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lgmaxwell722's review against another edition
3.0
I normally don't find books with talking animals on my to read list, but this one was a nice surprise. Finding herself out of her stall one night Perestroika wanders the streets of Paris and is unable to find her way back. She quickly collects a group of animal friends (a dog, mouse, raven), and soon makes friends with humans too. The pace of the book was quick, and the story heartwarming. At some points it seemed the language was trying too hard to be poetic which caused some abrupt transitions. I also found the time period confusing. For most of the story it seemed to be situated in the early twentieth century.. yet there was talk of computers and cellphones which didn't seem to fit the plotline. Recommend for readers who need a friendly book in challenging times.
awildernessofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Whimsical and endearing, I could see this easily becoming a comfort read for many. Following a young race horse and his companions (including but not limited to, a dog and raven) we get their perspective as they venture through Paris and meet a young boy and his great-grandmother. This book is not heavy on plot but rather reads like classic children’s literature such as Charlottes Web. While very accessible and delightful on audio, my only note is that the length could have been edited down due to the nature of the plot.
bunrab's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet little story; since part of it takes place in winter and involves gifts, it could be considered a Christmas story. Nothing in here that wouldn't be safe for kids, even though it's not exactly a kids story. Would make a nice gift for anyone fond of animals (and ok with animals kept by humans)
jmclincoln's review against another edition
5.0
Yes, you want to read this book. I am a literalist so for me this story is about a horse and her friends in Paris. It’s also about relationships and what we may contribute to each other and receive in turn. I’m sure I missed lots of metaphors and philosophies being a literalist, but I greatly enjoyed it all the same.
Put aside your need for a mystery, or a thriller, for chases and the latest scientific discovery. Relax in the wonder of Paras, her friends, and the welcoming gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower.
Put aside your need for a mystery, or a thriller, for chases and the latest scientific discovery. Relax in the wonder of Paras, her friends, and the welcoming gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower.
ja3m3's review against another edition
4.0
A horse, a dog, a raven, a pair of mallards, and a couple of rats walk into a bar... No they don't. They hang around the Champs du Mars in Paris and show us mere humans what friendship, love and loyalty is all about in this delightful and whimsical story.
kellerko's review against another edition
4.0
This was a surprisingly good book. Written from the perspective of an escapee race horse, a raven, a dog who’s owner was no longer with him, plus a few mallards and rats. All about their perception of an interaction with humans when they intersect with a young boy.
aholland5's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.25
nlwisz's review against another edition
5.0
You should read this book if you like: Heartwarming stories, anthropomorphic characters, love, loss, friendship, Paris
* * *
Humorous and remarkably imaginative, Smiley's Perestroika in Paris was a delight to read!
This fun story brings together a group of unlikely animal companions, including a sweetly innocent racehorse; a posh raven (excuse me, a Corvus corax, thank you very much); a pair of ducks prone to hysterics; a hormonal rat and protective dog who sometimes just can't shake their animal predispositions. The motley crew befriends a young boy in the City of Lights, and readers are brought along for a fantastical tale that you'll just have to read.
All of the characters are quirky, unique, and well-developed, and the story was a witty and heartwarming one that I won't soon forget.
* * *
Humorous and remarkably imaginative, Smiley's Perestroika in Paris was a delight to read!
This fun story brings together a group of unlikely animal companions, including a sweetly innocent racehorse; a posh raven (excuse me, a Corvus corax, thank you very much); a pair of ducks prone to hysterics; a hormonal rat and protective dog who sometimes just can't shake their animal predispositions. The motley crew befriends a young boy in the City of Lights, and readers are brought along for a fantastical tale that you'll just have to read.
All of the characters are quirky, unique, and well-developed, and the story was a witty and heartwarming one that I won't soon forget.
eleanorrosecugal's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25