Reviews

At the Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper

nicole_shiku's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely love this book, I was given it in school as a 'welcome to high-school gift' I was petrified... Firstly because we got to pick the book we wanted and I thought people were going to laugh at me for choosing the historical choice, secondly I thought I wasn't 'developed' enough to read a book about such a remarkable part of British history! But one day I started reading it and I loved from the beginning to the end, characters were amazing, storyline was impressive and it was a page-tuner!

mermaidsoph's review against another edition

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2.0

More about the different things people thought cured the plague then about the characters and this got slightly repetitive over time. It made the book slightly monotonous to read. I quite liked the main character but the story felt incomplete in my opinion.

nedge's review against another edition

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informative sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

alprnt's review against another edition

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3.0

3.4

tracemus's review against another edition

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3.0

This would be a great book to read with a group of children in the classroom. It's an interesting story, with a hint of romance, but still is very detailed about what life was like during the plague.

nightsong's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

nightshade_novels's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a quaint little book that gives an insight into life in London during the Plague. It is a simple story that, while interesting, does not keep you desperate to read more. The story itself relies solely on the threat of the plague for suspense and intrigue, with little else happening, other than a small side plot of Hannah’s love for Tom.
The story held no suspense as to whether Hannah or her sister would catch the plague as I already knew of the sequel which contains both characters return to London after the plague. Meaning one of the few moments where you may be held in suspense over whether Sarah has contracted the plague was little more than another chapter in the tale of their survival.
The best part of the story was the end when Hannah’s friend Abby, who serves as a maid to a wealthy family, is locked up in their house when the cook contracts the plague. They then scheme to save the baby Abby cares for who is only a few weeks old, allowing Hannah and Sarah the chance to escape London. This scene at least held some suspense as you wait to see if they manage to rescue the baby.
This small story did not hold my interest although it was well written and skilfully portrayed the 1665 London life. For this reason it receives 3 stars.

moirab's review against another edition

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4.0

Interesting YA historical fiction during the London plague of 1665. very captivating, but the ending leaves much to be desired.

sam99's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

Very quick read. Three hours. Short but good

titan3lla's review against another edition

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4.0

Read this one a long time ago, but it eventually pops into my head. That means this is an amazing book. I loved it very much.