Book Review: The Return Of The Young Prince
The Return of the Young Prince Summary
Even princes from faraway planets do not always remain small. Eventually they grow up and – no longer content with their tiny planet – set off once again to explore the universe anew. So the Little Prince, now a teenager, one day returns to Earth and finds himself on a lonely country road in the vast, desolate plains of Patagonia.
There he meets the narrator of this novel, who rescues him and takes him on a journey. Slowly the Prince shares the stories of his adventures, and together they begin to explore some of life’s most important questions, taking readers along with them on a wonderful spiritual journey. An inspiring, life-changing book.
The Return of the Young Prince Review
The Little Prince is one of the most famous stories in the world, loved by children and adults alike. Nearly one hundred years later, we now have a sequel, The Return of the Young Prince, a tribute written by A.G. Roemmers.
Here, we meet the Prince again in and whilst it is obvious he has matured, he is still the same character. Always asking questions, innocent and good-natured – our Prince has not changed a great deal. The tone is not as sweet and innocent as the original but I suppose that is to be expected given that the Prince has aged a few years.
Some passages are beautifully written and capture the essence of Antoine Saint-Exupéry’s story and character perfectly. Themes still include family, friendship and love, making this the perfect story to read this Christmas, or indeed, at any time of year. As with the original, this story is full of life lessons that apply to those of all ages, despite being branded a “children’s” book. There are many passages and quotes that stick with you because of their message – simple, but often forgotten.
It must be said that there is definitely less “magic” and more realism in this sequel. The Prince is grounded to Earth and instead of recounting his stories around various strange and wonderful planets, it is about his adventures around the Earth. This makes the moral lessons of the story much clearer.
For example, don’t judge a homeless person begging for money based on what he or she looks like. You don’t know their story or their circumstances, as this story shows. Examples like this are so pertinent to today’s world and an important lesson for both those young and old.
Another thing, the illustrations were much more modern and manga-like compared to the original, which I think reflects the time and it is written in and makes it clear this story is a progression from The Little Prince. I’m sure kids today will love these drawings that accompany the story, though I much preferred the original style myself.
All in all, I was pleased with The Return of the Young Prince. I’m not going to pretend it’s as good as the original, because obviously, it isn’t. How could any story be more sweet or special than that of the Little Prince?
However, that’s not to say that this “sequel” isn’t also a good read. It has similar themes that have just been explored in different situations, all of which are valuable lessons for everyone. I’d still recommend this book to parents and existing fans of The Little Prince – just don’t go into this book thinking that it’s just going to give you more of the original story because you will end up disappointed.
Were you a fan of The Little Prince? Will you be picking up the sequel to read too? Let me know in the comments below!
The Return of the Young Prince is available on:
Amazon
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It’s not a sequel (nor could there ever be one, as anyone who read the The Little Prince would know) – it is a shameless hijacking of a classic and much-loved literary figure.
It’s not just that the book is devoid of the genuine innocence – let alone the wonderful gentle humour – that characterised the original: it is also badly, BADLY written. (And I’ve read the original, so it’s not the translator’s fault.) It is heavy-handed, amateurish writing, dishing out “pearls of wisdom” in the manner of the gazillion self-help books available.
I doubt the author hijacked this beloved figure for money alone, but clearly he lacks good friends. True friends would have – should have – told him not to do it. (And the Saint-Exupery heirs – what were they thinking when they gave their permission?! Shame on them.)
In short: this text is a disfigured old hat, certainly not a boa who just ate an elephant.
I just finished reading The Return of The Little Prince and it impacted me the same way as the The Little Prince. They both made me evaluate how I perceive the world and challenged me to re-evaluate my priorities. Certainly a must read!
I agree! I don’t think the sequel is very well known, which is shame.
I haven’t heard of the original but I love that they’ve produced a sequel all these years later, must b e a great story!
Would need some books on my kindle for my
long flights. I will check these out.
Never heard of these, but they sound like good books! xo
I didnt think it would or could be as a good as the original and it was some time I ago that I did read the original x