Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter – Fortress Fiction 9 |SOE 057

Join MJ as he talks about Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren

Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren (1981) – Ronia grows up among a clan of wild robber men in a medieval, magical forest. After befriending the son of a rival robber chieftain, she attempts to unite the feuding families.

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #Fantsy #FOTRESSFICTION

How To Read

The book can be borrowed FREE from a library or purchased from many online retailers including the Official Astrid Lindgren site and in audiobook as well KOBO, audible.

Other Works by the Author

SOURCE

My Candid Thoughts on Ronia the Robber’s Daughter

Hey there, book lovers! MJ Munoz here, ready to dive into Astrid Lindgren’s “Ronia the Robber’s Daughter.” As always, I’m looking at this through the lens of my Fortress Fiction criteria, and I’ve got some thoughts to share.

First off, while “Ronia” has a lot going for it, I don’t think it quite makes the cut for Fortress Fiction. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a good book with some solid positive elements, but it’s missing that extra oomph I look for in cornerstone literature.

Let’s break it down:

Lindgren’s writing style is something special. It’s simple and straightforward, but there’s a warmth to it that feels like coming home. She’s got this knack for making you feel cozy while still taking you on an adventure.

The world-building? Top-notch. This magical forest setting with its fantastical creatures – from harpies to rump gnomes – really fires up the imagination. Lindgren doesn’t spoon-feed you information; she lets you discover this world alongside Ronia, which I found pretty engaging.

Now, let’s talk characters. Ronia and Birk’s relationship arc is beautifully done. Watching them go from rivals to “siblings” to potential future partners feels natural and sweet. There’s no forced romance here, folks – just genuine connection and growth.

Thematically, the book touches on some interesting ideas. The kids rejecting the robber lifestyle, the emphasis on honesty and personal growth over material gain – it’s all good stuff. But I can’t help feeling like these themes could have been explored more deeply.

One thing Lindgren nails is the balance between comfort and tension. You feel pretty sure the kids will be okay, but there are moments where the danger feels real enough to keep you on your toes.

I should mention – if you’re into adaptations, Studio Ghibli did a great job bringing this story to life in their animated series. It’s pretty faithful to the book, so if you enjoy one, you’ll probably dig the other.

Bottom line: “Ronia the Robber’s Daughter” is a solid read with strong characters and a vivid setting. While it might not quite hit Fortress Fiction status for me, it’s definitely a valuable addition to children’s literature. If you’re looking for a cozy adventure with some good moral underpinnings, give it a shot.

And hey, if you’ve read this one, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did it resonate with you? Do you think I’m being too harsh? Let me know in the comments.

Don’t forget, you can find more of my book analyses, art, and fiction over at MJMunoz.com. I cover everything from books to tokusatsu, comic books, anime, and more. Take a look around – I bet you’ll find something else you’ll enjoy!

Until next time, keep reading and stay awesome!

Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter – Fortress Fiction 9 |SOE 057