The Borrowers (The Borrowers, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Mary Norton's "The Borrowers" introduces the Clock family: Pod, Homily, and their daughter Arrietty, tiny people living secretly beneath the floorboards of a large, old English country house. They are "Borrowers," surviving by meticulously taking "borrowings" – tiny amounts of food, thread, buttons, and other necessities – from the human inhabitants of the house. Their existence is precarious, dependent on remaining undetected.

The narrative primarily centers on Arrietty, a curious and adventurous young Borrower. Unlike her cautious parents, she longs for a more exciting life beyond the confines of their hidden world. This yearning is sparked by the arrival of a new human inhabitant, a young and seemingly kind woman named Mrs. Driver, who is recovering from an illness.

Arrietty's inherent curiosity leads her to risk discovery by venturing into more exposed areas of the house, seeking new "borrowings." Her boldness increases when she encounters a young boy, who she initially perceives as a giant, and later learns is the kindly Mrs. Driver’s nephew, the polite and observant young boy, Pod (not to be confused with her father).

Their interactions form the core of the plot. Arrietty's encounters with the boy lead to a series of thrilling escapes and near-misses as she navigates the dangers of the human world, a realm of enormous potential hazards for a Borrower. While Pod is initially viewed with suspicion by her parents, his gentle nature and respectful treatment of Arrietty slowly win them over. He is fascinated by Arrietty and her family, understanding their secret world and even aiding them in their daily struggles.

Meanwhile, a sinister element is introduced in the form of a greedy and vicious housekeeper, Mrs. Driver’s former employee, who has moved back into the house. She is suspicious of unusual happenings and is determined to exterminate the Borrowers.

The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the family faces the threat of discovery and possible destruction. Through courage, ingenuity, and a bit of luck, orchestrated with the unintentional help of Pod and his cat, they manage to escape the wrath of the housekeeper and their precarious situation. The novel ends with the Clock family embarking on a perilous journey to find a new home, leaving behind their old life in uncertainty but with a newfound hope.

The overarching themes of "The Borrowers" explore the survival of the smallest among us against insurmountable odds, the importance of family bonds, and the fragile balance between humans and nature. It also touches upon the themes of curiosity, fear of the unknown, and the inherent wonder of experiencing life from a different perspective. The story highlights the contrast between the vast and often careless human world and the meticulous, careful existence of the Borrowers, underscoring the beauty and ingenuity found in even the smallest corners of life.