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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Daniel Hahn, introducing Philip Pullman at Hay Festival this year, said he thought this was about as close to being a perfect children's book as it was possible to get, so I had to take a look. It is indeed pretty fine, and works on multiple levels, either as an exciting fantasy adventure or as a study on the craft of storytelling. I bought it from a shop that had shelved it under 8-12 years, but the story-within-a-story aspect of it felt like something that someone at the younger end of that spectrum might struggle with.
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Murder
Moderate: Blood
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve read this tight little middle-grade novella three or four times and it’s just right.
I loved the skill with which all of the threads of this rather traditional 'fairytale' story were brought together. Very impressive. I liked the style, the voice, the characters. My only reservation was that this was a short story at best and this was not reflected in the price.
Another of Pullman's wonderful little tales. He really is brilliant.
Absolutely fabulous, though it began much stronger than it ended. Indeed, the ending was a bit bow-wrapped and slightly juvenile for my taste.
The narration was perfect!
The narration was perfect!