Book Review : The Little Prince By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Book Review :The Little Prince
By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
At the first glance, from its title, style and the structure of writing, The Little Prince, by Atoine de Saint- Exupéry is likely to seem as a children’s book. However, this book can attract both children and adults. More than children, adults are influenced by the content of this work as it reminds such issues as love, truth, maintenance and mutual understanding .
I like to read books with lesser number of pages, a quick read that can be interesting as well and especially I like to read books if I liked the cover art of the book too. And all I’ve mentioned are the characteristics of the book The Little Prince. The story can be seen in two ways, either as the adventures of little prince who leaves the safety of his planet to travel the universe, or the story of one who the little prince meets when he reaches Earth.
Reading The Little Prince was such a strange experience. It’s delightful. It’s funny. It’s adorable. The almost condescending attitude towards adults and the jokes at their expense makes this book appealing to kids since they can relate to being baffled by grown-ups.
The Little Prince is classically simple and sweet, weaving an endearing message of childhood innocence through the perspective of an analytical adult mind. As I read, I contemplate the various ways of enjoying this book. One can read the words and follow the interesting escapades of the little prince through his travels between mysterious planets. But the further I am enveloped in the story, the more abstract the message of the lonely wanderer and his encounters on Earth becomes. It seems to me the linear path towards the finish line is taking many subtle turns along the way. As the Little Prince explores his universe, he, along with us, comes across strange characters dispersed throughout the cosmos. Each encounter builds on the narrative of the absurdity of the adult mind as seen through the eyes of the Little Prince. His youthful naivety and thoughtful predisposition is the canvas on which his world is painted.
The first picture, which is actually a boa constrictor swallowing an elephant is a personal favourite. The paintings of the different people that the little prince encounters in his journey manage to capture the essence of these characters. The illustration of the little prince himself, a child with an innocent face, perfectly fits the description of the author. The illustration of the desert also deserves applause. The last picture in the book, perhaps the simplest, is the one that strikes a chord deep within the heart. It captures beautifully the pain of separation and the sorrow that lies in loneliness. It is the perfect ending to a beautiful book.
Reflecting while I read gives way to thoughts of other classic stories similar in scope to The Little Prince. Stories whose foundations are built on themes of youth, discovery, and the critical examination of our society. The words of this book serve to highlight the flaws and the unimaginative reality of being an adult in modern society.
I liked the writing style of the novella which is written in a simple language, sometimes venturing into child-speak. At the same time, it conveys a deeper meaning and make philosophical inquires. Exupéry use of humor is subtle but it strikes the right chords.
My favorite thing about the little prince is his view of love. The time you spend caring for something is what makes it important to you. A huge rose garden is not as meaningful as the one rose you took care of. Like the fox said, don’t forget this truth: “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes”.
The dedication is unique, quirky and the perfect entry for a book like this one. Exupery dedicates the book to his friend Leon Worth, and because Leon Worth is an adult, he apologizes to all the 'children' who will read the book for dedicating it to an adult, but explains that this man is different- a grown up who understands everything. Exupery further explains that this man is in France where he is hungry and cold. Exupery writes that these reasons may not be good enough, so he will, in fact change his dedication and dedicate the book instead- "To Leon Worth when he was a little boy." This is, perhaps, one of the best dedications that I have read.