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chery's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
A delightful and heartwarming read. Surprisingly, juvenile literature demands a slower pace from me compared to my usual choices. Perhaps it’s the details that allow the story to sink in. I appreciate how this book sparked curiosity about things I haven’t pondered since my adult years, bringing back the nostalgia of youth. Its timeless charm and ability to resonate with readers of all ages make it a delightful choice. Exploring the world of ballet and the dreams of three adopted sisters, the story leaves a lasting impression.
jacki_f's review against another edition
5.0
A nostalgic comfort read. This was one of my favourite books as a child and I was amazed by how well I remembered it as I read. Just lovely.
It ends in 1936 and I wonder how the girls were affected by the Second World War (which of course hadn't happened when the book was written). I can't imagine that Posy, studying in Czechoslovakia, would have taken Hitler's invasion very well. I like to think that Petrova would have found a way to work with planes during the War.
It ends in 1936 and I wonder how the girls were affected by the Second World War (which of course hadn't happened when the book was written). I can't imagine that Posy, studying in Czechoslovakia, would have taken Hitler's invasion very well. I like to think that Petrova would have found a way to work with planes during the War.
viicttoriia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
It's adorable to see the girls grow into their interests and become aware of what they like, dislike, and want to do. They also had such a great support system.
ktaylor1164's review against another edition
5.0
One of my all-time favorite children’s series; ballet shoes was the first, but I devoured all of these wonderful books.
brighteyes1178's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely worth the reread as an adult - the book is adorable, and I recommend reading it with a purring cat and some coffee to shut out the real world briefly if you can.
adelavmb's review
4.0
Originally published in both ENG and RO on my blog:
http://vanillamoonblog.com/2013/02/22/review-ballet-shoes-noel-streatfeild/
I must admit that what first got me interested in this book was seeing the movie with Emma Watson as Pauline in 2007. However, six years have passed until I actually decided: I want to read this book. Another important factor in my decision to read it was also the Pre-1960′s Classic Children’s Books Reading Challenge hosted by Turning the Pages I am participating in this year. But how and why I read this book is not as important as how great it turned out to be!
From the first sentence, I felt transported to the time I was ten and reading books like “The Secret Garden” or “Little Women”. There is a certain feel these old children’s books have and nostalgia accompanied me until the last page. It seems that my fear of not liking children’s books at my age was unfounded.
"If other girls had to be one of us, which would they choose?"
Pauline was by far my favourite character, perhaps because she was the oldest of the three children, and thus more mature, a leader if I can call her like that. Rational, ambitious, learning from her past mistakes, unaware of her beauty and ready to sacrifice her savings to help paying the bills, the much needed clothes and so on…
However, the mystery of this novel is Posy. The book mostly follows Pauline’s evolution, and as Petrova is usually in the same theatrical pieces as Pauline is, we don’t get to “see” much of Posy. Her training with Madame Fidolia is kept under secret too, so we can only guess what kind of ballet moves she is taught.
The book is mostly about how these three girls are growing up, balancing studying, training for their careers and actually working as performers on stage. It is, consequently, slow-paced and descriptive, however it doesn’t lack in humorous moments. For instance, when Gum (Great Uncle Matthew) brings the orphan Pauline to her 16 year-old niece, Sylvia, who is reluctant in taking her, he says:
"I thought all women like children!"
Posy is also a “little monster” who mocks everyone’s behaviour by imitating them in a hilarious way, a “talent” of her most visibile in the second half of the book.
I recommend “Ballet Shoes” to children of all ages, and to adults who want to remember their childhood.
http://vanillamoonblog.com/2013/02/22/review-ballet-shoes-noel-streatfeild/
I must admit that what first got me interested in this book was seeing the movie with Emma Watson as Pauline in 2007. However, six years have passed until I actually decided: I want to read this book. Another important factor in my decision to read it was also the Pre-1960′s Classic Children’s Books Reading Challenge hosted by Turning the Pages I am participating in this year. But how and why I read this book is not as important as how great it turned out to be!
From the first sentence, I felt transported to the time I was ten and reading books like “The Secret Garden” or “Little Women”. There is a certain feel these old children’s books have and nostalgia accompanied me until the last page. It seems that my fear of not liking children’s books at my age was unfounded.
"If other girls had to be one of us, which would they choose?"
Pauline was by far my favourite character, perhaps because she was the oldest of the three children, and thus more mature, a leader if I can call her like that. Rational, ambitious, learning from her past mistakes, unaware of her beauty and ready to sacrifice her savings to help paying the bills, the much needed clothes and so on…
However, the mystery of this novel is Posy. The book mostly follows Pauline’s evolution, and as Petrova is usually in the same theatrical pieces as Pauline is, we don’t get to “see” much of Posy. Her training with Madame Fidolia is kept under secret too, so we can only guess what kind of ballet moves she is taught.
The book is mostly about how these three girls are growing up, balancing studying, training for their careers and actually working as performers on stage. It is, consequently, slow-paced and descriptive, however it doesn’t lack in humorous moments. For instance, when Gum (Great Uncle Matthew) brings the orphan Pauline to her 16 year-old niece, Sylvia, who is reluctant in taking her, he says:
"I thought all women like children!"
Posy is also a “little monster” who mocks everyone’s behaviour by imitating them in a hilarious way, a “talent” of her most visibile in the second half of the book.
I recommend “Ballet Shoes” to children of all ages, and to adults who want to remember their childhood.
cimorene1558's review against another edition
5.0
One of my very favourite books as a child, and I'm still incredibly fond of it.
misfitmoxie's review against another edition
4.0
Quite interesting and very sweet. Definitely a classic.
missmary98's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely read. This is the sort of book that I would've read over and over as a kid. Also, I now have a much better understanding of British currency in the 1930s.
situationnormal's review against another edition
4.0
Not at all what I was expecting from this cover or description, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. From what I understand, the "series" is a collection of books with shoes in the title but are otherwise unrelated, so I won't be continuing, but I did love reading about this interesting family. I love the focus on the arts and the old-fashioned feel of the books that's similar to other children's classics I've read. I also like that it's not overly quirky or optimistic/pessimistic. A book that's comforting and familiar, with the added interest of the three different girls with very different interests and personalities.