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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
I only heard of this when it made one of the major children's award shortlists. I'm very glad I gave it a go, as Rundell has created some wonderfully original and charming characters within a sweet story.
Surviving a shipwreck on her first birthday, Sophie is rescued and taken in by Charles, a single man who lives by his own rules. Growing up happily with his love and care, Sophie never gives up the belief that her mother, who she remembers to be a trouser-wearing, cello-playing musician, survived the shipwreck too. When social services threaten to take her away from Charles, they decide to try and track down Sophie's mother, meeting an interesting young roof-dweller along the way...
Charles and Sophie are adorable, their relationship warm and enviable. The story takes unexpected turns but is a lovely fairy tale with a strong female lead and lots of interest in its Parisian setting, on the roofs, even with a rooftop battle.
Deservedly shortlisted for awards, it's a little gem that should appeal to both genders.
Surviving a shipwreck on her first birthday, Sophie is rescued and taken in by Charles, a single man who lives by his own rules. Growing up happily with his love and care, Sophie never gives up the belief that her mother, who she remembers to be a trouser-wearing, cello-playing musician, survived the shipwreck too. When social services threaten to take her away from Charles, they decide to try and track down Sophie's mother, meeting an interesting young roof-dweller along the way...
Charles and Sophie are adorable, their relationship warm and enviable. The story takes unexpected turns but is a lovely fairy tale with a strong female lead and lots of interest in its Parisian setting, on the roofs, even with a rooftop battle.
Deservedly shortlisted for awards, it's a little gem that should appeal to both genders.
matteahayn's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
1.0
I came into this book with high hopes, the description was interesting be the cover they used was beautiful. When I started my hopes quickly dwindled and I ended up skimming the book because i could tell what was happening without reading into the details. The ending was nice though, her finding her mother and all.
hedwig2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
isa_ml's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
alix2a's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Loved the writing style. Nice read
hawksquill's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent