Paula's Review Of The Adventures of Remi Translated by Philip Schuyler Allen

       The Adventures Of Remi is set in the mid1800's in France and England.   It was originally written in 1878 titled Sans Famille by Hector Malot.  The saga of Remi begins when Remi, a baby dressed in fine linens, is mysteriously abandoned in a poor French village.   He is found by "Father Barberin"  a stranger who hopes to receive a great financial reward for taking care of this abandoned child.  "Mother Barberin" loves him instantly, especially as she has just lost her baby to illness.  Because of financial struggles, Father Barberin has to leave town for work and doesn't return until eight years later.  Meanwhile Mother Barberin lovingly raises Remi and life is quite good for them. When Father Barberin returns being injured and broke, he declares they must sell Remi.  So Remi is brokenhearted, but befriends a new father figure the Barberins find known as Vitalis.   Remi and Vitalis roam the French countryside along with his monkey and dogs surviving as street performers.  They endure harsh winters, storms and many losses as they bond in great friendship.   Once again Remi is brought to someone else, as Vitalis has financial struggles and eventually dies.  Remi's great desire to belong to a family of his own despite constant poverty continues.   Throughout his hardships,  he attaches to multiple families and someone is always there who returns his love in heartwarming ways.  Remi remains hopeful, kind-natured, loyal and determined amidst constant struggles to survive the dark side of humanity,  scheming crooks and poverty cycles.    Remi calls to us to cherish the love of family and friends the many forms they can take beyond blood relations.  The camaraderie throughout the story places a much needed poultice on Remi's wounded heart and his desire for a family of his own.

         Many surprises and the unveiling clues of his "abandonment" as the story ends leave us feeling overjoyed that a person as good as Remi ends up with even more love in his life.   All the misfortunes create an expanded form of family than if Remi had never been put in such difficult situations.  There is a beautiful poetic justice in Remi that I find very satisfying.  He has an even greater appreciation of love as his character is matured and sweetened throughout his bittersweet adventures.  To quote Remi who values the pricelessness of love itself, "Is there in the whole world anything better and sweeter than the knowledge that we are beloved by those we care for."