In Mary Mapes Dodge's 'Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates,' readers are immersed in a richly woven narrative set against the backdrop of 19th-century Holland. The story follows the titular character, a young boy from a humble background, and his dreams of glory as he prepares for the National Ice-Skating Race. Dodge's prose is characterized by its vivid imagery and lyrical quality, capturing the f...