Scan barcode
claudiamccarron's review
4.0
I was lucky enough to find the 1962 edition illustrated by Tasha Tudor at a second-hand bookshop, and it is gorgeous. Godden's story is a perfect match for Tudor's style.
friedeggpoppy's review
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
situationnormal's review
3.0
Not a creepy doll book in the least but it does pull a couple of heart strings and have some charm. Most of its appeal is in the age and the timeless living dolls with feelings tropes.
shighley's review
3.0
I read this because an author mentioned it as COVID comfort reading during a panel. The book I got through interlibrary loan was almost like the dolls in the book; somewhat fragile, yellowing pages... but the outside cover seemed indestructible. Purchased by the library in 1998, it had one due date stamped on the back page (but maybe they automated soon after.)
Here I am as an adult reading a children's book but having to remind myself that although it might have seemed there were conversations among the dolls and humans, there were not. I may not look at a doll the same way again, and I will wonder which ones are bullies!
Here I am as an adult reading a children's book but having to remind myself that although it might have seemed there were conversations among the dolls and humans, there were not. I may not look at a doll the same way again, and I will wonder which ones are bullies!
ashleylm's review
4.0
Too tragic for the very young--I read it as an adult and was greatly disturbed (although, come to think of it, often the young take tragedy with great equanimity). She's a wonderful writer, and so far none of her works have disappointed.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
halfcentreader's review against another edition
4.0
I purchased this book on whim at the local AAUW book sale in 2019. I was originally attracted to the cover/title, but then noticed the price sticker which mentioned it was signed. What a bonus! I thought. Then saw that it was signed by the illustrator. I shrugged and bought it anyway for the first reason. I just now got around to reading it and discovered a sweet story about a family of dolls, the two girls who play with them, and the doll's house they inherit. Even the Queen makes a short appearance! There is a haughty doll that has history with the oldest of the doll family that causes some friciton. But truly what makes this book a treasure are the illustrations. After mentioning this book online in a bookclub, many folks commented not only on the author but on the illustrator, whose sketches are detailed but sweet and simple. I loved them and thought they made an excellent embellishment to this edition 20 years after its original publication.
papercrowns's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, with a surprisingly heavy ending. Loved it.
exurbanis's review
3.0
The activities, sorrows, and joys of a family of dolls living in an old doll house are related from the dolls’ point of view.
It’s rather dated, but charming. Read this if: you ever played with a dollhouse – or wanted to (and who didn’t?) 3 stars
It’s rather dated, but charming. Read this if: you ever played with a dollhouse – or wanted to (and who didn’t?) 3 stars