‘The Borrowers’ is a beloved children’s book written by Mary Norton in 1952. The story follows the Clock family, a group of tiny people who live secretly in the homes of humans and borrow items they need to survive. The book was an instant classic and has since been adapted into several movies, TV series, and even a play.
Book Summary of ‘The Borrowers’
The book ‘The Borrowers’ is a charming tale that takes readers on a journey through the eyes of the Clock family. The story is set in the 1950s in the countryside of England, where the Clocks live hidden in the walls and floors of a human house. The main characters are Pod, Homily, and their daughter Arrietty. The book follows Arrietty as she ventures out of the house and encounters a human boy named Jim. Together, they embark on a series of adventures while trying to keep the existence of the Borrowers a secret.
The book is beautifully written and full of vivid descriptions of the world of the Borrowers. Mary Norton’s writing style is engaging and captures the imagination of readers. The story teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
TV Series Summary of ‘The Borrowers’
The TV series adaptation of ‘The Borrowers’ is a more modern take on the classic story. The series was first aired in 1992 and is set in the 1990s. The main characters are once again the Clock family, but the setting is now a modern-day house in the city. The series follows the same basic plot as the book, but there are several changes to the story and characters.
One of the biggest differences is the addition of a new character named Spiller, who becomes a love interest for Arrietty. The series also introduces a villain named Mrs. Driver, who is determined to catch the Borrowers and sell them to a collector.
Comparing the Where and When Setting Timeline in the Book and TV Series
The setting of the book and TV series is one of the most significant differences between the two versions of the story. The book is set in the 1950s in the countryside of England, while the TV series is set in the 1990s in the city. The change in setting and time period affects the overall tone and atmosphere of the story.
The book’s 1950s setting gives it a sense of nostalgia and a cozy, quaint feeling. The TV series’s modern-day setting, on the other hand, gives it a more fast-paced, urban feel. The change in setting also affects the way the characters interact with their environment and each other.
Exploring the Characters: Who’s Who in ‘The Borrowers’
The characters in ‘The Borrowers’ are memorable and unique. In the book, Pod is portrayed as a wise and protective father, while Homily is a nervous and overprotective mother. Arrietty is the curious and adventurous daughter who longs for more than the life she has.
In the TV series, the characters are given more depth and complexity. Pod is still the protective father, but he is also shown to have a rebellious streak. Homily is still the nervous mother, but she is also depicted as being more independent and strong-willed. Arrietty is still the curious daughter, but she is also shown to be more vulnerable and unsure of herself.
Guest Stars in the TV Series Adaptation of ‘The Borrowers’
The TV series adaptation of ‘The Borrowers’ features several guest stars, adding new dimensions to the story. One of the most notable guest stars is Ian Holm, who plays the role of the villainous Professor Mildeye. Holm’s performance is chilling and adds a sense of danger to the story.
Another notable guest star is Penelope Wilton, who plays the role of Mrs. Driver. Wilton’s performance is both comedic and menacing, and she is a memorable addition to the series.
Memorable Quotes from ‘The Borrowers’
‘The Borrowers’ is full of memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story. One of the most famous quotes from the book is, “We are not borrowers, we are Borrowers.” This quote emphasizes the importance of the Borrowers’ identity and their unique way of life.
In the TV series, there are several memorable quotes that add to the story’s depth. One of the most notable quotes is, “We’re not just hiding from humans, we’re hiding from ourselves.” This quote highlights the inner struggle of the Clock family and their desire to find their place in the world.
The Soundtrack by Howard Goodall in ‘The Borrowers’
The soundtrack for the TV series adaptation of ‘The Borrowers’ was composed by Howard Goodall. The soundtrack is whimsical and playful, capturing the spirit of the story. Goodall’s music adds depth to the characters and enhances the overall mood of the series.
Cosplay Ideas: Dressing like Pod and Homily from ‘The Borrowers’
If you’re a fan of ‘The Borrowers’, you might be interested in dressing up as Pod or Homily for your next cosplay event. Pod’s outfit consists of a green jacket, brown trousers, and a brown hat. Homily’s outfit consists of a yellow dress, a blue apron, and a white bonnet. Both outfits are simple yet iconic and are sure to be a hit at any cosplay event.
Mary Norton: A Brief Biography and Her 5 Best Works
Mary Norton was an English author who was born in 1903 and died in 1992. She is best known for her children’s books, including ‘The Borrowers’. Norton began writing in the 1930s and went on to publish over 10 books in her lifetime.
Aside from ‘The Borrowers’, Norton’s best works include ‘Bedknob and Broomstick’, ‘The Magic Bed-Knob’, ‘Are All the Giants Dead?’, ‘The Borrowers Afield’, and ‘The Borrowers Aloft’. Norton’s writing is characterized by its whimsy and charm, and her stories continue to captivate readers of all ages.
Richard Carpenter: A Brief Biography and His 5 Media Adaptations
Richard Carpenter was an English writer and producer who was born in 1929 and died in 2012. He is best known for his TV adaptations of classic children’s books, including ‘The Borrowers’.
Carpenter’s best media adaptations include ‘Catweazle’, ‘Robin of Sherwood’, ‘Smuggler’, ‘The Ghosts of Motley Hall’, and ‘The Water Babies’. Carpenter’s adaptations are known for their attention to detail and their ability to capture the essence of the original stories.
Similar Movies, TV Shows, and Books to ‘The Borrowers’
If you’re a fan of ‘The Borrowers’, you might be interested in exploring similar movies, TV shows, and books. Some of the best recommendations include ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’, ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’, ‘The Indian in the Cupboard’, ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, and ‘The Littles’.
Book Club Discussion Questions for ‘The Borrowers’
If you’re reading ‘The Borrowers’ for your book club, you might be interested in discussing some of the following questions:
- What do you think the Borrowers represent in the story?
- How do the characters of Pod, Homily, and Arrietty change throughout the story?
- What is the significance of the relationship between Arrietty and Jim?
- How does the setting of the story affect the overall tone and atmosphere?
- What lessons can readers learn from ‘The Borrowers’?
Parent Guide: Age-Appropriateness and Themes in ‘The Borrowers’
‘The Borrowers’ is a children’s book that is appropriate for readers of all ages. The story teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and bravery. The book does contain some mild violence and peril, but it is suitable for most readers.
The TV series adaptation of ‘The Borrowers’ is also appropriate for most viewers. The series does contain some scenes of peril and violence, but they are not overly graphic or disturbing.
Intriguing Tidbits About ‘The Borrowers’
- ‘The Borrowers’ was inspired by Mary Norton’s childhood home, which had a hidden door that led to a secret room.
- The book has been translated into over 20 languages.
- There are four books in the ‘Borrowers’ series: ‘The Borrowers’, ‘The Borrowers Afield’, ‘The Borrowers Afloat’, and ‘The Borrowers Avenged’.
Creating a Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for ‘The Borrowers’ Fans
If you’re a fan of ‘The Borrowers’, you might be interested in purchasing some merchandise or gifts related to the story. Some of the best options include:
- ‘The Borrowers’ book series
- The TV series adaptation on DVD
- ‘The Borrowers’ movie adaptations
- ‘The Borrowers’ board game
- ‘The Borrowers’ t-shirts and hoodies
Conclusion
‘The Borrowers’ is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of readers and viewers for generations. Whether you prefer the book or the TV series adaptation, there is something magical about the world of the Borrowers that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. I hope this article has given you a deeper appreciation for this beloved story and has inspired you to explore more of Mary Norton’s and Richard Carpenter’s works.
