Scan barcode
cdrosos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This one didn’t really do it for me. The prose felt unnecessary and cumbersome for the content of the story; it was odd and, at times, interesting but not so beautiful as to bewitch the reader and be a draw to the book. And then there’s the problem of the main character. Yeah, sure, I get puppy love and being swept off your feet, but dang woman how do you keep going back? Maybe we didn’t see enough of the good, but I had a hard time sympathizing with a character who goes back to someone so awful. William is one-sided with little personality, which may be part of why the devotion seems so outrageous. I did enjoy some of the fantastical elements regarding the traveling folk and thought the plot twist at the end was interesting. Not entirely sure it makes sense in the rules of the world, but alas. I don’t think I would recommend this to a run of the mill fantasy reader due to the poetic writing style. However, if you find that charming and interesting as opposed to annoying (like myself), then this is a short read with a relatively interesting fantasy element that complements the plot.
powisamy's review
4.0
I have always wanted to read one of Joanne Harris's book and picked up this one because it looked like it was really interesting and I was intrigued by the premise. I think that Harris makes truly unique worlds for her books and this was no different. I would definitely like to read more from this author.
I have to admit that I didn't really know what was going on when I first started the book but I soon got into the swing of the story as it is quite weird but I like weird. I think that the writing definitely puts you in the character's shoes and on many occasions feel like I was in the characters head and really felt for her.
I think that I was in the mood for a fantasy when I read most of the book and it was a different kind of fantasy that I don't typically read so for me it was something different new which I really enjoyed. The book was the introduction that I needed from Joanne Harris and I can't wait to read more from her.
The Verdict:
A Pocketful Of Crows is a wildly unique read and showcases Joanne Harris's talent as a great writer working today.
I have to admit that I didn't really know what was going on when I first started the book but I soon got into the swing of the story as it is quite weird but I like weird. I think that the writing definitely puts you in the character's shoes and on many occasions feel like I was in the characters head and really felt for her.
I think that I was in the mood for a fantasy when I read most of the book and it was a different kind of fantasy that I don't typically read so for me it was something different new which I really enjoyed. The book was the introduction that I needed from Joanne Harris and I can't wait to read more from her.
The Verdict:
A Pocketful Of Crows is a wildly unique read and showcases Joanne Harris's talent as a great writer working today.
belle_fiction's review
3.0
Hmmmm...this was a different Joanne Harris read. I've read and loved quite a few of her books (Chocolat, The Lollipop Shoes, Five Quarters of the Orange, Jigs and Reels, A Cat, A Hat and A Piece of String) but I didn't love this.
APOC is beautifully written, incredibly descriptive and poetic but the lack of dialogue made it a bit flat. The characters weren't that fleshed out either and I found myself indifferent to them.
APOC isn't a bad read, it just wasn't really for me and I probably wouldn't read it again.
2.5 stars
APOC is beautifully written, incredibly descriptive and poetic but the lack of dialogue made it a bit flat. The characters weren't that fleshed out either and I found myself indifferent to them.
APOC isn't a bad read, it just wasn't really for me and I probably wouldn't read it again.
2.5 stars
judaroo's review
5.0
The moral of so many of these stories: never fall in love. Definitely never lust after and then betray a witch.
A lovely retelling of old myths, ballads, and lore. Deeply rooted in thee passing of the seasons and the way of life and death and rebirth.
A lovely retelling of old myths, ballads, and lore. Deeply rooted in thee passing of the seasons and the way of life and death and rebirth.
kellyvandamme's review
5.0
Simply gorgeous, inside and out. Worth it for the stunning artwork alone, but the story is beautiful as well. If dark fairy tales are your bag, this one is definitely one to check out.
emmagray13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
lina_k's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The writing style was beautifully lyrical while still being a very fast paced read! I flew through it.
I would have liked the plot to be a bit more complex and developed, though I still enjoyed the story we got. It really felt like your classic kind of fairytale with love, betrayal, and revenge. Though, I expected it to be darker than it was.
Finally, I wanted to highlight the illustrations by Bonnie Helen Hawkins, which further invoked that feeling of fairytale whimsy!
I would have liked the plot to be a bit more complex and developed, though I still enjoyed the story we got. It really felt like your classic kind of fairytale with love, betrayal, and revenge. Though, I expected it to be darker than it was.
Finally, I wanted to highlight the illustrations by Bonnie Helen Hawkins, which further invoked that feeling of fairytale whimsy!
eevie_reads's review
5.0
It was magical and I loved it! It kept me enraptured throughout the whole thing.
xvicesx's review
3.0
Much like the other folk-inspired tale by Joanne M. Harris, I enjoyed reading this book. But I'm not entirely sure that I understood it while I was at it. For the second time, the last few pages make sense in principle, but I don't fully get the significance. Eh. Maybe on a reread sometime.
In any case, a fun read.
In any case, a fun read.
flajol's review
5.0
A beautiful little book, both physically and in content. Pencil illustrations by Bonnie Helen Hawkins are scattered throughout, and faithfully reflect the story. I love the endpapers - a slightly disturbing figure amongst ivy, calling to mind old folk tales of the Green Man and Herne, and somehow capturing one of the main themes of the book: the cyclical nature of life. Ooh, all that in an endpaper design! I *really* like the illustrations.
Harris' tale is good too. I love folk tales, and I love retellings, so this was perfect for me. The writing is lyrical, and has that timeless quality that you find in good folk and fairy tales. I really felt for our nameless heroine, and wanted to kick young William in the shins (I'm trying to be kind -he'd have been better kicked elsewhere). The story had a sort of dreadful inevitability to it, which tied in very well with the final reveal.
Harris' tale is good too. I love folk tales, and I love retellings, so this was perfect for me. The writing is lyrical, and has that timeless quality that you find in good folk and fairy tales. I really felt for our nameless heroine, and wanted to kick young William in the shins (I'm trying to be kind -he'd have been better kicked elsewhere). The story had a sort of dreadful inevitability to it, which tied in very well with the final reveal.