Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates

By: Mary Mapes Dodge

Narrated by: Christine Marshall

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in the Netherlands, the beautiful land of windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes, the story concerns the experiences of the impoverished Brinker family, including the thrilling race for the silver skates. The good deeds of the Brinker children, Hans and Gretel, help to restore their father's health and bring about their own good fortune. Mary Mapes Dodge also included many interesting details about Dutch family life and the history and geography of the country.

Although Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates was published over 140 years ago, it continues to delight countless readers with its story of a virtuous family that inspires us all to have the courage to pursue our dreams.

(P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Lovely story

Not for children only! This book not only tells the story of the Brinker family and all of its challenges. It also takes you on an adventure into the amazing city of Amsterdam. Into its museums and libraries teaching you wonderful facts about the history of the country and city through the eyes of an adventurous boy. Skating the canals of the Dutch city. Emphasizing values such as honesty, hard work, patience, strength of a family. A delightful story!

nice

i enjoyed this.the narrative was very well done.even the foreign language was a bit fun

An Enjoyable Opportunity to Learn

Listen and learn of the remarkable and unique nation, culture, history, and people which is the Netherlands.

Learn and be encouraged by the decency and humanity of the Brinker family and their neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens as the best of them exemplify a higher way to live as families and citizens in society.

This title is well worth the time of persons of all ages.

One of the best stories of all time

My kids and I loved this story! Here’s what we loved: the character development, the rich language, the lessons learned by the characters’ examples, the insights gained about life in a different time and place, the historical background, how so many parts of the story plot were well-woven together, and the overall feeling of goodness we felt as we listened. We will listen to this again and again! This book should be on everyone’s bookshelf!

Magical descriptions of Holland

Engaging descriptions of personalities, child-like sacrifices and endeavors, all entwined in a story of hardships and virtues that in the end come full circle to right the wrongs and redeem the time lost.

Lovely

Such a beautiful story. Truly a “loving book.” I listened with my four boys ages 6-10 and we all loved it. 💗

Silver skates

I always find it so interesting to get a glimpse into what life was like in 1846. You can see what it was then with all the prejudice of the upper class for the poor and working class and yet it is about social reforms and change. The description of life in Holland was a bit tedious but on thinking about it how else can one see historical context.

Very informative

This is an older book, so much more slowly paced. There are a couple of stories, but a lot of history, art and geography. This would be a great book For homeschoolers use for a unit study on Holland.

Classic

This is a timeless classic as it transports you to Holland. Amazing that it was written in the late 1800’s

great story, too much description

great story, but a bit too much description of information about holland,, non essential to story.