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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
*3.5 stars
I have fond memories of my late aunt reading this book as bedtime story in my childhood, and I love the mythical phoenix, so I was disappointed to find I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected, or as much as the first book about these kids (Five Children & It) . Could be I was no longer in the mood for another kids' book as I've read quite a few this month, but I found my mind wandering now and then, and then being a bit bemused about one or two of the strange circumstances they found themselves in! I think it's one I might enjoy more rereading my old physical copy from my childhood rather than the audio. Loyalty to my fond memory of it doesn't permit me to rate it any lower than 3.5 stars!
I have fond memories of my late aunt reading this book as bedtime story in my childhood, and I love the mythical phoenix, so I was disappointed to find I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected, or as much as the first book about these kids (Five Children & It) . Could be I was no longer in the mood for another kids' book as I've read quite a few this month, but I found my mind wandering now and then, and then being a bit bemused about one or two of the strange circumstances they found themselves in! I think it's one I might enjoy more rereading my old physical copy from my childhood rather than the audio. Loyalty to my fond memory of it doesn't permit me to rate it any lower than 3.5 stars!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love how Edwardian children's book authors trusted their audience to have good vocabulary, it results in some beautiful words. This was episodic magic that just encouraged and trusted the reader to go along with it (I love that). The gender roles were surprisingly progressive with the boys getting on with chores too and the girls being brave. The "savages" part let that down. I especially dislike "savage" stories, they seem mean-spirited as well as racist with no whimsy/wonder. The rest of the tales were full of wonder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Minor: Cannibalism
It was very sad at the end . . .
Though the Phoenix was arrogant, I enjoyed him. I'm thinking of writing a Phoenix into my next book.
Though the Phoenix was arrogant, I enjoyed him. I'm thinking of writing a Phoenix into my next book.
Probably my favorite of the series, as I greatly prefer the Phoenix to the Psammead. The children are great here too, especially Jane. Some racist episodes mar the book.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
I thought this book was ok in the end.
My favourite part was when the phoenix thought the fire office was his temple.
I also feel sorry for the carpet because it got trodden on so many times.
My favourite part was when the phoenix thought the fire office was his temple.
I also feel sorry for the carpet because it got trodden on so many times.
This was a disappointment. I really enjoyed Five Children and It, although in hindsight I don't remember it very well and if it was anything like its sequel I can't imagine why I liked it so much. Although Nesbit's wit is still at work in this book, ultimately the children are so unlikeable that it wasn't any fun to spend time with them. They are selfish, entitled brats, the boys bullies and the girls drips. I was surprised by that last part because I'm pretty sure Nesbit was a feminist and had some feminist themes in the other books of hers that I've read, but no sign of it here. The introduction also warns that she was racist and classist, so you're in for a ride. I feel really sorry for both the phoenix and the carpet and I'd rather never see any of these kids again.
The self-involvement of the children and their disregard for others beyond their family makes them quite unlikeable. Some of their misadventures are funny and interesting but others drag on.
A fun read which would probably actually be enjoyable for children (take note, Mr Kingsley).