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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
This book was a beautifully told story. The subject matter was difficult but watching these characters find a way to survive when the world fell apart was fascinating. I did not like the ending but I assume that I would not have enjoyed the way true stories from this time and place ended either. It reminded me of "a monster calls".
I am so heartbroken, and mad, and confused about this book. And...I don't have anything more to say regarding it.
I found echoes of Pan’s Labyrinth in this children’s story that may or may not be for children. It’s definitely R-rated, in its language and content, but it’s also written simply enough for a fifth-grader to comprehend. Tough to recommend to anyone that’s not at least in middle school though. Enjoyed the poetic language, the glimpse of Poland in the Second World War, and the subtle magical realism that lies just under the surface of the characters.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
at times endearing relationship between anna and the swallow man. But at the end I just don't understand what the point of it all was.
I like how the story instantly start and gives detail about what is going on happen.However I did have to look up bit through reading.
I like on the second page how it says everyday of the week was a different language which i liked as it is building Anna's knowledge and communication skills.
I like how on page two it questions is there a specific language for each person and that people don't realise that as they are tied down and only speak one or two languages, I like how that Anna dad is letting her have multiple languages to choose and makes use in her own way.
I find it sad that her dad has been taken away from her so soon and that she would have to look after her self.
However I found it confusing as I couldn't understand who exactly was the swallow man but I have found out with research that he is fugitive and changes his appearance to fit in with the surrounding.
I like how he teaches her the language of road, which is being able to lie. As well as saying to Anna to change her name as on the road you have no identity.
I liked when the swallow man uses wolves and bears to talk about soliders and if they are a nazi solider or a polish and I also like how he tells Anna any one wearing red needs to be avoided but Anna notices that the swallow man had a red tie.
I like how you get to see the characters develop and change. Like Anna noticing new things about the swallow man.
I liked when Anna though a man was missing his rifle when it was a clarinet and that she got to learn about music.
I like how Reb Hirschl is becoming a father like figure to Anna and I like in the fifth chapter Reb talks about his pray and that it is said from a parent to child.
Also in chapter 5 I liked when Reb confronts the swallow man and that he isn't Anna's dad and that he is nothing and not being fair and only things about him self.
I was a shock to find out Reb had died as he was so gentle and kind to Anna. But then finding out it was suicide was worse.
I like how you can see the panic from Anna as she starts to see the swallow man change. Also I like the ending of chapter 6 that she questions is he changing it to a bird and is that his natural form.
I didn't like what Anna had to do to get the medicine for the swallow man as I felt like it was unnecessary and uncomfortable for the reader as it is a young girl.
I thought the ending was nice and brought peace to Anna.
I like on the second page how it says everyday of the week was a different language which i liked as it is building Anna's knowledge and communication skills.
I like how on page two it questions is there a specific language for each person and that people don't realise that as they are tied down and only speak one or two languages, I like how that Anna dad is letting her have multiple languages to choose and makes use in her own way.
I find it sad that her dad has been taken away from her so soon and that she would have to look after her self.
However I found it confusing as I couldn't understand who exactly was the swallow man but I have found out with research that he is fugitive and changes his appearance to fit in with the surrounding.
I like how he teaches her the language of road, which is being able to lie. As well as saying to Anna to change her name as on the road you have no identity.
I liked when the swallow man uses wolves and bears to talk about soliders and if they are a nazi solider or a polish and I also like how he tells Anna any one wearing red needs to be avoided but Anna notices that the swallow man had a red tie.
I like how you get to see the characters develop and change. Like Anna noticing new things about the swallow man.
I liked when Anna though a man was missing his rifle when it was a clarinet and that she got to learn about music.
I like how Reb Hirschl is becoming a father like figure to Anna and I like in the fifth chapter Reb talks about his pray and that it is said from a parent to child.
Also in chapter 5 I liked when Reb confronts the swallow man and that he isn't Anna's dad and that he is nothing and not being fair and only things about him self.
I was a shock to find out Reb had died as he was so gentle and kind to Anna. But then finding out it was suicide was worse.
I like how you can see the panic from Anna as she starts to see the swallow man change. Also I like the ending of chapter 6 that she questions is he changing it to a bird and is that his natural form.
I didn't like what Anna had to do to get the medicine for the swallow man as I felt like it was unnecessary and uncomfortable for the reader as it is a young girl.
I thought the ending was nice and brought peace to Anna.
I loved it just as I love most historical fiction books. Just like Anna the reader is always trying to decode the "Road speak" the Swallow Man uses, and it leaves many blanks for you to fill in based on Anna's limited perspective. Great book, but I definitely did not expect some of the things depicted solely because I thought this was a kid/teen book. It gets dark be warned.
This book was without a doubt, beautifully written. But I'm honestly really confused on the meaning behind it and the ending... If someone that understands could explain it to me, that would be wonderful!! I did enjoy it, but because it was so confusing for me, I'd give it a 3.5 stars.
Right now my main questions are:
1. Who is the Swallow Man? Is he really her dad or just some creep that decided to take care of her?
2. If the Swallow Man is her dad, why did she not recognize him? And why did he make her "give up" her name?
3. What was with the pills? Potassium Iodide is for radiation therapies, not mental illness?
4. Why did the Swallow Man leave Anna? Like I thought maybe the fisherman was her dad, but then the Swallow Man reminded her how to kill someone if necessary... So why, if he didn't trust the man, did he let Anna leave?
5. What was the trade about?!? Is Greta the Swallow Man's daughter or what?
I'm just really confused....
Right now my main questions are:
1. Who is the Swallow Man? Is he really her dad or just some creep that decided to take care of her?
2. If the Swallow Man is her dad, why did she not recognize him? And why did he make her "give up" her name?
3. What was with the pills? Potassium Iodide is for radiation therapies, not mental illness?
4. Why did the Swallow Man leave Anna? Like I thought maybe the fisherman was her dad, but then the Swallow Man reminded her how to kill someone if necessary... So why, if he didn't trust the man, did he let Anna leave?
5. What was the trade about?!? Is Greta the Swallow Man's daughter or what?
I'm just really confused....
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No