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mollyj099's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
georgia_124's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! By far my favourite book so far this year. I was very invested in Monas story and didn’t take me too long to read. I think Jacqueline Wilson did a good job of quickly changing your opinions on Peter Robinson and Maggie Higgins.Ok but we need a second book after that plot twist ending though!! I was rooting for Roland and Mona though nothing really happened
kirkymaus's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
This is a lovely light hearted read for younger readers. The main character is really loveable, even if sometimes Naive and I think the development of plot would leave younger readers shocked. I liked how Wilson navigated the mixing of different classes, and it has a warming message about family, friendship, and growing into one's self.
emilykate89's review
4.0
I think that kids will love the richly textured 1920s world this book depicts. I’ll probably buy my now 8-year-old niece a copy in 2 or 3 years.
mbarclay2013's review against another edition
3.0
My childhood consisted of reading every Jacqueline Wilson book there was, and now 8 years later her stories are still enjoyable. Dancing the Charleston follows the story of 10 year old Mona who lives with her Aunt on the estate of Somerset Manor in the 1920s. After the death of Lady Somerset, both of their lives change forever.
Jacqueline Wilson’s Victorian era books were my favourite growing up, especially the Hetty Feather tales, and learning about the 1920s was equally as pleasant. We learnt about both the rich and the poor during this era through multiple families in both the village and in the upperclass, and a different viewpoint than the ultra rich versus the servants that Wilson’s books are usually focused on. The story itself was quite simple and enjoyable enough, sharing many elements of life for post WW1 children.
The detail in this story was fantastic, from the elaborate and bright rooms in the Manor to the fine dresses sewn by Mona’s aunt and the rising 1920s fashion - each item was brought to life before your very eyes. The chapters at the exhibition towards the end of the story were particularly amazing. I was over the moon when we see who Mona meets there, the little references put in makes both present and younger me smile with happiness. Every character was well written and it was quite simple to keep track of them all as more were introduced. I really enjoyed reading about the Somerset’s, especially Barbara’s children. Maggie was a character that was getting on my nerves towards the end, her rude and jealous attitude was horrible.
My only criticism of the book is that there were a few plot points that could have been expanded. The plot line of Mona’s education and how she enjoys it at the High School and how the big revelation affects the character relationships, even if some of them knew prior. Although, the plot twist at the end is done very well and still was a surprise even if it was spoiled for me thanks to a comments in the reviews here. I was also a bit confused about the title as Charleston is barely mentioned, but I could maybe argue a connection to the underlying plot twist.
I’d have to rate this a 3.5, a great and simple story that has all of the amazing elements which makes Jacqueline Wilson books such childhood staples. But it would have been nice to see beyond their future too, the pace seemed a bit slow at times and ended a bit abruptly. I can’t wait to read some of her newer works and re read the ones that outlined my childhood.
Jacqueline Wilson’s Victorian era books were my favourite growing up, especially the Hetty Feather tales, and learning about the 1920s was equally as pleasant. We learnt about both the rich and the poor during this era through multiple families in both the village and in the upperclass, and a different viewpoint than the ultra rich versus the servants that Wilson’s books are usually focused on. The story itself was quite simple and enjoyable enough, sharing many elements of life for post WW1 children.
The detail in this story was fantastic, from the elaborate and bright rooms in the Manor to the fine dresses sewn by Mona’s aunt and the rising 1920s fashion - each item was brought to life before your very eyes. The chapters at the exhibition towards the end of the story were particularly amazing. I was over the moon when we see who Mona meets there, the little references put in makes both present and younger me smile with happiness. Every character was well written and it was quite simple to keep track of them all as more were introduced. I really enjoyed reading about the Somerset’s, especially Barbara’s children. Maggie was a character that was getting on my nerves towards the end, her rude and jealous attitude was horrible.
My only criticism of the book is that there were a few plot points that could have been expanded. The plot line of Mona’s education and how she enjoys it at the High School and how the big revelation affects the character relationships, even if some of them knew prior. Although, the plot twist at the end is done very well and still was a surprise even if it was spoiled for me thanks to a comments in the reviews here. I was also a bit confused about the title as Charleston is barely mentioned, but I could maybe argue a connection to the underlying plot twist.
I’d have to rate this a 3.5, a great and simple story that has all of the amazing elements which makes Jacqueline Wilson books such childhood staples. But it would have been nice to see beyond their future too, the pace seemed a bit slow at times and ended a bit abruptly. I can’t wait to read some of her newer works and re read the ones that outlined my childhood.
thebook_cook's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
3.0
pinksophia25's review against another edition
5.0
I think there are interesting characters, I liked learning about the fashion and other trends that were around that time I enjoyed the ending it was bittersweet. Though I wished to have seen what Mona decides to do with High School and her fight with her friends. And of course, Nick Sharrets illustrations are excellent as always.
stinkysylvie69's review
5.0
ok wtf Jacqueline Wilson didn't have me actually sitting in my room crying at 2am because I stayed up specifically to read this and the surprise appearance of an old character made me so nostalgic and full of warmth and love I couldn't physically take it