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3.12 AVERAGE
3.12 AVERAGE
I read this in one sitting and was mesmerized by the lyrical retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Although it was a fast-paced read, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I didn’t feel like it was real. It was whimsical, it was entertaining, but it wasn’t real to the extent of love in the modern era.
But alas, I am no longer a teen so do not take my word for it. Go forth and read this hauntingly beautiful tale and tell me, would you fall as stead fast as Ella did for Orpheus ?
I really appreciate the elements of the retelling. It was true to the myth with its own unique storyline and narrator.
Although it was a fast-paced read, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I didn’t feel like it was real. It was whimsical, it was entertaining, but it wasn’t real to the extent of love in the modern era.
But alas, I am no longer a teen so do not take my word for it. Go forth and read this hauntingly beautiful tale and tell me, would you fall as stead fast as Ella did for Orpheus ?
I really appreciate the elements of the retelling. It was true to the myth with its own unique storyline and narrator.
I really wanted to love A Song for Ella Grey and was disappointed to have to give this 2 stars. The writing in this book is utterly gorgeous. I found the first 1/3 enchanting, particularly the friendship between Claire and Ella. A Song for Ella Grey feels both modern and timeless. There's a nagging sense that all is not as it should be, which was heightened by the author's description at the beginning of the book of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth A Song for Ella Grey is based off of. If you're not one for spoilers, I would recommend skipping the introduction and reading it after you've finished the book.
There were two things in this book that hampered my enjoyment of it. While the writing was beautiful, it began to feel as if the plot was an accessory to the prose and portions of the story that could easily have been told in 10 pages were given 20 or more. This contributed to my other main issue, which was the pacing. The last 40% or so of this book really dragged. I found myself counting down the pages until I was finished, which is never a good sign.
If you're a big fan of myths, this is an interesting retelling (particularly if you're a more patient reader).
There were two things in this book that hampered my enjoyment of it. While the writing was beautiful, it began to feel as if the plot was an accessory to the prose and portions of the story that could easily have been told in 10 pages were given 20 or more. This contributed to my other main issue, which was the pacing. The last 40% or so of this book really dragged. I found myself counting down the pages until I was finished, which is never a good sign.
If you're a big fan of myths, this is an interesting retelling (particularly if you're a more patient reader).
I thought this book was beautifully written and made the book seem magical. It was an outrageous story and I'm glad I read Orpheus and Eurydice by Edward Eaton before reading this as I believe I would have been confused and frustrated if I hadn't.
This book blew me away with the writing. The story was good, but that's not what kept me reading. This book was written like a poem or a song. It was beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates words.
I really didn’t like this book
It was so confusing and after i was kinda finding out what happened,something stupid popped on
@Kinda spoilers??@
I wanted to rate this book 2 stars because i thought the main character (claire?) was secretly in love with ella
And I really adore that
Friends to lovers but WLW edition?
I’m here for that
But just the second I thought “the book is just meh”everything got worse
Like what the hell was going on?
First of all it was so so so overwritten,i was skipping every single detail because I really didn’t think they were necessary
Also i really don’t think ella,claire and their friends were 16/17 they felt kinda 18/19 to me?
Also the “strict parents” dynamic was really bad written.it really shows that the author probably have never seen that type of parents.
Also this was a Greek mythology retailing.but I don’t think it was well done
I really don’t know what to say
If you wanna waste your time read this book
It was so confusing and after i was kinda finding out what happened,something stupid popped on
@Kinda spoilers??@
I wanted to rate this book 2 stars because i thought the main character (claire?) was secretly in love with ella
And I really adore that
Friends to lovers but WLW edition?
I’m here for that
But just the second I thought “the book is just meh”everything got worse
Like what the hell was going on?
First of all it was so so so overwritten,i was skipping every single detail because I really didn’t think they were necessary
Also i really don’t think ella,claire and their friends were 16/17 they felt kinda 18/19 to me?
Also the “strict parents” dynamic was really bad written.it really shows that the author probably have never seen that type of parents.
Also this was a Greek mythology retailing.but I don’t think it was well done
I really don’t know what to say
If you wanna waste your time read this book
Here's a link to my blog, An Abundance of Novels, for more reviews!!
I’m in two minds about A Song for Ella Grey. On one hand, I really dislike it, on the other hand I can see how someone would really like this book. So I’ll try to keep an open mind as I write this.
Firstly, A Song for Ella Grey is a modern retelling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Now I wasn’t aware of this until about halfway through the book, and when I did find out, it didn’t really help much because I’d never heard of the original myth. I would advise that you read it before hand if you aren’t familiar with the story, because it made a lot more sense once I understood where Almond was going with it. I couldn’t believe the characters as real teenagers. They were ridiculous and nonsensical even compared to other contemporary YA teens in love, but if you consider them as characters from an epic greek poem, they actually make a lot more sense. The book is pervaded by a fairytale-like atmosphere, which is quite disorienting and confusing, but very powerful when contrasted with the gritty, contemporary setting.
In fact the language of the whole book made me feel like I was reading a really long poem. I see why the author wrote it this way, harking back to the old greek poems, but it didn’t really do anything for me. This is a completely subjective critique, if you’re into that kind of poetic, flowery, overwritten kind of language go for it , this book is for you.
The narrative of the book, stays pretty true to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, with the added character of Claire, which is where the story begins to differ. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Claire considers Ella more than a friend. She’s definitely in love with her , right? Almond never actually states this, but if he didn’t intend it, I’m not sure if he understands platonic female friendship. By the end if the story I felt really sorry for Claire, because Ella clearly didn’t reciprocate these feelings and had no idea.Ella is a kind of manic-pixie-dream girl, and seems to be vibrant and full of life compared to her dull parents, the Greys. They have a lot of hopes and dreams for her, which Ella doesn’t completely agree with, because she considers herself a bit of a fairy-child.
My favourite aspect of the book was the beautiful descriptions of the Northumberland countryside and seaside. They reminded me so much of the place I grew up in, the beautiful yet cold and harsh sea and landscape, and brought back so many good memories. The plot was also fantastic, and I couldn’t put it down it was so captivating.
While I didn’t love this book, I recognise that it is really good for what it is. It’s a quick read with an excellent plot. And if you’re into poetry, this is definitely for you.
Four Stars ****
Here's a link to my blog, An Abundance of Novels, for more reviews!!
I’m in two minds about A Song for Ella Grey. On one hand, I really dislike it, on the other hand I can see how someone would really like this book. So I’ll try to keep an open mind as I write this.
Firstly, A Song for Ella Grey is a modern retelling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Now I wasn’t aware of this until about halfway through the book, and when I did find out, it didn’t really help much because I’d never heard of the original myth. I would advise that you read it before hand if you aren’t familiar with the story, because it made a lot more sense once I understood where Almond was going with it. I couldn’t believe the characters as real teenagers. They were ridiculous and nonsensical even compared to other contemporary YA teens in love, but if you consider them as characters from an epic greek poem, they actually make a lot more sense. The book is pervaded by a fairytale-like atmosphere, which is quite disorienting and confusing, but very powerful when contrasted with the gritty, contemporary setting.
In fact the language of the whole book made me feel like I was reading a really long poem. I see why the author wrote it this way, harking back to the old greek poems, but it didn’t really do anything for me. This is a completely subjective critique, if you’re into that kind of poetic, flowery, overwritten kind of language go for it , this book is for you.
The narrative of the book, stays pretty true to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, with the added character of Claire, which is where the story begins to differ. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Claire considers Ella more than a friend. She’s definitely in love with her , right? Almond never actually states this, but if he didn’t intend it, I’m not sure if he understands platonic female friendship. By the end if the story I felt really sorry for Claire, because Ella clearly didn’t reciprocate these feelings and had no idea.Ella is a kind of manic-pixie-dream girl, and seems to be vibrant and full of life compared to her dull parents, the Greys. They have a lot of hopes and dreams for her, which Ella doesn’t completely agree with, because she considers herself a bit of a fairy-child.
My favourite aspect of the book was the beautiful descriptions of the Northumberland countryside and seaside. They reminded me so much of the place I grew up in, the beautiful yet cold and harsh sea and landscape, and brought back so many good memories. The plot was also fantastic, and I couldn’t put it down it was so captivating.
While I didn’t love this book, I recognise that it is really good for what it is. It’s a quick read with an excellent plot. And if you’re into poetry, this is definitely for you.
Four Stars ****
Here's a link to my blog, An Abundance of Novels, for more reviews!!
3.5. I really liked tinge idea of this book. I love retellings of ancient stories and I think the part of this book that was a retellings was really interesting and cool to read. I didn't love the writing style and I think it took a little bit of time to really get into the story. That being said, I read this right after finishing an insanely good series so I think that definitely had some effect in the way I read the story. I did like it but it definitely took a little time to get into.
Beautifully and poetically written, Almond's reinterpretation of the Orpheus and Eurydice tale enchants from the first pages. The words have a lyrical sense to them, building and building into this beautiful and devastating crescendo as the narration switches from Claire's point of view to Claire-as-Orpheus. The pages, the language, the writing literally change in this very moment.
Sigh. This book is just beautiful.
Sigh. This book is just beautiful.
Severely disappointed with this. I couldn't bring myself to care about the characters or the love story. I was confused occasionally by the writing style— which was extremely beautiful and lyrical — that bordered over the top. I usually enjoy lyrical writing, but I just couldn't click with this book. Surreal, to say the least. Maybe I'll try to reread this in the future (after reading the myth it's based on), but as of now, I stick by my one star rating.
Synopsis
In this modern day retelling of the myth of Eurydice and Orpheus we meet best friends Ella and Claire who spend their youth trying to grow up quicker. Things take an interesting turn when Ella falls for vagabond Orpheus. Their union signifies the end of Claire and Ella’s youth and also brings their impending lives fully into view.
Review
I was so keen to read this book. Having read Almond’s work before I am familiar and I awe how he can take the normal and make it appear mystical and atmospheric. Add to this the fact that the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice is my favourite myth you can see why I was so eager to devour this story.
Sadly, it didn’t blow me away. In fact, having finished the book I’m kind of at a loss to describe how I feel. Heck, all the elements were there; the atmospheric nature of his writing, the story that needed to be told, the amazing way in which Almond can captivate you – it all just didn’t quite connect for me.
I’m a little bit disappointed.
Give it a read and let me know what you think.
The Song for Ella Grey by David Almond is available now.
In this modern day retelling of the myth of Eurydice and Orpheus we meet best friends Ella and Claire who spend their youth trying to grow up quicker. Things take an interesting turn when Ella falls for vagabond Orpheus. Their union signifies the end of Claire and Ella’s youth and also brings their impending lives fully into view.
Review
I was so keen to read this book. Having read Almond’s work before I am familiar and I awe how he can take the normal and make it appear mystical and atmospheric. Add to this the fact that the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice is my favourite myth you can see why I was so eager to devour this story.
Sadly, it didn’t blow me away. In fact, having finished the book I’m kind of at a loss to describe how I feel. Heck, all the elements were there; the atmospheric nature of his writing, the story that needed to be told, the amazing way in which Almond can captivate you – it all just didn’t quite connect for me.
I’m a little bit disappointed.
Give it a read and let me know what you think.
The Song for Ella Grey by David Almond is available now.