Bambi is the beloved story of a young deer’s early years and coming of age in a forest with many dangers. Because deer are prey for humans, Bambi is taught from a young age about the dangers he will face and warned to always be cautious. He, and all the other creatures in the forest, fear humans.

The novel skips through bits of Bambi’s life to show him growing up, falling in love, experiencing loss and heartbreak, and learning more about humans each time he encounters them. Each encounter frightens him and solidifies his fear of the power of humans, until he makes a discovery about the harm that humans inflict on one another. As he grows up, Bambi discovers the true nature of power and compassion, and will come to understand his place in the balance of living creatures.

The story is a challenging exploration of the impact of humans on the natural world and creatures, but has all the charm of a coming-of-age novel. Bambi’s themes remain relevant and meaningful to readers nearly a century after its original publication.

Felix Salten