Bambi, a Life in the Woods

By Felix Salten and Fauun

Bambi: A Life in the Woods" by Felix Salten is a poignant and timeless coming-of-age novel that delves into the life of a young deer named Bambi. Set in the serene and enchanting woods, the story unfolds through Bambi's eyes, capturing the essence of nature's beauty and brutality. The narrative skillfully navigates the delicate balan

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fauun
• Release date: Jan 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9780645611120

Felix Salten

Felix Salten (1869–1945) was an Austrian author and critic in Vienna. His most famous work is Bambi.

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Felix Salten, born in Budapest, Hungary, on September 6, 1869, was the prolific Austrian author behind the timeless classic Bambi, A Life in the Woods. Salten's diverse career included journalism, playwriting, and serving as a literary critic. However, his enchanting tale of a young deer's coming-of-age in the forest garnered international acclaim. First published in 1923 and then translated to English in 1928, Bambi captivated readers with its poignant exploration of nature, friendship, and the circle of life. Salten's compelling narrative transcended generations, and his work later inspired the beloved Disney animated adaptation. Salten's legacy endures as a master storyteller and a champion of the natural world. He passed away on October 8, 1945, leaving behind a literary masterpiece that resonates with readers worldwide.

Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten This original English translation was first published in 1928.

Published by Fauun, PO Box 678, Mermaid Beach, Queensland 4218 Australia

Copyright © Fauun, 2024

First published by Fauun in Australia 2024

ISBN 9780645611106 (Paperback)

ISBN 9780645611120 (E-Book)


Typeset in Cormorant Garamond Cover image from Shutterstock

A Timeless Tale of Nature and Renewed Literary Legacy

Felix Salten's classic work, Bambi, a Life in the Woods, is an enduring testament to our mission of keeping literature alive for generations to come. Through its beautifully crafted narrative and a deep connection with the natural world, the book transcends time and space, imparting lessons that resonate across generations.

Salten's Bambi is a literary masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together the beauty of nature and the complexities of life. As we follow the journey of the young deer through the changing seasons, the book becomes a poignant metaphor for the cycles of life, offering readers a profound and universal connection to the world around them. By delving into the intricacies of the animal kingdom, Salten sparks an appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the importance of coexistence. This message remains relevant and resonant through the ages.

From cover to layout, our carefully designed edition enhances the reader's experience, creating a tactile journey that complements the narrative depth. In an era dominated by digital media, the tactile and aesthetic qualities of a book like Bambi become a crucial aspect of maintaining the allure of printed literature.

As we invite new generations to discover and cherish literary classics, Salten's work becomes a beacon guiding publishers and readers alike, encouraging them to uphold the tradition of creating books that embody a commitment to craftsmanship and the enduring magic of literature. In doing so, Bambi inspires a collective responsibility to keep literature alive and thriving, ensuring that classic tales enchant readers for generations to come.

Bambi

A Life in the Woods

Felix Salten

CHAPTER 1

It was in a space in a thicket that he came into the world, in one of those little, hidden places in the wood which seem to be open on every side but which in fact are completely surrounded by foliage. That is why there was so little room there, but just enough for him and his mother.

He stood up, he staggered on his thin legs as he wondered what was happening, looked out with eyes which were dull, wondered what was happening but saw nothing, dropped his head, shuddered severely, and was quite numb.

What a beautiful child! declared the magpie.

She had rushed to the place, drawn by the breathy groans she heard forced from Bambi’s mother by her pain. Now the magpie sat on a branch nearby. What a beautiful child! she exclaimed again. No-one answered her and she continued speaking excitedly. And he can already stand up and walk. That’s amazing! That’s so interesting! I’ve never seen anything like it in me life. Well, I’m still young of course, it’s only a year since I left the nest, but I expect you know that. But I think it’s wonderful. A child like this ... he’s only been born a second and he can already stand. I think it’s very noble of him. And most of all, I find that everything done by you deer is very noble. Can he already run too?

Of course, answered Bambi’s mother gently. But you’ll have to excuse me, I’m not really in a good condition to chat with you. There’s a lot that I’ve got to do ... and besides, I’m feeling quite tired.

Oh, don’t let me disturb you, said the magpie, I’m in a bit of a rush today, too! But it’s not every day that you see something like this. I ask you, think of how awkward it is for us in these things, and how much hard work! The children just can’t do anything when they first hatch from the egg, they just lie there in the nest quite helpless, and need to be looked after, they always need to be looked after I tell you, I’m sure you’ve got no idea what it’s like. It’s so much hard work just to keep ‘em fed, and they need to be protected, it’s so worrying! I ask you, just think how strenuous all that is, getting food for the children and having to watch over them at the same time so that nothing happens to ‘em; if you’re not there they can do nothing for themselves. Am I not right? And you have to wait so long before they start to move, so long before they get their first feathers and start to look a bit decent!

Please forgive me, Bambi’s mother said, I wasn’t really listening.

The magpie flew away. Stupid person, she thought to herself, noble, but stupid!

Bambi’s mother barely noticed, and continued vigorously washing her newborn. She washed it with her tongue and so performed several tasks at once, care for his body, a warming massage and a display of her affection.

The little one staggered a little under the weight of the stroking and pushing that gently touched him all over but he remained still. His red coat, which was still a little unkempt, had a sprinkling of white on it, his face, that of a child, still looked uncomprehending, almost as if he were in a deep sleep.

All around them grew hazel bushes, dogwoods, blackthorn bushes and young elder trees. Lofty maples, beech trees and oaks created a green roof over the thicket and from the firm, dark brown ground there sprouted ferns and wild peas and sage. Down close to the ground were the leaves, close together, of violets which were already in bloom and the leaves of strawberries which were just beginning to bloom. The light of the morning sun pierced its way through the thick foliage like a web of gold. The whole forest was alive with the sounds of countless voices which pierced through the trees with an air of gay excitement. The golden oriole performed a ceaseless song of joy, the doves never stopped cooing, the blackbirds whistled, the finches flapped their wings, the tits chirruped. The quarrelsome screech of the jay penetrated through all this, and the joking laughter of the blue magpie, the bursting, metallic cook-cook of the pheasants. From time to time the harsh short celebrations of a woodpecker would pierce through all the other voices. The shrill, bright call of a falcon would penetrate across the forest canopy and the choir of crows never stopped ringing out their raucous call.

The little one understood not a one of these many songs and calls, not a word of their conversations. He was still too young to listen to them. He also paid no attention to any of the many smells that the forest breathed. He heard only the gentle rustling that ran over his coat as it was washed, warmed and kissed, and he smelt only the body of his mother, close by. He nuzzled close to this body with the lovely smell, and hungrily he searched around it and found the source of life.

As he drank his mother continued to pet him. Bambi, she whispered.

Every few moments she would lift her head, listen, and draw the wind in.

Then she kissed her child again, reassured and happy. Bambi, she repeated, my little Bambi.

CHAPTER 2

Now, in the early summer, the trees stood still under the blue sky, they held their arms out wide and received the power of the sun as it streamed down on them. The bushes in the thicket were coming into bloom with stars of white or red or yellow. On many of them the buds of fruit were beginning to be seen again, countless many of them were sitting on the fine tips of the branches, tender and firm and resolute they looked like little clenched fists. The colourful stars of many different flowers came up out of the ground so that the earth, in the subdued light of the forest, was a spray of silent but vigorous and gay colours. Everywhere there was the smell of the fresh foliage, of flowers, of the soil and of green wood. When morning broke, and when the sun went down, the whole wood was alive with a thousand voices, and all day from morning to evening the bees sang, the wasps buzzed, and the bumble-bees buzzed even louder through the fragrant stillness.

That is what the days were like when Bambi experienced his earliest childhood.

He followed his mother onto a narrow strip that led between the bushes. It was so pleasant to walk here! The dense foliage stroked his sides gently, and bent slightly to the side. Everywhere you looked the path seemed to be blocked and locked, but it was possible to go forward in the greatest comfort. There were routes like this in the woods, they formed a network going all through the forest. Bambi’s mother knew them all, and whenever he stood in front of what seemed to him like an impenetrable green wall she would immediately seek out the place where the path began.

Bambi asked her questions. He was very fond of asking his mother questions. For him, it was the nicest thing in the world to keep asking her questions and to listen to whatever answer she gave. Bambi was not at all surprised that he always thought of one question after another to ask her. It seemed entirely natural to him; it was such a delight for him. It was also a delight to wait, curious, until the answer came, and whatever the answer was he was always satisfied with it. There were times, of course, when he did not understand the answer he was given but that was nice too because he could always ask more questions whenever he wanted to. Sometimes he stopped asking questions and that was nice too because then he was busy trying to understand what he had been told and would work it out in his own way. He often felt certain that his mother had not given him a complete answer, that she deliberately avoided saying everything she knew. And that was very nice, as it left behind a certain kind of curiosity still in him, a feeling of something mysterious and pleasing that ran through him, an expectation that made him uneasy but cheerful.

Now he asked, Who owns this path, mother?

His mother answered, We do.

Bambi continued asking. You and me?

Yes.

Both of us?

Yes.

Just you and me?

No, said his mother, we deer own it ...

What’s a deer? asked Bambi with a laugh.

His mother looked at him and laughed too. You’re a deer, and I’m a deer. That’s what deer are. Do you understand now?

Bambi jumped into the air with laughter. Yes, I understand. I’m a little deer and you’re a big deer. That’s right, isn’t it.

His mother nodded. There, you see now.

Bambi became serious again. Are we the only ones, or are there other deer?

Certainly, said his mother. There are lots of them.

Where are they? Bambi exclaimed.

They’re here, they’re all around us.

But ... I can’t see them.

You’ll see them soon enough.

When? Bambi’s curiosity was so strong that he stopped walking."

Soon. His mother walked calmly on.

Bambi followed her. He said nothing, for he was trying to work out what she could have meant by soon. He reached the conclusion that soon was certainly not the same as very soon. But he was not able to decide when it was that this soon would stop being soon and start to be a long time yet. Suddenly he asked, Who was it who made this path?

We did, his mother replied.

Bambi was astonished. We did? You and me?

His mother said, Well, yes, ... we deer made it.

What deer? Bambi asked.

All of us, was his mother’s curt reply.

They walked on. Bambi had had enough of it and wanted to jump off away from the path, but he was a good child and stayed with his mother. Ahead of them there was a rustling noise, coming from somewhere close to the ground. There was something moving vigorously, something concealed under the ferns and wild lettuce. A little voice, as thin as a thread, let out a pitiful whistle, and then it was quiet. Only the leaves and the blades of grass quivered to show where it was that something had happened. A polecat had caught a mouse. Then he dashed past them, crouched down to one side and set to on his meal.

What was that? asked Bambi excitedly.

Nothing, his mother reassured him.

But... Bambi stuttered, but ... I saw it.

Well, yes, his mother said, but don’t be frightened. A polecat killed a mouse.

But Bambi was terribly frightened. His heart was squeezed within a great, but unfamiliar, horror. It was a long time before he could speak again. Then he asked, Why did he kill the mouse?

Because ... His mother hesitated. Then she said, "Let’s go a bit faster, shall

Reviews for Bambi, a Life in the Woods

[jazz1987-395186 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very well written children's novel. Bambi, A Life in the Woods by Felix Salten makes you think about how everything in the world, by nature, isn't claimed by one being (from humans, to other animals, even to plant life). Very, different from Walt Disney's animated film but just as charming. Reading the book you'll come to the realization that Disney cannot be blamed for the death of Bambi's mother because it was Salten who cam up with the idea. Gobo, Bambi's male cousin, was also an interesting character because that's when you see there is no good or evil in "He" (the name called for humans in the book). My favorite chapter, however, was one where two leaves are having a conversation amongst themselves wondering what happens when they fall off the tree. Overall, I recommend it to anyone who likes books on nature.

[liscarey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a new translation of the 1923 novel Bambi, on which the Disney movie was based. Or, more accurately, the movie was based on the 1928 English translation, but Whittaker Chambers. Yes, that Whittaker Chambers, if you recognize the name. If you do, you're most likely a Boomer like me. If you don't, that bit of weird background would probably not be that interesting to you.What's more relevant is that Felix Salten didn't write a sweet children's story about a deer born in the forest, making friends with all sorts of other forest animals, and growing up to live happily ever after with Faline. It's a darker story, and in part an allegory of the dangers of life for minorities in Europe, particularly the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where Salten, a secular Jew, tried very hard to assimilate and be accepted. In the book, the deer, birds, foxes, hares, and other animals, are trying to peacefully live their lives. Predation happens, but it's always shown as both shocking, and something those not directly involved should stay out of the way of. I don't think this is the strongest aspect of Salten's book, but I don't recall that the movie acknowledges this aspect of forest life at all.The great danger is He, Man, with the ability to kill at a distance, and hounds--animals who have betrayed their fellow animals--to help Him find and track them. Some of the most pleasant places in the forest, such as the meadow, are also places of great danger, because the animals are more visible there. Bambi's mother teaches him about the dangers and the need to take care, but the Great Prince of the Forest, who may be Bambi's father (the book never says so directly), goes further. He teaches Bambi many useful skills, but also that he must learn to live alone--truly alone.Bambi and Faline do fall in love, and do mate, but this doesn't become the film's happily ever after. That's not how deer live. Missing from the book are some of the film's most popular characters, such as Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk. Missing from the movie is Faline's brother, Gobo, whose story is one of great lessons of the dangers of Man. It's differences like this that make Salten's original story so much darker. As a child, I had a copy of the 1928 translation by Whittaker Chambers, and read and reread it till it fell apart. Chambers had done his own toning down, mostly of the political allegory, with more emphasis on the animal rights message--which I should note was also important to Salten. Even as a young child, I noticed the differences between book and movie, although the movie of course was a delight, and quite intentionally more fun. As an adult, my memories have been a bit of a mishmash of the two, such as "remembering" Gobo as part of the movie, which he wasn't. Now, it's fascinating to read a better translation of the original, as well as getting more background on the story, the author, and the circumstances in which he wrote it.Recommended. I bought this audiobook. And the ebook, too, because yes, I really loved this book, dark though it is, as a kid.

[tnilsson_24 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a review of "The Original Bambi: The Story of a Life in the Forest," translated by Jack Zipes, not the prior English translation of the book, a translation that has been roundly criticized pretty much since it was published because it lacked Salten's nuance and lost the sense that Salten's book is an allegory about discrimination against Jews in early 20th century Austria-Hungary. As Zipes's translation has just been released, I've not had time to read the whole thing yet but I have compared the two translations and have to say that Zipes's translation reads much more naturally. I wanted to post this here ASAP as the other reviews all seem to be for the older (and problematic) translation. If you're in the market for this book, make sure you get this new translation.

[theokester · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I suspect I'm not terribly unique in never having read Bambi and having my only knowledge of the story being the Disney film. Bambi is a short novel written by Felix Salten in the early 1920s and was widely popular when it was released. It even had a sequel (Bambi's Children).For those unfamiliar with the concept of the novel, Bambi is a book set in a forest and centered around the character of Bambi. It just happens that Bambi is a deer. We start the novel learning of Bambi's birth and then continue through the various stages of his life. Initially, the only characters are Bambi and his mother. Slowly, Bambi's circle of existence expands and he meets other animals and eventually even meets other deer, including a pair of other fawns born the same season as him.The story progresses at a leisurely pace, letting us grow slowly with young Bambi. We learn about the way of life in the forest, the way things are balanced, the various small dangers lurking about. We also see Bambi's innate curiosity when he discovers various topics that his mother is unwilling to expound to him. She teaches him that there is danger standing out in the open meadow in the middle of the day, but she isn't willing to go into detail about the threat of Man. She only tells him that they must only go to the meadow at night and that if they are ever in the meadow and she starts to run, that he must run as well and keep running no matter what.Bambi's natural curiosity continues to grow with each passing month. I really enjoy the way Salten portrays the childlike innocence of Bambi as he explores his world and asks many questions as he tries to understand the motivations and behaviors of the world around him. I also found it interesting the way Salten portrayed some of the instinctual behaviors of the animals and either explained them or didn't explain them but rather commented that they were just the way things were supposed to be.Naturally I found many points where the story diverged from the version portrayed in the Disney movie. There were many points of similarity and some familiar characters but I found the book more thoughtful and thought provoking than the film. Both had elements of humor and are definitely appropriate for children, especially for generating deeper conversations with kids, but the cartoon movie was naturally a bit more whimsical while the book had a little more seriousness even during playful sequences.There were two key differences from the movie that I especially appreciated.I liked the interactions with the additional fawns, in particular the interaction with the little deer named Gobo. I don't want to reveal spoilers, but I found Gobo to be a very interesting character as he shared his opinions and insights on Man. He provided an interesting counterpoint that sets Bambi thinking and creates later tension and intrigue amongst the animals.The difference that I most enjoyed between the movie and the novel was that the novel went into much more depth about the other bucks and in particular the Old Stag. In the movie, he is presented as a sort of wise, stoic creature who shows up briefly with words of knowledge. While this is certainly true in the book, he has a much larger presence and Bambi makes a distinct effort to learn more about and from the Old Stag. I really liked the way the book portrayed the animal relationship with their elders and the way the older deer, especially the old stag, interacted with the other deer.On the whole, this was a great read. With my only knowledge of Bambi being the Disney movie, this book was much different than I expected and I rather enjoyed that. Reading was a peaceful commune with nature that led me down thoughtful paths to ponder on later. Salten's other novels also seem to be explorations of the lives of animals and the natural world. He has one direct sequel to this book (Bambi's Children) as well as a number of stories in the same forest as Bambi (it's unclear to me if those stories are just excerpts from Bambi or if they are new tales). Salten's bibliography has a number of books that look interesting and varied. Bambi is an excellent place to start but I am interested in reading more.****4 out of 5 stars

[fingerpost_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Let's get Disney out of the way first. This book does feature a deer named Bambi, and his mother is shot by a hunter. There are no other similarities between the book and the animated Disney Classic. This is a "talking animal" story, in which apart from talking, the animals all largely behave the way real animals of their particular species behave. The villain is "man" simply referred to in the book as He, with a capital H, and there are several encounters with man - none of which are positive. Bambi is a fawn through about the first third of the story. Then a "young adult" for the next third, and a full scale Prince of the Deer for the final third.I would have enjoyed a bit more actual story to the book. Apart from the encounters with He, it felt largely like just witnessing scenes from a deer's life. (To be fair, since these deer mainly behave like real deer, a true plot might have destroyed the effect.) Maybe it hasn't aged well, or maybe it's just not the kind of tale I get into. I'm clearly in the minority of reviewers on this site.

[jjmcgaffey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's a nice little book. It's kind of hard to read, not because of itself but because everyone knows the story of Bambi - the Disney story. Which bears little resemblance to this, like 101 Dalmations. No Thumper, no Flower, a lot more death and grimness. Gobo was completely cut out of the movie - not surprising, that's a complicated and morally ambiguous sequence. And the insistence on self-sufficiency is pretty much out of the movie, or at least not given anything like the emphasis it has in the book. Now I wonder if there are other translations of the book, or if Chambers' version is the standard one? This language is just a little odd - slightly stilted, with some odd word choices, particularly with adjectives. I'd be interested to read a different translation, to see if the feel is different. Nice story, but carrying a lot of baggage until it's hard to see it for itself.

[stefany_6 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm really not completely sure how I feel about this book now that I've finished it. On one hand, it is well written and there are scenes that illustrate the beauty and innocence of nature so vividly that one is able to picture them even without the wonderful illustrations of this particular version. Yet, there is also much of this book that deals with the violent and grisly destruction that humans bring to the wildlife of the forest.How this became regarded as a children's story, I'm not really sure. The scenes of death throughout the book are graphic and horrifying and their is a true feeling of absolute terror at times that is truly palpable. To me, this book is being aimed directly at those who choose to kill and destroy for the pure thrill and feeling of power that they derive from it and is an attempt to illustrate the destruction that these kind of actions provoke. It's done through very powerful imagery and makes one very uncomfortable at times.Why Disney decided to make this into a mostly feel-good story, I'm not sure, but those unsuspecting children who decided to read the book that one of their favorite films was based upon were surely exposed to quite a shocking experience.I didn't hate it, but I can't really say that I enjoyed it all that much either.

[tiffanyhickox · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A true classic! I will forever remember Chapter 8 as one of the best chapters ever written. The perfect story for all ages. I'll never look at deer the same way again.

[vonze-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I know what you're thinking...Bambi, seriously? Yes, I've been on a kick of reading children's classics that are also Disney movies, in order to see how Disney ruined them or improved them.

First off, Bambi is a strange book. You could group it with other animals-with-human-characteristics books, such as Watership Down and The Rats of NIMH. But, unlike those books, which have a great-escape type plot, Bambi doesn't have much of a plot, it's simply the life of a deer, being born and growing old.

Disney made the film version very cutesy, however, Bambi as a book is very serious. There's no skunk named Flower, no Thumper (although there is a rabbit with a minor role), and no running around being "twitterpated". There's no comedy or laugh out loud cute moments. The film builds up to the potential-childhood-scarring-scence were Bambi's mother dies, making it the great tragedy of the cartoon. However, in Bambi the book, there is much more death.

Seeing as Bambi is probably not on a lot of people's "must read", I'll go ahead and ruin it for ya...animals with minor roles die (squirrel, rabbit, fox), Bambi's mother, Bambi's cousin, Bambi's father, and even one of the hunters dies in the forest. It's unclear if the hunter tripped and hit his head or killed himself with a gun or what since it's from Bambi's point-of-view, anyhow he's bleeding and dead.

One could argue that Bambi's doe, Faline, is dead at the end of the book, because there's a fawn running around looking for her mother that looks just like Faline. However, I just read that Felix Salten wrote a sequel with Faline as one of the characters, so I guess she's not dead. Although, if you didn't know that, you could interpret that way.

Anyhow, after reading the book, I really wish there was a film version that did the book justice. I think the essence of Bambi's story would fit in well with Hayao Miyazaki films such as Pom Poko and Princess Mononoke.

Overall, Salten did a good job in teaching the reader about a deer's life, but it's an odd book.

[diovival · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The differences between this book and Disney's animated version are many. As others have already mentioned, this is definitely a darker tale. I thought the beginning was slow, but by the first appearance of the fall season I was hooked. I hope that other adults will not shy away from giving this children's classic a try. You will not be disappointed.

Now that the story is over I find myself still mulling over the conversation between the two leaves. I have great respect for Salten's ability to evoke empathy for something as seemingly innocuous as a leaf. I'm also mentally munching on the face-off between the fox and the hound. That scene was incredible.

[lemurkat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This edited/abridged version of classic children's novel loses some of the harsh, dark charm but is beautifully illustrated.

[fuzzi_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I first read this book when I was in the fourth grade. It's probably been over 40 years since I last read it, but as I found an old copy in a resale store, I decided to reread it.Bambi can be read by children, as I read it many years ago, and enjoyed for the animals, but it's really not a children's story, but a story that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, for different reasons. I really enjoyed it from an adult perspective. It told the story of the animals of the woods, and the encroachment of man "He/Him", but not in a preachy manner. There is violence and death, but it is not overdone or glorified for a cause.Well written, nice dialogue and descriptions of forest and meadow life.

[angie_ranck_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this is an EXCELLENT book. it's a lot different and much darker than the disney movie(which i also love). there is a chapter with a seriously philosophical discussion between the last two leaves in the forest at the end of fall, which i have to say is one of coolest things i've ever read. ”

[stbalbach_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are a number of ways of approaching Bambi, but one way it should not be seen is as a children's book; it was originally published in Austria in 1923 for adults - it was the Disney film that associated Bambi with children's fare. Bambi is considered by some critics to be the first "environmental novel" which is probably the most significant aspect. The descriptions of woodland life are some of the most sublimely beautiful I've ever read. It's also been called a political allegory on the treatment of Jews in Europe, and was banned in Nazi Germany (Salten was Jewish), which makes the novel even more powerful as you read along considering how history would unfold and who the author was. It would probably lessen the novel to call it a political allegory though it easily stands alongside Animal Farm; and it's more than just a beast fantasy even though it has echoes of Watership Down. It is all these things and also just a beautifully told story.

[earthlistener · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A classic story for animal fantasy. The book from which Disney’s movie Bambi was based, though the book and movie have only some similarities. The book is a lot more violent though most of it is only hinted and the man (called He and Him in the book) plays a lot more of an in story role. I really liked how within the story so many different views are given to what He is from almost a kind of a god to just another living being. A really heart warming tale.

[picolina_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very heartbreaking story about the struggles of a baby dear out in the wild, Bambi is sure to expose your soft side.

[katydid4it · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book as a child. I remember renewing it every two weeks for about three months from the library at one point. I just re-read to see what I would think of it as an adult and found it really interesting. Salten's depictions of masculinity and femininity are really interesting to parse out, especially in regards to the ideas of independence, solitude and wisdom. I wasn't as focused on the relationship of Man to wildlife that forms the core of the book, but instead was really taken by the ways in which Salten defines the transition from youth to adulthood.

[delmer_6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am not sure if it is possible to find someone who can now read the book BEFORE seeing the movie.. but if you are one of those people, you might try it out. For the rest of us, as the first reviewer hinted.. there is at least one lesson left out of the movie.