The Railway Children, by Edith Nesbit, is one of my enduring favorites. Edith Nesbit has a captivating way of addressing her readers directly at key points throughout the story. This practice draws the readers in and gives them a vested interest in the story. The Railway Children primarily takes place in the English countryside, but it begins on a tranquil evening in a London townhouse.
No sooner had the family settled in after dinner than a knock comes at the front door. This interruption sets up a “great secret” that overshadows the rest of the story. The children learn that Father is to be called away, and he is to be kept away for some time. It involves something very troubling; and the children are not to ask any questions about it.
Consequently , Mother, Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis move to a country house known as Three Chimneys. Three Chimneys sits perched on a hill and looks down on the train station below. From this vantage point, the children are naturally drawn to the train station. They come to know the daily comings and goings of the commuter trains and learn the ins and outs of the daily workings of the station. Because Mother is occupied with the necessity of her work, the children have an enormous amount of freedom to explore their surroundings and make friends.
Their adventures lead them into and out of many scrapes. But underlying them all is an enjoyment of the simple pleasures of life. The big hearts of the children lead them to develop friendships with the railroad employees and also with those in need. Not only do they plan a birthday for the Porter, but they also rescue a baby from a burning houseboat, retrieve a boy from the train tunnel who has broken his leg, and bring home an immigrant who has been unable to locate his wife. Most importantly, they develop a friendship with the old Gentleman, who plays a key role in unraveling the secret.
The Railway Children, by Edith Nesbit, is a tale of family, adventure, and friendship. Even though they face moments of adversity requiring strength and perseverance, the joy of family life shines through. It will capture your heart and draw you to read it again and again.