The Netherlands is a country protected from the sea by a series of dikes. Very similar to levees along the Mississippi River, the dikes hold back the ocean from flooding the country.
The Netherlands is often called Holland. Much of the Netherlands is below sea level, and the dikes are the only reason there is a country. Traditionally, windmills have constantly pumped excess water into a series of canals. These narrow waterways carry the water back to the ocean. The battle between the sea wanting to reclaim the country and Holland refusing to submit marks the people and culture of this remarkable land. Since Holland is far north in Europe, the winters are quite cold. One of the benefits of this weather is the love the Dutch have for ice skating. The narrow, straight canals make perfect places to skate. The most famous children’s story written about Holland was published in 1865 by a Dutch/American woman named Mary Mapes Dodge. The name of this beloved story is Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates.
The story begins with the desperately poor Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel trying to skate down a frozen canal on wooden skates. Though the family was once better off, Mr. Brinker has been badly injured while repairing a damaged dike. This injury has caused him to be semi-conscious for years. During this difficult time, the Brinker family has slowly sunk into deep poverty. In spite of the terrible trials they have endured, Hans and Gretel develop a deep love for each other and for their parents. Ridiculed by other children for their desperate condition, both children have a strong faith in God. This deep religious belief supports them during their distress. As Hans continues to try to earn money to help his family, he meets a famous doctor. He reluctantly tells the renowned physician of his father’s illness. Something in Hans’s earnest face reminds him of his own lost son. The doctor agrees to visit the Brinker hut and see if he can help the father.
Because of their poverty, Hans and Gretel have never been able to afford metal skates. But good fortune suddenly shines on both children, and they each receive a pair of new metal skates. Both children are blessed with a natural skating ability. The major event in their home town each year is the winter skating race. The winning boy and girl will win a pair of silver skates. Many of the wealthier children do not want the poor Brinker children racing in this celebrated affair. But through the kindness of other children, both Hans and Gretel enter the race.
What happens before and during the race? Is the doctor able to heal Mr. Brinker? Does the perseverance of the Brinker children carry them to victory? What great act of charity does Hans perform during the race? How does this affect the outcome of the race? Could you sacrifice a dream you have to benefit someone else? What choice does Hans make? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and checkout Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge.
This book is one of the most loved titles in the history of children’s literature. It has been made into movies, and has also appeared in abbreviated forms. The country of Holland is described in great detail in the novel. The character development of the children in the book has a universal appeal. We all can relate to the people so compelling described by the author. A bestseller in the United States, it has always been equally popular in Holland. I hope you go to the library and checkout this wonderful title. I think you will find it a moving and poignant story. I certainly did. Enjoy!
