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goodem9199's review
I listened to this because I had nothing else on audio for a few days...to tell how much I liked it, I quit listening when I only had 1 cd left to go...:(
renuked's review
4.0
That was lovely. Ibbotson writes the prettiest stories, with flowers, and dancing and happiness everywhere. But sometimes it can get repetitive. I have read countless stories with a talented, kind, heroine who meets wonderful friends and brave new people and have wonderful adventures. It's like rainbows, ponies and sparkles everywhere. I think after a while, some of her books begin to blur together and the ones that stick out are the ones you read first.
That being said, if I had read this book before her other books, I would have fallen into complete and utter love. As it is, I enjoyed the light storyline, and the adventure. Tally, the daring, benevolent protagonist, goes to a boarding school names Delderton, where of course, she meets many interesting and wonderful people. (If you hadn't noticed, wonderful things often happen in Ibbotson's books.) She then manages to convince the school to go on a field trip to the beautiful country of Bergania. Again she meets the kind, caring Prince of Bergania, Karil. Finally, the real action begins, a series of events involving Hitler occurs, some events that are not so wonderful happen, and they are all forced to go on the run. It's exciting, and a whirlwind of fun and friendship.
Again, maybe it gets a little too sweet. The repetitiveness of noble royals, brave girls, kind friends, Europe's natural beauty, and especially the arts - it gets a little boring at times. Sometimes the story moved too slowly, and not enough happened. I suppose that sometimes, it worked out, and the book really felt like a calming escape. But sometimes, the overlong descriptions and the cloying "prettiness" was a little syrupy. Ibbotson will always be a great children's writer, but she didn't often write different books, they all follow a similar plot or have a similar happy feeling.
I think you can't read too many of her books in a row or you will get exhausted of the repetition. But that being said, I really enjoyed the story. I love historical writing, and the way Ibbotson writes transports me back into the past. The thing that sets her books out are always the messages and characters - love, friendship, caring, and bravery are abundant in her novels. The reader decides whether it is too much euphoria or just the right amount.
That being said, if I had read this book before her other books, I would have fallen into complete and utter love. As it is, I enjoyed the light storyline, and the adventure. Tally, the daring, benevolent protagonist, goes to a boarding school names Delderton, where of course, she meets many interesting and wonderful people. (If you hadn't noticed, wonderful things often happen in Ibbotson's books.) She then manages to convince the school to go on a field trip to the beautiful country of Bergania. Again she meets the kind, caring Prince of Bergania, Karil. Finally, the real action begins, a series of events involving Hitler occurs, some events that are not so wonderful happen, and they are all forced to go on the run. It's exciting, and a whirlwind of fun and friendship.
Again, maybe it gets a little too sweet. The repetitiveness of noble royals, brave girls, kind friends, Europe's natural beauty, and especially the arts - it gets a little boring at times. Sometimes the story moved too slowly, and not enough happened. I suppose that sometimes, it worked out, and the book really felt like a calming escape. But sometimes, the overlong descriptions and the cloying "prettiness" was a little syrupy. Ibbotson will always be a great children's writer, but she didn't often write different books, they all follow a similar plot or have a similar happy feeling.
I think you can't read too many of her books in a row or you will get exhausted of the repetition. But that being said, I really enjoyed the story. I love historical writing, and the way Ibbotson writes transports me back into the past. The thing that sets her books out are always the messages and characters - love, friendship, caring, and bravery are abundant in her novels. The reader decides whether it is too much euphoria or just the right amount.
vegprincess's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Some parts were a little far-fetched and unbelievable but still pretty good.
ilovechillipepper's review
2.0
2.75
This was a good book But it got boring near the end and then it was exciting again
This was a good book But it got boring near the end and then it was exciting again
isabelgrace18's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
deepti_g's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
bluestarfish's review against another edition
4.0
The back cover blurb almost put me off reading this but I'm glad now I did read it. The first half is really delightful as Tally goes off to boarding school in Devon as that is safer than London at the beginning of WWII. It's an eccentric school and things really get going, adventure-wise, when Tally and co teach themselves a folk dance and head off to Bergania. Interesting, even if I wasn't quite as fond of the second half.
cimorene1558's review
3.0
Another very much like the adult/ya ones. Historical, slightly Gothic, and always ending well, no matter what happens en route. Also a pretty good odd school story.
jcousins's review
5.0
I love love love Eva Ibbotson. This book is very different from her ghost stories, which is what I have been familiar with up until now. A great read for the upper elementary reader. A wonderful story about kids and friendship during the Nazi takeover of Europe. Sounds like a downer, and there are a few harsh moments, but this is a beautifully written, uplifting book. I'm so glad my daughter recommended it.