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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
The review I read of this book mentioned "To Kill a Mockingbird" which was awesome and scary because while TKAM is an all-time favorite well, TKAM is an all-time favorite. I can definitely see where the comparison comes from - a young female narrator right on the edge of starting to see and understand the larger world; an oddball local character who everyone knows but doesn't really understand; a little bit of mob mentality. I could pretty much predict where the story was going as it moved along, but I'm an adult who's read a lot of books and it certainly didn't stop me from enjoying it. This is also my favorite kind of writing - straight-forward and un-fancy but little bits of goodness mixed in. Lots of little details too. What Baptist kid doesn't remember drawing on the back of offering envelopes with those tiny pencils? Will definitely remember this for future students.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A lovely gem of a book. Quite sad, but so well written. Excellent narrator.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Annabelle lives in rural Pennsylvania, far removed from World War II. She has a loving family and they take care of a local homeless WWI vet, Toby. A new girl, Betty, comes to live with her grandparents and begins attending Annabelle's school. Soon the children, learn that Betty is not a very nice person. Many of her bad behaviors she blames on Toby. Soon, a criminal investigation takes place and Annabelle must use her Sherlock skills to help protect the people she loves.
I don't know how I feel about this book. I feel like it would be a great discussion book, but it really isn't appropriate for children. There are some graphic/grotesque things described with tough things happening. This book really speaks to the underbelly of people. Also, as an allegory for war, it is speaks to the difficult pieces of war.
I don't know how I feel about this book. I feel like it would be a great discussion book, but it really isn't appropriate for children. There are some graphic/grotesque things described with tough things happening. This book really speaks to the underbelly of people. Also, as an allegory for war, it is speaks to the difficult pieces of war.
Captivating and poignant, Wolf's novel, the first that I have read, has told me that I will now be reading everything she has written. Her writing is masterful not just in its deceptively-simple prose but in its depth with regard to character and moment. A true gift. Touching on themes of prejudice, justice, and empathy through the eyes of a twelve-year-old Annabelle, living on her family farm in rural Pennsylvania during the 1940s. When a new girl, Betty, arrives at school, she quickly establishes herself as a bully and sets her sights on tormenting Annabelle, her brothers and other children in the town. As Betty's behaviour escalates, Annabelle must navigate her own fears and confront the concept of lying to her parents in order to protect them and the enigmatic and distant Toby - a survivor of World War 1.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Annabelle serving as a brave and resilient protagonist who grapples with the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders. Wolk skillfully balances the darker elements of the story with moments of warmth and hope, and her exploration of the impact of war on small communities is both thoughtful and nuanced. Honestly, it's an excellent achievement.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Annabelle serving as a brave and resilient protagonist who grapples with the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders. Wolk skillfully balances the darker elements of the story with moments of warmth and hope, and her exploration of the impact of war on small communities is both thoughtful and nuanced. Honestly, it's an excellent achievement.
I re-read this book recently and was once again very impressed. While I’m usually prone to like the more flowery and descriptive prose, the pared back style of narration in Wolf Hollow just enhanced the quiet and down to earth mood. I loved the simple farm setting, the cast of characters, the retrospective POV, and, of course, the beautiful cover.
Betty’s character, the things she did, and her fate were hard to stomach at times, but the themes and questions that arose from the role she played is what makes me respect this book so much.
The ending wasn’t happy ever after and didn’t tie everything up neatly. We are left with many tough questions, which is what I think made this book so much more realistic and memorable.
Wolf Hollow isn’t flashy or loud. For me, it was the book’s quiet, subtle tone that made the biggest impact.
Betty’s character, the things she did, and her fate were hard to stomach at times, but the themes and questions that arose from the role she played is what makes me respect this book so much.
The ending wasn’t happy ever after and didn’t tie everything up neatly. We are left with many tough questions, which is what I think made this book so much more realistic and memorable.
Wolf Hollow isn’t flashy or loud. For me, it was the book’s quiet, subtle tone that made the biggest impact.
[8.25 stars ⭐️.] It had a slow start, but once it started to pick up, I couldn’t get enough.