Book Review by Aarene Storms: The story of Charlotte's Web: E.B. White's eccentric life in nature and the birth of an American classic

The story of Charlotte's Web : E.B. White's eccentric life in nature and the birth of an American classic by Michael Sims. Audiobook read by Nick Sullivan.

How did E.B. White come up with the story of Charlotte's Web? 

Was it inspired by the childhood enthrallments of the author? By the rustic beauty of the Maine countryside where his family vacationed each summer? In his facination with the work of other authors, such as Don Marquis's "Archy and Mehitabel" stories? In the years of writing about subjects near and far for publications like The New Yorker? Or possibly in the moral conflicts faced by the author in his role of farmer, frantically nursing a sickly pig back to health with full knowledge of his intention to butcher the pig at Christmas if it survived the summer?

The answer, as explained in this excellently researched book about the well-documented life of Elwyn Brooks White, is "all of the above," and much more. 

Sims not only recounts the influencing events of White's life, he also quotes extensively from White's own writings and from interviews with friends and family members. The author even quotes from early drafts of Charlotte's Web, showing the tremendous metamorphoses of the story prior to publication, with the input from the White's friends, his editor, and even his illustrator.

The result is an intimate, tender recollection of the complicated man who wrote the familiar, enduring and classic novel of the friendship between a young pig and a spider. The audiobook is competently read by veteran audio reader Nick Sullivan. 

If you (like me) haven't read Charlotte's Web in many years, I suggest the following treat: check out the audiobook of Charlotte's Web read by E.B. White himself. His flat New England accent is perfect for the narration, and his enjoyment of his own story is evident. The audio is even available from KCLS as a e-audio! 

Listening to E.B. White tell the story of Charlotte's Web is the perfect antidote to a grey and rainy afternoon.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS