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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Quite a poetic, understated but moving WWI family story.
This takes a serious look at the impact of war on various members of a slightly eccentric family. An unwanted daughter and elder brother grow up with a distracted father, visiting their cousin during summers in Cornwall, both struggling to find their own paths in education and then ultimately into the Great War.
Clarry and Peter make an incredibly likeable pair. Clarry is ultimately our protagonist, though Peter and cousin Rupert also feature strongly. Clarry is an early feminist, pushing for a proper education and fair treatment. Both her own story and the whole plot reminded me of a younger version of Testament of Youth, which I have recently read.
There's a quiet subplot regarding a schoolfriend and his sexuality, which is never explicitly given a name, but it is handled very well and quietly, with dignity. I wanted more of Clarry's father, he's an anomalous parent, who gives freedom with his negligence and never becomes more than a background character.
It's hard not to feel for all the young people here, especially once war starts and the reader knows just what they must be facing. The book will be an insight into the lives, loves and wartime experiences of this generation.
A tender and revealing novel, for ages 12 and above.
This takes a serious look at the impact of war on various members of a slightly eccentric family. An unwanted daughter and elder brother grow up with a distracted father, visiting their cousin during summers in Cornwall, both struggling to find their own paths in education and then ultimately into the Great War.
Clarry and Peter make an incredibly likeable pair. Clarry is ultimately our protagonist, though Peter and cousin Rupert also feature strongly. Clarry is an early feminist, pushing for a proper education and fair treatment. Both her own story and the whole plot reminded me of a younger version of Testament of Youth, which I have recently read.
There's a quiet subplot regarding a schoolfriend and his sexuality, which is never explicitly given a name, but it is handled very well and quietly, with dignity. I wanted more of Clarry's father, he's an anomalous parent, who gives freedom with his negligence and never becomes more than a background character.
It's hard not to feel for all the young people here, especially once war starts and the reader knows just what they must be facing. The book will be an insight into the lives, loves and wartime experiences of this generation.
A tender and revealing novel, for ages 12 and above.
andyxh's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
mgj19's review against another edition
2.25
The Skylarks War
Hilary McKay
What a waste of my time. I actually hate giving books bad reviews but this made no sense…the worst part is, it was a good plot with terrible writing. Clarry was overly annoying and the only decent character, Simon, is there one that dies. The ending felt rushed and the plot “twists” were just a bit random. Despite this being a middle grade book, this definitely had more young adult themes. This book had so much potential but instead it was just…a waste of my time.
2.25 ⭐️
I think maybe “not strong enough” by boygenius despite it being FAR too good for this book…
bookishnan's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.75
zingaling's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
casmonido's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
honeypossum_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
heydannyboy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0