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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Good historical fic. with strong mystery/ghost story elements; could be popular with kids that like Hahn, Roberts, Kehret.
http://ginasblogging.blogspot.com/2006/12/drowned-maidens-hair-melodrama.html
Adopted from an orphanage by the three elderly Hawthorne sisters, Maud believes that all of her dreams have come true. But when the sisters that Maud must remain hidden in the house and reveal that they have a use for her, Maud discovers that she has not quite found the perfect family that she was looking for. A Drowned Maiden's Hair is swift but not simple: the easy prose and mysterious plot draw the reader in, but it's thorny questions of honesty and searches for love that keep him thinking and feeling throughout the book. With transparent infodumps and a too-perfect resolution, the book isn't perfect—but it's addictive, enjoyable, and surprisingly tender. I recommend it.
I devoured A Drowned Maiden's Hair in one afternoon of quiet, contented reading. Schiltz's voice is unremarkable but incredibly easy to read, letting the read slip straight into the heart of the story. The plot begins as a mystery to hook the reader; once that mystery is revealed, it tends towards predictable—but spirited, bright Maud is beyond prediction, and her inner struggles are the true heart of the book. The conflict between her suspicions and her desire for love never tends towards maudlin; instead, it is believable and character-driven, bringing nuance to the morality-tale aspects and making Maud both empathetic and empowering.
The book is dragged down a bit by that predictable plot, and also by transparent infodumps (where characters relay their entire backstory) and by a too-swift, too-simple resolution. But these weaknesses are never prominent enough to become irritating, and Maud and some of the better supporting characters are strong enough to support the book despite them. A Drowned Maiden's Hair is a quick and enjoyable read filled unexpected but lovely emotion. Gently heartbreaking, empowering, and always clever, Maud and her personal journeys are not the most advanced, but they are still tender and true. Though not a book I need to read again, A Drowned Maiden's Hair is truly enjoyable—I recommend it.
I devoured A Drowned Maiden's Hair in one afternoon of quiet, contented reading. Schiltz's voice is unremarkable but incredibly easy to read, letting the read slip straight into the heart of the story. The plot begins as a mystery to hook the reader; once that mystery is revealed, it tends towards predictable—but spirited, bright Maud is beyond prediction, and her inner struggles are the true heart of the book. The conflict between her suspicions and her desire for love never tends towards maudlin; instead, it is believable and character-driven, bringing nuance to the morality-tale aspects and making Maud both empathetic and empowering.
The book is dragged down a bit by that predictable plot, and also by transparent infodumps (where characters relay their entire backstory) and by a too-swift, too-simple resolution. But these weaknesses are never prominent enough to become irritating, and Maud and some of the better supporting characters are strong enough to support the book despite them. A Drowned Maiden's Hair is a quick and enjoyable read filled unexpected but lovely emotion. Gently heartbreaking, empowering, and always clever, Maud and her personal journeys are not the most advanced, but they are still tender and true. Though not a book I need to read again, A Drowned Maiden's Hair is truly enjoyable—I recommend it.
another book i plucked off my shelf mostly for the fact that i bought it in elementary or middle school (i'm 2 years out of college now) and never read it. it really swept me up, and i think i'm keeping it instead of dropping it into my donate pile. from one clever, bad girl to another, maud's story was equal parts hurtful in the same ways i felt around her age, and sweet in getting to know she wound up where she belonged. maybe i'm on my way to where i belong, too.
I loved it! It's obviously for children, but I really enjoyed the plot, the suspense, the story, the characters, the imagery, the whole bit! I'd read the whole series if there was one, coz Maud is a delight! I'm definitely getting this one for my niece.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
The whole time I was reading this book I kept having the feeling of deja Vu, like I knew this story: turns out I did read this story- years ago. It was (I think) just as good this time around. I vividly remembered different parts of the story; and now being older my heart just broke for Maud, as a mother I cannot imagine treating my girls that way. Alas, it was a good story, but it made me hot and want ice cream.
Elements of a gothic novel with an orphan being adopted by three elderly sisters and finds herself being a secret child and secrets and lies that could cost her her life.
This is one of those books that I know I enjoyed as I couldn't put it down reading it in two days time. It is an intriguing story that goes back and forth between deceit and love. I am not sure how one couldn't get emotionally tied into this story of an orphan who is just looking for acceptance and love. The author does a great job of moving the story along even if you know it's going to work out for Maud in the end. I would recommend this book to young readers 12 and older due to the more mature subject matter of how orphans are treated in facilities and how she is used by the sisters just to make them more money. This author went on to win the Newbery Award and a Newbery Honor award so she was off to a good start on her writing career with this early creation.