Silver ice skates

Author: (USA) Dodge (Dodge, M.M.)
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1997-04-01
Features: When the China Translation and Publishing Corporation invited me to translate and introduce the famous work of the renowned American female writer Mary Mapes Dodge, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, in a bilingual English-Chinese format to Chinese readers, I hesitated for a long time, fearing that my lack of literary foundation and insufficient language proficiency might tarnish the original work. However, after reading this book, the experiences of the Brinker family and the protagonist Hans Brinker, as well as his upright, kind nature, perseverance, and optimistic attitude even in adversity, deeply moved me, making me develop a fondness for the characters in the book. At the same time, the delicate portrayal of Dutch landscapes and customs, as well as the detailed introduction to the legends of several historical cities, sparked my longing for that peculiar "low-lying land." A strong desire to share these feelings with others compelled me to take on this perhaps thankless task. The story in this book takes place in the Netherlands in the 1840s. Set against the backdrop of a youth ice-skating competition held in a small town near Amsterdam and the events leading up to it, the story follows the struggles of the impoverished Brinker family, shaping a group of vivid Dutch young men and women. The protagonist, Hans, is a 15-year-old boy whose father became a after suffering a fall while repairing a flood control dike when Hans was five years old. Poverty forces him to take on the responsibility of supporting his family. He longs to participate in the competition and win the silver skates, a symbol of strength and speed, but he must also find a doctor who can cure his father, as his father is nearing death. He ultimately achieves success, at least half of it. In the book, we will also meet Hans's sister, Gretel, a poor but pure-hearted and clever sheepherding girl. We will encounter Hilda, the daughter of the town's wealthy but compassionate mayor, a girl with an upright and kind nature and natural leadership qualities. There is also Jacob, a kind-hearted and plump young man, Karl, a narrow-minded and sharp-tongued person, Lambert, who speaks fluent English and has a unique memory for historical dates, and Ben, a visitor from England who has a good understanding of the legends of several historical cities in the Netherlands. These young men and women, whether lovable or not, are all distinct and unforgettable. This book will also take you on a journey to that country where about two-fifths of the land is below sea level, allowing you to broaden your horizons and enrich your knowledge while enjoying yourself. The author of this book was born in New York in 1831. Encouraged by her father from a young age, she began writing children's literature and produced many successful works, becoming a highly influential figure in American children's literature at the time. She married at 20 and became a widow at 28, raising her two children alone. Her situation bears some resemblance to the Brinker family in her works. The book was completed in 1865 in a farmhouse in New Jersey, USA, when the author was 34 years old and working as an editor for a magazine. She wrote this classic work for young people entirely based on her knowledge and the memories of Dutch immigrants in the United States. It is said that even the Dutch find the book's portrayal of Dutch life and people extremely realistic. The book was published in 1865 and has since been translated into many languages and adapted into a film. During the translation process, the translator strived to remain strictly faithful to the original text and faithfully reproduce the style of the original work, ensuring that the translation is as close as possible to the original. However, due to limitations in ability, errors are inevitable. We sincerely hope that readers will kindly point them out. The story in this book takes place in the Netherlands in the 1840s. Set against the backdrop of a youth ice-skating competition held in a small town near Amsterdam and the events leading up to it, the story follows the struggles of the impoverished Brinker family, shaping a group of vivid Dutch young men and women.