A review by pozo67
The Phoenix and the Carpet by E. Nesbit

adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I love how Edwardian children's book authors trusted their audience to have good vocabulary, it results in some beautiful words. This was episodic magic that just encouraged and trusted the reader to go along with it (I love that). The gender roles were surprisingly progressive with the boys getting on with chores too and the girls being brave. The "savages" part let that down. I especially dislike "savage" stories, they seem mean-spirited as well as racist with no whimsy/wonder. The rest of the tales were full of wonder. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings