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charlielovesbooks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
towardinfinitybooks's review against another edition
4.0
I took this book on vacation with me to a sunny, warm destination with palm trees, and it turned out to be the perfect read - sweet and fluffy, sort of like cotton candy without the toothache at the end.
This was my first von Arnim. A few people have recommended [b:Elizabeth and Her German Garden|1140698|Elizabeth and Her German Garden (Virago Modern Classics)|Elizabeth von Arnim|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181346215s/1140698.jpg|6936] to me but reading the descriptions of that book did not motivate me. Really? A year in the life of a woman learning to garden? Um...no. It's only after reading this book that I can see how something like that could be charming. Von Arnim's writing is witty and seemingly carefree but with a bit of a bite just under the surface. In some ways, it reminded me of L.M. Montgomery's style - the humor, spark, and the sense that the author herself is enjoying the story with the reader.
However, when it comes to characterization, I still prefer Montgomery. Her characters seem to leap off the page with spirit. In comparison, von Arnim's characters were a bit flat - they were defined as a type and didn't budge from that. Mr. Twist is described as a motherly sort of man, a quiet gentleman who grew up, stifled, in the company of his mother and sister. The twins are naivete incarnate. It's sometimes very difficult for the reader to believe they are seventeen years old.
The ending was an issue for me. The book is 500 pages long. For about 425 pages, I was content. Then it started to drag. Then it ends. I would have liked more character development, a slightly faster plot, and then the trim ending (because it's the only appropriate way to end a fluffy read).
Overall, though, this was a delight to read. This book, enhanced by my vacation locale, took me to a place where it felt like nothing will ever go wrong (and when things do, they will definitely turn out right). I may have to check out that German garden sometime.
This was my first von Arnim. A few people have recommended [b:Elizabeth and Her German Garden|1140698|Elizabeth and Her German Garden (Virago Modern Classics)|Elizabeth von Arnim|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181346215s/1140698.jpg|6936] to me but reading the descriptions of that book did not motivate me. Really? A year in the life of a woman learning to garden? Um...no. It's only after reading this book that I can see how something like that could be charming. Von Arnim's writing is witty and seemingly carefree but with a bit of a bite just under the surface. In some ways, it reminded me of L.M. Montgomery's style - the humor, spark, and the sense that the author herself is enjoying the story with the reader.
However, when it comes to characterization, I still prefer Montgomery. Her characters seem to leap off the page with spirit. In comparison, von Arnim's characters were a bit flat - they were defined as a type and didn't budge from that. Mr. Twist is described as a motherly sort of man, a quiet gentleman who grew up, stifled, in the company of his mother and sister. The twins are naivete incarnate. It's sometimes very difficult for the reader to believe they are seventeen years old.
The ending was an issue for me. The book is 500 pages long. For about 425 pages, I was content. Then it started to drag. Then it ends. I would have liked more character development, a slightly faster plot, and then the trim ending (because it's the only appropriate way to end a fluffy read).
Overall, though, this was a delight to read. This book, enhanced by my vacation locale, took me to a place where it felt like nothing will ever go wrong (and when things do, they will definitely turn out right). I may have to check out that German garden sometime.
jovvijo's review against another edition
4.0
What an odd little story!
And any odd story has my attention!
Two girls, end of world war 1, and starting a new life in America (this not being made easy as they're half English and half German and it's that second half that gets people talking...)
They're hopelessly naive but luck lands them with a gentleman who's possibly almost as naive but in different areas, so they do balance themselves out nicely.
What happens next is a romp through America as the girls try to find a place to belong and succeed mostly in not succeeding at all!
The story keeps you reading for all the first half is by far the most entertaining.
Let's discover a new continent together!
And any odd story has my attention!
Two girls, end of world war 1, and starting a new life in America (this not being made easy as they're half English and half German and it's that second half that gets people talking...)
They're hopelessly naive but luck lands them with a gentleman who's possibly almost as naive but in different areas, so they do balance themselves out nicely.
What happens next is a romp through America as the girls try to find a place to belong and succeed mostly in not succeeding at all!
The story keeps you reading for all the first half is by far the most entertaining.
Let's discover a new continent together!
balancinghistorybooks's review against another edition
2.0
I normally adore von Arnim's work, but did not become absorbed in this. I decided to give up on it for now.
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