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paulathepudding's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
3.0
sabisays's review against another edition
4.0
I saw this as a musical years ago in London and when I saw the book in a local bookstore, I picked it up on a whim. I never saw the movie, but the book really makes me want to! I really enjoyed this, it’s a beautiful story about dreams and family and friendship and hope!
natattack_11's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
4.0
martakruh's review against another edition
4.0
It is always particularly intriguing when a book is written based on an already existing movie. How will an angry facial expression be translated in print when no actual inner monologue from the character was presented to the viewer? The author has the power to change the deep structure of the story completely if they wished, adding too much or leaving important bits out; because Melvin Burgess had worked with Lee Hall's script for this book, the story not only followed the movie to the "t" but also evolved the minor characters' plot lines to give them a much needed voice.
Billy's father Jackie already was a sentimental teddy bear on the inside, and with the help of Burgess's writing, he came alive as an even more loving person who was fuelled by his devotion to Billy's mother. Tony, Billy's brother, whom I have a hard time getting on with in the movie, suddenly turned into this fierce protector of the family whom I couldn't help to empathise with this time. There was even the voice of Billy's boxing teacher, George! All of these characters were very well developed and enriched the plot of the movie, so that I now have a better understanding and greater appreciation for the story as a whole!
Billy's father Jackie already was a sentimental teddy bear on the inside, and with the help of Burgess's writing, he came alive as an even more loving person who was fuelled by his devotion to Billy's mother. Tony, Billy's brother, whom I have a hard time getting on with in the movie, suddenly turned into this fierce protector of the family whom I couldn't help to empathise with this time. There was even the voice of Billy's boxing teacher, George! All of these characters were very well developed and enriched the plot of the movie, so that I now have a better understanding and greater appreciation for the story as a whole!
mariajaramillo17's review against another edition
4.0
Billy Elliot es una historia juvenil tirando a infantil, que cuenta la historia de como se cumple un sueño de bailar en medio de un pueblo minero.
El libro es muy rápido de leer, tiene un buen ritmo, ya que no detalla en descripciones largas y cuenta una historia muy linda que deja mensajes importantes.
No es una obra maestra, pero está bien en especial para comenzar a leer novelas más grandes.
El libro es muy rápido de leer, tiene un buen ritmo, ya que no detalla en descripciones largas y cuenta una historia muy linda que deja mensajes importantes.
No es una obra maestra, pero está bien en especial para comenzar a leer novelas más grandes.
olawunmi's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book when I was probably a little too young to be reading it. I remember wondering why he couldn’t just do what he wanted, why anything else mattered.
I cried on occasion while reading this as a child. Something tells me I’d cry all the same if I read it today.
I cried on occasion while reading this as a child. Something tells me I’d cry all the same if I read it today.
abri_reader's review against another edition
1.0
I like the story but I don't think this was a very good adaptation of the movie, maybe I'm just not in the right demographic but I didn't like the writing. A few of my biggest issues were that first of all the writing is very sexist towards the female ballet dancers and always implies that Billy is the best one just because he's a boy, even though he just started dancing a few days ago. Also the pov is split with some of them adding nothing to the story, because the characters are not developed and feel incredibly disconnected, one chapter is from the pov of a store clerk for some reason. Also they use the word f*** a lot, but always sensor it which is very distracting. I did like how Michael was written and how accepting Billy was that was sweet. Moral of the story is just watch the musical instead of reading a book that literally quotes it and doesn't even have Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher aka the best song.
sincerelystefanie's review against another edition
4.0
I thought my love for this story would live only in the movie but I was so wrong. It was enjoyable to see how Billy grew into his love for ballet in a slightly different way than the movie and how his family accepted him in a time when it was taboo to do so. I would have loved if it featured a bit more vulgar language to suit the English language of that era and location but overall an amazing read and heartwarming story. Highly recommend.
yoleo__'s review against another edition
1.0
Es una historia muy suave, en la que se habla de inclusión a través de Billy Elliot, un niño con problemas familiares que decide dejar el boxeo para convertirse en bailarín de ballet, desafiando a su padre y hermano.
Tomé este libro por recordar el colegio, pero lo que antes me causó gracia (e incluso diversión), ahora me pareció lento y aburridor.
Tomé este libro por recordar el colegio, pero lo que antes me causó gracia (e incluso diversión), ahora me pareció lento y aburridor.