▲'Heidi' is one of the best-selling works of children's fiction. The novel, published in 1880, was written by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. The story involves a young orphan who is sent to the Alps to live with her grandfather. The premise is simple enough, but the book's underlying themes explore jealousy, mental illness, physical disability, and religious conservatism. Despite these controversial elements, 'Heidi' endures as an example of classic literature aimed at youngsters, its heartwarming tale, Spyri's vivid descriptions of pristine mountain pastures, and Heidi's simple life serving to override the narrative's darker side. In fact, 'Heidi' has won new audiences over the years with several film and television screen adaptations, animated series, and an entire tourist industry built around the location in which the book is set. So, why is the girl of the Alps so popular?
Click through and explore the cult and myth behind this Swiss miss.