisdom of writing a sequel to a truly great book by another author. I was, therefore, quite pleasantly surprised when I read this book. Is it as good as The Wind In the Willows? No, but how many books are? It was a most enjoyable read for me. I think that it's more of an adult's book and less of a children's book than The Wind In the Willows, but it will be a rewarding read for anybody who enjoyed Grahame's masterpiece.

Horwood has taken on an impossible task - to satisfy new and lifelong WITW fans. Sure, it's not the same as reading Grahame's original creation, but I really miss Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad, and Horwood gives us a peek into what they've been doing lately - and he's done a good job of it. If you miss the River Bankers as I did, you should read this with proper expectations. Plus, Horwood improves upon his own work in his next WITW book, so it's worth the trip to get to there. In summary, it's nice to check in on old friends, but you can't go home again.

This book was a brave attempt by Horwood to follow up Grahame's Classic, the Wind in the Willows. I enjoyed every page of this book to the fullest. All the misadventures of Rat, Mole, Badger, and (of course) Mr. Toad were just as imaginative and humourous as the first book. This time, instead of automobiles, it's flying machines Toad has his eyes set on!! Some readers may not be so inclined to agree *so I give it 4 instead of 5 stars*. I should leave it up to each individual to check into it. I do highly suggest this book, though. A great read!

It is not often that a sequel is as good as - or even better than - the original. William Horwood's The Willows in Winter is one of those rare exceptions. His style and content are true to Kenneth Grahame's original, without being a cheap imitation, and Horwood's book can be read independantly of The Wind in the Willows. The Willows in Winter was a pleasure to read.