Reviews

A semi-crossover with the [b:Hetty Feather|6435965|Hetty Feather (Hetty Feather, #1)|Jacqueline Wilson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320557850s/6435965.jpg|6625528] series, this was a slightly harrowing and actually quite dark story. I enjoyed the cameos of characters we know from the later Hetty Feather books - like Thelma the dancer! - and Clover's abusive childhood is vividly illustrated in all its gritty, grimy, pea-souper squalor, and it's quite depressing to think that this is a pretty accurate depiction of Victorian London.

However, Clover is a determined, clever and adaptable girl, and her story takes a happier turn. (Though I did find that her voice sometimes blurs a bit into Hetty's in my head, they're both feisty girls...however, Clover I feel is rather more wise about when to pick her battles.) I really liked some of the side characters too, especially when we get to Miss Sarah Smith's instution. Mildred, Clover's stepmother, is a fearsome woman, and serves as the main antagonist of this story. I liked how she's not always portrayed as a 2D evil villain, she does have a few better moments, and also liked the characterisation of Clover's father. How many adults are there in the world like him? In a position where they can help, and initially they try to, but when it gets too difficult they give up so easily, preferring a 'quiet life'. "[T]he best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." Isn't that what Roosevelt said? Clover is extremely lucky (perhaps unrealistically so) in that she happens to meet several people by chance who do see a soul in need and help her.

madisonmashaw's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

tamara_danielle's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? No

3.0

btpbookclub's review

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5.0

Well, growing up I was always a massive fan of Jacqueline’s work and it is thanks to Jacqueline that I found my love of reading. I must also admit she is still one of my guilty pleasures.

Clover Moon is brilliant. It would appeal to older mature children and readers. This book is set in the victorian times and does include the subjects of death, poverty and even beatings. Clover Moon is written well and easy to read but does contain quiet long chapters for a children’s book, it is a long story but one I loved. There were characters I loved and characters I hated but I must say what a brilliant storyline and especially a nice ending, making the perfect children’s story. Children reading this story will also be learning about victorian times which is also a bonus.

I think Clover Moon would make a brilliant film. I awarded a well deserved five stars and would highly recommend this story to you all (yes, even those older children like me. Don’t be ashamed). Reading Clover Moon took me back to my younger years and I enjoyed reading every chapter of this, it has brought a big smile back to this face.

slaughtercarrie's review against another edition

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dark

2.0

sleepflowerrr's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

izziee's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful reflective sad 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? No

4.0

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