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toesinthesand's review
3.0
I didn't like this as much as the bookshop series, and the fat shaming comments really got to be a bit much. It was one thing coming from some of the students, to emphasize that she doesn't fit in, but when it's in the internal monologue of the teachers...
Ending is a bit stunted as well.
Ending is a bit stunted as well.
bookonthebrightside30's review
4.0
A fun and enjoyable quick read. Republished under her real name, previously under her pen name. I thought this was a new book so this was a surprise. I enjoyed the characters and the stories at the boarding school.
read_with_courtney's review against another edition
3.0
This book was enjoyable but not exceptional. While I took my time reading it and never felt a strong urge to pick it up, I still managed to finish it and found some amusement in the characters and storyline.
If you're a fan of boarding school stories, this might suit your taste. The plot, though enjoyable, was somewhat predictable. I didn't develop a strong connection to any of the characters, and the plot lacked excitement, but it wasn't a bad read overall.
If you're a fan of boarding school stories, this might suit your taste. The plot, though enjoyable, was somewhat predictable. I didn't develop a strong connection to any of the characters, and the plot lacked excitement, but it wasn't a bad read overall.
elysahenegar's review
4.0
I always love Jenny Colgan! This novel feels light and grinning, and the relational twists and turns kept me in suspense. I enjoy Colgan's quirky characters and hopeful endings. If you like boarding school stories and are looking for a fun, escapist read, you might enjoy this one too!
ceplutnicki's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Fast romantic read
hstorkel's review against another edition
3.0
Another heartwarming tail by Jenny Colgan. I didn’t like the characters in this one as much as some of the other ones but still worth reading.
emmelly's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nomnom's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.25
chasingholden's review
4.0
Welcome to the School by the Sea, by Jenny Colgan, is the first book in a new English boarding school series. The story is quintessential Colgan-style with its laugh-out-loud humor, quirkiness, acerbic, and often times cutting commentary, but ultimately heartwarming, feel-good conclusions.
Maggie needs a break from her teaching career in the underprivileged, rather rough area of London. When she unexpectedly receives an opportunity to teach at a girl’s boarding school on the shores of Cornwall, she hesitantly, but eagerly seizes the opportunity. The potential downside is that it means time away from her longtime boyfriend, Stan…but perhaps a break would serve them well.
It’s not easy fitting into a school where you are clearly the outsider, in more ways than one, and Maggie is not the only one to feel the discrepancy. As Maggie attempts to settle in, Simone, the scholarship winner, also struggles to find her place in the exclusive Downey House. This cast of characters have all kinds of issues to overcome, many lessons to learn, and antics to pull.
As with many boarding school stories, this one is ripe with girl bullying, elitism, pranks and punks, and more than a fair amount of weight issues and fat shaming. Be warned, it’s hard to read at times. I definitely struggled with some of the issues and the way that they were portrayed. But there’s also Jenny‘s unique style of humor that is truly delightful. And her conclusions are undoubtedly like no other.
This story was far from perfect, but I found enjoyment in it all the same. If you're thinking about reading it, I'd say its worth the time!
Thanks to netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review
Maggie needs a break from her teaching career in the underprivileged, rather rough area of London. When she unexpectedly receives an opportunity to teach at a girl’s boarding school on the shores of Cornwall, she hesitantly, but eagerly seizes the opportunity. The potential downside is that it means time away from her longtime boyfriend, Stan…but perhaps a break would serve them well.
It’s not easy fitting into a school where you are clearly the outsider, in more ways than one, and Maggie is not the only one to feel the discrepancy. As Maggie attempts to settle in, Simone, the scholarship winner, also struggles to find her place in the exclusive Downey House. This cast of characters have all kinds of issues to overcome, many lessons to learn, and antics to pull.
As with many boarding school stories, this one is ripe with girl bullying, elitism, pranks and punks, and more than a fair amount of weight issues and fat shaming. Be warned, it’s hard to read at times. I definitely struggled with some of the issues and the way that they were portrayed. But there’s also Jenny‘s unique style of humor that is truly delightful. And her conclusions are undoubtedly like no other.
This story was far from perfect, but I found enjoyment in it all the same. If you're thinking about reading it, I'd say its worth the time!
Thanks to netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review
forgoodnessbake's review
4.0
I will read every single book Jenny Colgan writes with enthusiasm - probably twice. Her books are my literary valium. My safe space, my squashy blanket, my big cup of tea on a rainy day.
I loved the boarding school book for grownups inspiration, and I can’t wait to get back to Downey House in the sequels. I’m delighted she repackaged this series she began in the 90s under a different name.
Minus one star for repeatedly noting that Simone would be pretty if she just wasn’t so fat. That was a 90s edit that could have been made alongside the Kardashian reference.
I loved the boarding school book for grownups inspiration, and I can’t wait to get back to Downey House in the sequels. I’m delighted she repackaged this series she began in the 90s under a different name.
Minus one star for repeatedly noting that Simone would be pretty if she just wasn’t so fat. That was a 90s edit that could have been made alongside the Kardashian reference.