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oz617's review against another edition
4.0
I think if I’d read this as a child it’d have become a favourite. As it is, I’m reading it aged 22 having seen it on a list of banned books. It’s quite fairytale-like, and (given the fairytales I was read growing up) the violence doesn’t seem out of place or inappropriate, so I’d imagine that ban’s because the antagonists are racists and/or policemen.
I can’t quite tell what I think of the inclusion of Madame Zeroni. She’s either a subversion of the “Gypsy curse” trope (having actually been Egyptian, and not having cursed anyone, they just didn’t follow her advice correctly), or just an example of it (what with the misconception that the Romani are actually Egyptians). I’d love to hear the opinion of a Romani person. Also, a couple of lines about Stanley’s weight haven’t aged brilliantly, but they make sense in context.
I can’t quite tell what I think of the inclusion of Madame Zeroni. She’s either a subversion of the “Gypsy curse” trope (having actually been Egyptian, and not having cursed anyone, they just didn’t follow her advice correctly), or just an example of it (what with the misconception that the Romani are actually Egyptians). I’d love to hear the opinion of a Romani person. Also, a couple of lines about Stanley’s weight haven’t aged brilliantly, but they make sense in context.
ripthepage's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
andreabaertson's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rinissinning's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
margaery's review against another edition
4.0
Light and fast read. The conclusion was entertaining. Everything made sense.
iidaolivia's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kimchihae's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
emilycrossett's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I never read this or saw the movie as a kid so it was fun to read as an adult (knowing I would have had nightmares about being framed for a crime and getting sent to Camp Green Lake 15 years ago). I liked that there were layers of family history intertwining everyone’s story. And the plot twists are creative enough to surprise you but not too complex for a younger audience. Because of that, it for sure feels like a book that could make you fall in love with reading.