Book Review–Nutcracker

Yes, I realize that Christmas came and went six weeks ago and that Nutcracker has become associated with Christmas celebration. So bear with me as I write this slightly unseasonal review.

I will confess from the beginning that I have never liked Nutcracker. Perhaps I am uncultured, but the story is bizarre to me, and my personality just does not mesh well with the bizarre. Having said that, however, this particular rendition of the popular tale made more sense to me than any other version I have attempted to read or watch.

Apparently, many versions of Nutcracker exist, some of them very untrue to E.T.A. Hoffman’s original 1816 tale. This version, translated by Ralph Manheim and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, claims to be at least close to the original story. It includes “The Story of the Hard Nut,” a segment I never recall reading or hearing, but one that adds a great deal of meaning to the overall story.

The language of this Nutcracker definitely reflects an older style of writing and language. Even so, this is a version that older children would enjoy, especially those fond of Sendak’s illustration style. At times his drawings lend much to the story itself, while at other times they seem to simply be sketchings loosely attached to the current action. Either way, they are whimsical and expressive.

I will emphasize that while Nutcracker is illustrated, it is not a young children’s picture book. The full story of Nutcracker is dark and, as mentioned before, bizarre. As such, this version was not created for a very young audience.

While I will probably never truly enjoy Nutcracker, I consider this to be a good rendition of the story and I am happy to have it on my shelf.

This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.