Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944)

Second reading, after everything's changed

I changed my rating from "I don't get it" to "I needed this book."

My first reading was a year ago almost to the day. I thought then it was a kids book with simplified messages for children trying to make sense of the adult world in a highly imaginative way.

Now I realize this is a book of coping for any one, any age. It uses metaphors that are best understood when, for whatever reason, your mechanisms are outnumbered or have been humbled. That's when show more symbolic metaphors best percolate up from the deep, lending you a hand.

A mere year later, my world, my country is fiercely not OK. I now see that planet four (lamplighters) are being abused and exhausted with ever increasing speed, while planet five (star counters) are very busy trying to convince themselves and others they can claim and own the universe, without caring for even one ordinary rose out of the millions.

It's a way to cope, to ask questions like the little prince, to clearly distinguish the meaningless from the personally meaningful.

Here is a most helpful review to better grasp this classic:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6693977069 show less

I didn't quite know what to expect from a story about a prince who is small enough to fit on a rose-covered asteroid. But as I journeyed through this enchanting tale, I discovered a treasure trove of wisdom wrapped in whimsy.

The story begins with a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert, where he encounters a young prince who appears out of nowhere. As the prince shares his tales of visiting various asteroids and meeting quirky inhabitants like the conceited man and the king with no subjects, I show more found myself captivated by the innocence and curiosity that radiated from his character.

Saint-Exupéry's writing is deceptively simple yet profound. He weaves a narrative that touches on themes of love, friendship, and the importance of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes. Through the prince's interactions with a fox who teaches him about taming and the responsibility that comes with forming connections, the story gently nudges readers to reconsider what truly matters in life.

The illustrations, drawn by the author himself, add a delightful layer to the storytelling. They capture the whimsical essence of the prince's adventures and bring to life the fantastical worlds he visits, from the asteroid with its demanding rose to the vast expanse of the desert under a starry sky.

What struck me most about "The Little Prince" is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, even in adult readers. It reminds us of the importance of holding onto our inner child, of seeing the world through fresh eyes, and of cherishing the fleeting moments that shape our lives.

In conclusion, "The Little Prince" is not just a children's book; it's a timeless fable that transcends age and culture. It's a gentle reminder to slow down, to appreciate the beauty of simplicity, and to embrace the bonds that make us human. So, if you haven't yet embarked on the journey with the little prince and his rose, I highly recommend you do. You might just find yourself enchanted by its magic and moved by its wisdom, much like I was.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, through his little prince, has gifted us a story that sparkles with sincerity and speaks to the child within all of us. show less

Read The Little Prince many years ago. It was time to read it again. Glad I did; found so many gems of wisdom. A type of moral tale The Little Prince is not a superficial read. Includes many nuances leading to the potential of different interpretations.

One way I saw it was that downed pilot was telling his own story. As a child he was disappointed his parents (and adults in general) did not take the time to understand him, and dismissed his drawings and deep feelings.The adults were too show more busy with business - described in the Little Prince as counting stars - and sadly in need for others to praise them. Like the lamplighter, they were ludicrously too busy to relax, enjoy life, and have fun with their son. They simply could not discern what was truly meaningful in life. "...the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart..."

The pilot loved the Little Prince because he recognized his younger self. But once the pilot repaired his plane and found water it was time for him to return to adulthood and the real world. The Little Prince needed to return to his world. But the pilot was sad and having a hard time letting go of that lost, precious boy.

Another possible interpretation is religious. This involves the Little Prince requiring the help of the snake to return home. Perhaps a reference to living and dying; the cycle of life, or reincarnation.

Read it for yourself and discover your own viewpoint. show less

This books touches anyone who reads it----and rereads it over the years as is my case. With every reading, my older, not so mature mind, finds different messages within it. I've given the Japanese-translated version of it to one my relatives in Japan. And I've given it to a dear person whom has cancer (I hope he can beat it !). It speaks frankly to the heart, while giving enough metaphorical, allegorical, and philosophical nuggets that all readers may treasure & remember them. And by reading show more it through our lifetimes---we approach, interpret, and hopefully accept it's messages in a different manner, each time. It's wonderous and timeless. And yes, a bit sad, too. show less