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ran_sophia's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.0
I had a split feeling. Because on the one hand, it was a little better than what I read from him before. And it was quite nicely written. But on the other hand, I was disappointed because I didn't like the way it was written. It just didn't suit me. The writing style was rather slow but consistent throughout the story. It was read pretty nicely. It is quite an interesting collection of short stories, of which is knowing the period when it was written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death, Animal death, and Classism
james1star's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
All these stories were written very well, Wilde uses language to evoke emotion and create a vivid depiction of what he wants us the reader to see. There’s lots of metaphors and descriptive elements but also character analysis / development. Some of the characters are humans but predominantly non-human (e.g birds, water-rat or firework). I believe they are intended for a children audience and I can see the appeal but a great little read for all ages as secondary messages / morals are conveyed.
Below is a little summary/review of each story as I went along:
Happy prince: lovely story focussed on a little swallow who is making his way back to Egypt but stops at the feet of the state of the happy prince, the prince cries out as he knows of suffering happening in his city and asks the swallow to spread his jewels and gold. Albeit a short story, I took from it a great message of love and how those who spread love and act justly will be have ripple effects on others and respected in the afterlife.
The nightingale and the rose: beautifully written with vivid depictions and metaphors. We follow a student who is looking for a red rose to give to his crush and a little nightingale overhears and tries to help him find one. Story about love and sacrifice.
The selfish giant: this story is about a giant who prohibits the children from playing in this garden and then… A cute story about sharing and giving back and eventually how others view you/your impact on them.
The devoted friend: umm this one irked me so badly!! In it, a linnet is telling the story of a devoted friend to a water-rat and duck and it’s about a farmer called little Hans who is always at the beck and call of his ‘best friend’ the Miller despite being treated very badly - toxic friendship much. I don’t exactly know the moral of this story or the larger one to be completely honest but the writing was great.
The remarkable rocket: I think this was my least favourite. We basically follow a disillusioned firework rocket who is chatting with the other fireworks before being let off at a royal wedding and how he’s boasting about himself and putting others down. I guess the moral is to not hype yourself up by removing other people’s glory and to not always believe everything people say - very true in the modern era with the likes of instagram and photoshop??
Below is a little summary/review of each story as I went along:
Happy prince: lovely story focussed on a little swallow who is making his way back to Egypt but stops at the feet of the state of the happy prince, the prince cries out as he knows of suffering happening in his city and asks the swallow to spread his jewels and gold. Albeit a short story, I took from it a great message of love and how those who spread love and act justly will be have ripple effects on others and respected in the afterlife.
The nightingale and the rose: beautifully written with vivid depictions and metaphors. We follow a student who is looking for a red rose to give to his crush and a little nightingale overhears and tries to help him find one. Story about love and sacrifice.
The selfish giant: this story is about a giant who prohibits the children from playing in this garden and then… A cute story about sharing and giving back and eventually how others view you/your impact on them.
The devoted friend: umm this one irked me so badly!! In it, a linnet is telling the story of a devoted friend to a water-rat and duck and it’s about a farmer called little Hans who is always at the beck and call of his ‘best friend’ the Miller despite being treated very badly - toxic friendship much. I don’t exactly know the moral of this story or the larger one to be completely honest but the writing was great.
The remarkable rocket: I think this was my least favourite. We basically follow a disillusioned firework rocket who is chatting with the other fireworks before being let off at a royal wedding and how he’s boasting about himself and putting others down. I guess the moral is to not hype yourself up by removing other people’s glory and to not always believe everything people say - very true in the modern era with the likes of instagram and photoshop??
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic friendship, Death, Animal death, Bullying, and Classism
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