Reviews

I remember reading this classic maybe in early high school, but it was fun to revisit as an adult. The story is sweet and shows that love is what’s important, even when you feel like you have nothing. This illustrated version added a good layer as well.

For: readers looking for a version with the classic full-text as well as beautiful illustrations that help the reader understand the story that takes place so long ago.

Possible red flags: feeling upset/inadequate; poverty; misunderstandings.

greyhues's review against another edition

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I tried. I wanted to read the artist that The Great Pun Off names its competition after. His classic twist is cool...at first but then it just dragged on.

aninha's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced

5.0

will_cherico's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

This is a really classic example of irony, and and it's great to know that the story isn't ruined by knowing the twist. O. Henry's writing is full of a dry wit that never denigrates the protagonists. I like this story because even though the ending could easily be read as really miserable and tragic, there's a level of hope that's present without feeling corny. The repetition of "my hair will grow back" has this optimistic "things will get better" beat to it, and in a time where Christmas is so consumed by buying the best gifts, the idea that love for the other is the greatest gift of all is very refreshing.

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