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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I heard such great reviews of this book, and I had such high hopes, but this book just dragged! Every chapter was a struggle to finish. I'm glad it is over.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
A wonderful book for reading aloud. I can't believe I never read this as a child!
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1695975.html
I can't quite believe that I managed to reach the age of nearly 44 without having read this brilliant children's fantasy, though I had fond if vague memories of Dorothea Brooking's 1974 BBC adaptation. Tom, sent to stay with his aunt and uncle after his brother develops measles, discovers that when the clock in the hall strikes thirteen in the middle of the night he is able to visit the garden as it was in the past, and makes friends with Hattie who lives in that past time, though they argue about which of them is a ghost. For the adult reader the story is actually Hattie's, Tom being the not completely reliable viewpoint character, and the ending, which I remembered as cutely satisfying when I watched it on TV aged seven, carries a stupendous emotional punch now that I am old enough to really appreciate it. A fantastic book; read it with your children, or borrow someone else's to read it with.
I can't quite believe that I managed to reach the age of nearly 44 without having read this brilliant children's fantasy, though I had fond if vague memories of Dorothea Brooking's 1974 BBC adaptation. Tom, sent to stay with his aunt and uncle after his brother develops measles, discovers that when the clock in the hall strikes thirteen in the middle of the night he is able to visit the garden as it was in the past, and makes friends with Hattie who lives in that past time, though they argue about which of them is a ghost. For the adult reader the story is actually Hattie's, Tom being the not completely reliable viewpoint character, and the ending, which I remembered as cutely satisfying when I watched it on TV aged seven, carries a stupendous emotional punch now that I am old enough to really appreciate it. A fantastic book; read it with your children, or borrow someone else's to read it with.
Beautiful, gorgeous illustrations by Edith (2018 edition) and lovely story.
good, kept me interested, but a little creepy in some parts.
I was slightly dissapointed. The writing didn’t mash with me and I had expected more of the garden! More magic in it. But it was all focused on time and at times I was a little borred. The friendship between Tom and Hatty was cute. So was the ending. It was short and that was a good thing in my opinion. All in all, okay, but no more than that.
After getting over the hump of this book, it got significantly better and I really enjoyed the second half. It's a whimsical and interesting journey about time, friendships and fantasy that interestingly involves various mentions and trips to the city I live in which took me by surprise. Historical, instructive and entertaining for kids, I enjoyed this as an adult (even though Tom at first was very irritating and hard to read about). I'm glad he had a journey for himself and grew, as well as meeting Hatty who made this book a lot better when she graced us with her presence.
I'll be curious to see what my university asks of me in relation to this book, I have many thoughts!
I'll be curious to see what my university asks of me in relation to this book, I have many thoughts!