“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Le Petit Prince
Do you know what makes a classic, a classic? Let me tell you. It’s in their ability to withstand the test of time. It’s in their power to convey life lessons through a couple of words. It’s in their nature to always surprise a reader who wishes to reread it. Le Petit Prince, with only 97 pages, is a book that defines classics. I was too young the first time I’ve heard about the Little Prince’s story. I had little recollection of his adventures and the words of wisdom he had told us. Reading this novel with the mindset of an adult in his early 20s definitely gives Le Petit Prince the opportunity to blow my mind. But how does he do it? Simple. He comes from a small little planet far, far away and lands on Earth with all his innocence and purity. He encounters a stranded pilot in the middle of the dessert and from that point on, the most amazing anecdotes are exchanged.
I felt several chills go up my spine throughout the novel as memorable quotes presented themselves in beautiful fashion. I’ve only had the chance to read this exquisite masterpiece in French, and do hope to get my hands on an English version just for the sake of appreciating both languages. Nonetheless, the version I had was beyond extraordinary and definitely succeeded in throwing magnificent lines right across my face. It’s quite enchanting how the messages are conveyed and how the novels beauty was accentuated with the water color drawings. Every time I flipped through a page, I felt like I was going to get drowned in truths and maxims. I actually had no clue where this novel was going to go, but when the book started to talk about how weird adults are, I just felt absorbed, mesmerized and connected.
There are various—innumerable, in fact—lessons throughout the book. One of my favorite lesson is about adults and numbers. Oddly enough, throughout my life, this has fascinated me in more ways than I can imagine. Numbers always seemed to blind people. I have always felt like they drained any capability among adults in making solid beliefs without the use of numbers. Without numbers, people weren’t able to build facts and appreciate. The other memorable moment is, of course, with the fox. His little secret couldn’t have hit the mark with such accuracy. If there’s one line that any one who reads this book should marinate in, it’s the very quote at the top of this review. It’s pure innocence makes you realize that some things slowly die in us, and it is only you who can decide on keeping it alive.
I like to think that this novel was about the death of childhood; or at least the deeply hidden child within most adults nowadays. I’ve always believed in the importance of keeping that little spark that once suffused every kid alive. It’s by keeping that very inquisitive nature, that desire to discover and find beauty in the smallest things that, I believe, will make every person a lot more alive. The ending of Le Petit Prince will forever be a gloomy one, but it won’t be one that was executed in vain. For, this novel, has reinvigorated the child in me and gave me the brighter perspective of life that every routine-filled adult should envision. If you think you know everything about the Little Prince and all the wonderful things he discusses about, then I beg you to go through this novel again. For children book, the amount of philosophy that it captures is simply mind-boggling.
They say every book is an experience of its own kind. Well, let me tell you that this one is one hell of an experience.
If you haven’t given this a shot, I urge you to do so.
Did you read Le Petit Prince yet? What did you think about it?
You haven’t, you say?
How about you read this book for yourself!
You can purchase a copy of the novel @Amazon
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MY OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★/
Roars and Echoes 
I read it in high school for my French class (in French -so I missed a few things, of course).
Reread it in college of my own volition (in English) and LOVED IT!
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I’m so glad that you gave it a second shot in English and adored it! I’m definitely going to try the English translation in the future and see how much more I can love it with time! 😛
– Lashaan
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Ah it makes me so happy to see a French classic here ahah 🙂 I do love this story so, so much, it’s short yet very powerful. ❤
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I’ve been through my fair share of French classics before Bookidote happened, but now I feel like rereading them and giving them the spotlight with Bookidote! 😛
This book is just soooo precious!
– Lashaan
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That was such a beautiful review and I agree on all the things you said. I love the Little Prince! Did you see the animated movie? They changed around a lot of stuff, but I felt like it was such an emotional film still.
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Oh maaaan, thank you so much! This little blonde guy is just absolutely amazing. We need more of this guy in the 21st century.
I’ve seen the trailer and I saw that there was definitely something different from the original story that I barely remembered. I hear a lot of good things about it, and now that you’ve reminded me of it again, I’m going to make sure to check it out ASAP! 😛 I can’t imagine how stunning it is thoo
– Lashaan
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There is an entirely new part to the story in the film, but I really like it. I guess it broadcasts the message of growing up even more. Sometimes it overdid parts of it, but generally, I really loved the movie. It made me sob like a little kid hahaha
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Sweeeet! :O These animated movies are really good at extracting tears out of us all. I’m 110% pumped to check out the movie. I was quite pleased by the voice actor cast for it too!
– Lashaan
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You cannot grow up without hearing quotes from Le Petit Prince. But I am not a big fan of classics and whenever I am told to read it because it is a must-read, I run on the opposite side 🙂 I will read it… One day! But I loved your review!
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Hahahahahahahah that gave me a funny image in my head! I hope the Little Prince ends up catching up to you. 😉 Thank you so much for the kind words though!
– Lashaan
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I read this when I was so young, and I don’t believe I truly grasped the essence of it. I’ll have to pick it up again someday! Great review 🙂
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Thank you so much! You should give this book another shot ASAP. I’ve heard wise people say that this book is meant to be read at least three times in your life (as a child, a young adult and an adult). I hope you’ll be able to marvel in its awesomeness some day soon! 😉
– Lashaan
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J’aime Le Petit Prince! Il y aura un film bientôt! Je suis excité!
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Hahah le film est déjà sorti dans plusieurs pays! Did not expect anyone to make a comment in French! 😛 So cool to see you’ve some French in ya!
– Lashaan
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Haha un peu! Ooh you’re right, it says 2015 in France! I’ll have to see if I can get it!
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I love this book! I read it as a teen, and I was blown away by the books incredible insight into humans and our behaviour. Your whole perspective on life will change if you view it from a kid’s eyes. And this is an amazing review!
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Yayy!! Thank you so much! 😀 There’s no doubt that this tiny book holds a lot more wisdom than one would imagine. I wonder what other books the author has written. :O
– Lashaan
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I read this years ago and it’s probably time to read it again!
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I’m sure, once you do, it won’t disappoint! 😀
– Lashaan
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Great review! Before I read it I spent my whole life just thinking why is this children’s book so special? It can’t be that good! It’s just a children’s book. But after reading it I know what makes it so special and I felt how you felt about the book 😊
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Thank you so much! I know, right? There’s so many children’s books out there that just has you wondering: What makes you so special? In the end, they really all have something amazing to show us, and I’m really happy that’s the case. The Little Prince is definitely something absolutely special. 😀
– Lashaan
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:’) This is one of my favorite books from my childhood, perhaps of all time since it’s so dear to me. Thank you for taking me down memory lane.
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Aww man, no problem bro. Glad to hear its among your top favorites! 😉
– Lashaan
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