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kaelino's review against another edition
2.0
Short children's novel that was published long before the animated film. If you are looking for similarities to the film, there aren't many. I realize you probably shouldn't judge a book based on its film adaptation, but even by itself, the book fell rather flat for me. The writing is decent and inviting to young readers, but there isn't much of a relationship developed between the giant and the boy (Hogarth), and that was part of what made the film so great. The book has the movie cover, which of course is meant to appeal to fans of the film, but it is pretty misleading, given the book is quite different, both in story and in the appearance of the robot. The use of the word "bat-angel-dragon" (something or other) became repetitive and tiresome. Also, I thought the "solution" the townspeople find for the robot in the beginning was rather unpleasant for a children's book. I found the film a lot more enjoyable overall, but was curious about the origins of the story.
marga1995's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
caenerys's review against another edition
4.0
SUCH A GREAT BOOK. I read this as a kid in both English and Welsh and I can still feel the pain 20 years later.
readerette's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
I'm sure the rating seems harsh. I love the movie The Iron Giant which does a far better job of telling a moral story about peace, self sacrifice, honor, and love than this book.
I'm glad the book exists to have given the idea to the creator of the movie, but the book has no heart--it's about a metal man from space who cares only about food, and a clever little boy who figures out how to control him. It's strangely paced, the disparate parts don't fit together very well, and I can't imagine the children in my life finding this particularly sensical or inspiring.
Just watch the movie (whether you're a kid or an adult).
I'm glad the book exists to have given the idea to the creator of the movie, but the book has no heart--it's about a metal man from space who cares only about food, and a clever little boy who figures out how to control him. It's strangely paced, the disparate parts don't fit together very well, and I can't imagine the children in my life finding this particularly sensical or inspiring.
Just watch the movie (whether you're a kid or an adult).
zara_123's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
irisameliaink's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
A short little read, and so very different from the film! Cute and quick, but nothing earth-shattering.
mateusbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.25 out of 5
A simple children's book, but one that addresses larger themes in a creative way.
A simple children's book, but one that addresses larger themes in a creative way.
heyy_its_hattie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One of my fave childhood books , love ittttt
joannaautumn's review against another edition
3.0
Very cute, but the animated movie is a real tearjerker, I cry everytime I see it at that part near the end.
libreroaming's review against another edition
2.0
I bought this book based purely on how much I loved Brad Bird's movie adaptation, The Iron Giant. And I think the excellence of the film completely overshadowed this book in my readings.
Hughes has a simple, lyrical style that works for younger readers. And he divides the chapters into episodes to make it easily digestible. However, the story itself has no real depth of character, and prefers to stay detached in describing the realm of the fantastic. We never really see Hogarth and the Giant become friends. And the appearance of the space dragon is an interesting trickster fairytale spin, but it doesn't fit organically with the previous episodes of the Iron Giant on Earth. If I hadn't watched the movie I would probably be more forgiving, because the story has its charms. But when compared to the animated classic, The Iron Giant seems smaller in comparison.
Hughes has a simple, lyrical style that works for younger readers. And he divides the chapters into episodes to make it easily digestible. However, the story itself has no real depth of character, and prefers to stay detached in describing the realm of the fantastic. We never really see Hogarth and the Giant become friends. And the appearance of the space dragon is an interesting trickster fairytale spin, but it doesn't fit organically with the previous episodes of the Iron Giant on Earth. If I hadn't watched the movie I would probably be more forgiving, because the story has its charms. But when compared to the animated classic, The Iron Giant seems smaller in comparison.