Otfried Preussler Criticism
Otfried Preussler, a German novelist renowned for his engaging children's and young adult literature, leverages his experience as a primary school teacher to craft stories that resonate with universal themes deeply rooted in folk traditions. His narratives, characterized by a conversational tone and a fast-paced, engaging style, often feature exaggerated characters and vivid settings. These elements are especially apparent in the amusing Robber Hotzenplotz series, which delight young readers with their imaginative plots and endearing character development, as noted by Anthea Bell.
Preussler's work is not limited to whimsical tales, as exemplified by his more serious novel, The Satanic Mill, which explores themes of innocence versus evil within a dark, foreboding setting. Although some critics, such as Isaac B. Singer, argue that the novel's mystical elements lack cohesion, others, including Margery Fisher, appreciate its folkloric depth and compelling narrative. This book garnered significant acclaim, winning the 1972 German Children's Book Prize and the 1973 European Children's Book Prize.
Preussler's works, celebrated for their humor, detail, and thematic richness, appeal to both children and critical audiences. Jennifer Bourdillon and Ellen Lewis Buell note the imaginative charm and moral complexity in his tales like The Little Witch, where Preussler cleverly inverts traditional notions of good and evil, guided by the young witch's adventures. Janet French offers a critique on The Little Ghost, pointing out its limited appeal for older readers due to its lack of depth and the presence of potentially offensive content.
Overall, Preussler's contributions to children's literature are marked by his ability to blend humor with serious themes, making his stories enduringly popular and significant. His work continues to be celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and the respect it conveys for cultural heritage and human values.
Contents
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Doll's Distress
(summary)
In the following essay, Jennifer Bourdillon explores the themes of morality and logic in Otfried Preussler's "The Little Witch," highlighting its appeal to imaginative children through its unique inversion of traditional ideas of good and evil within a friendly and magical narrative.
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Among the New Books for the Younger Readers' Library: 'The Little Witch'
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In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell praises Otfried Preussler's The Little Witch for its humor and detailed storytelling, highlighting its charming depiction of the young witch's good deeds and occasional mischief, as she navigates her probation year with the guidance of her raven Abraxes.
- Marian Herr
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The Book Review: 'The Little Ghost'
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In the following essay, Janet French critiques Otfried Preussler's The Little Ghost for its lack of substantial humor or chills for older readers and highlights a potentially offensive passage concerning race.
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'The Adventures of Strong Vanya'
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In the following essay, Margery Fisher explores the dynamic narrative and thematic richness of Otfried Preussler's "The Adventures of Strong Vanya," highlighting its blend of romantic, comic, and fantastical elements drawn from Russian folk tales.
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Seven to Eleven: 'The Adventures of Strong Vanya'
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In the following essay, P. Robertson praises Otfried Preussler's "The Adventures of Strong Vanya" for its successful imitation of Russian folk tales, highlighting its engaging, humorous narrative and the protagonist's journey from laziness to heroism with acts of courage and kindness.
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Myths, Legend & Folk Tales: 'The Adventures of Strong Vanya'
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In the following essay, Ralph Lavender highlights the integration of Russian folklore elements in Otfried Preussler's The Adventures of Strong Vanya, praising its acute characterisation, colloquial dialogue, child-friendly humor, and the deceptively simple yet musically fine language style.
- Doreen Norman
- David L. Rees
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Special Review: 'The Satanic Mill'
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In the following essay, Margery Fisher examines Otfried Preussler's "The Satanic Mill," highlighting its roots in folklore, its compelling narrative driven by the clash between innocence and evil, and the nuanced portrayal of characters, especially the Master, who embodies complex servitude to a greater power.
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'The Satanic Mill'
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In the following essay, Isaac B. Singer critiques "The Satanic Mill" by Otfried Preussler, arguing that although the novel is rich in descriptive detail and showcases the author's talent, it ultimately fails to integrate its realistic and mystical elements, resulting in a work that lacks consistency and purpose.
- Anita Silvey
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Ten Years of Parcels
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In the following essay, Anthea Bell commends Otfried Preussler for his restraint in storytelling, contrasting his poetic and comedic works with the excessive serialization by his imitators, highlighting Preussler's decision to conclude his Robber Hotzenplotz series after three books with character reform rather than perpetuation.