The review compares Karlsson on the Roof to the Barnaby cartoon, noting that Karlsson is a less intellectual and more straightforwardly child-oriented version of Mr. O’Malley. The reviewer finds Karlsson repugnant but enjoys the discovery of Barnaby and its creator, Crockett Johnson.
The review delves into the similarities between Karlsson on the Roof and the Barnaby cartoon, highlighting how Astrid Lindgren's character is heavily inspired by Crockett Johnson's Mr. O’Malley. The reviewer points out that while Barnaby was an intellectual cartoon with political undertones, Karlsson is more straightforwardly aimed at children. This difference in approach might explain why Karlsson is more popular in Scandinavian-Germanic-Russian areas than in Anglo-Saxon countries. The reviewer finds Karlsson repugnant but enjoys the book as a light read for adults. The discovery of Barnaby and its creator, Crockett Johnson, is a highlight, leading to a deeper appreciation of the original character and its influence. The review also touches on the cultural differences in humor and the political correctness issues that Karlsson faces in modern times.
Quick quotes
Karlsson is different enough in looks and character that one needs to have the inspiration pointed out.
Lindgren has taken the intellectual content out of Barnaby and created something that is straightforwardly for children.
I found Karlsson on the Roof an enjoyable way to pass an hour as an adult and have no idea of how I would have found it as a child.