Bare necessities

For me, reading is one of the necessities of life. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't read. Probably have a lot more time, for one thing. But it's time that I don't begrudge and there are few things I would rather do with it. However, as mentioned right at the start of this, I don't read a lot written before the 20th century. Rarely do I conect with it the way I do with other books. Not that I've read a huge amount and there are definitely exceptions to such a sweeping statement. But I'm generally less incentivised to read it, hence the choice of it as a category. Which leads me neatly on to...

Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. It was also the only unread pre-20th century book I had on my bookshelf. The cover is worth a mention, as it was probably that which made me pick it up in the first place (other than the fact I'd never read it) – a striking Penguin classic one taken up with a boldly striped tiger. Plus it's a classic children's book, and whilst most people are familiar with the Disney film version, I don't ever recall having read the book before.

Whilst my memory of the film is perhaps a little hazy, having not seen it for many years, as I suspected, it had taken huge liberties with characters and story. The book is split into various self-contained short stories, around half of which feature Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, etc. and it is these which I suppose form the core. The others weave around them, though many are essentially just individual entities.

I wasn't sure what to expect, having not so long ago read Kipling's Kim and been left distinctly underwhelmed by it. However, I'm all in favour of second chances and was pleasantly surprised. I was reminded of Watership Down in the portrayal of the animals and throughout the stories there are reflections on aspects of human life and morals, but without beating you over the head with them. A neat collection of tales and fables, there is a seam of Indian richness which was nicely tapped into and brought to life through the myriad creatures of the jungle.

Book number: 5
Title: The Jungle Book
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Category: Pre-20th century literature