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A review by charlotteappleyard93
Madensky Square by Eva Ibbotson
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.0
This book follows the life of Susanna a bright and talented seamstress who runs her own shop. I really love this character who is quite different to the sweet and almost Mary Sue like protagonists in other Ibbotson books. She's intelligent, driven and very passionate and also sometimes high strung and stubborn, I appreciated her maturity and complexity.
Other ways this book differs from classic Eva Ibbotson romances is that it is written like a diary with the chapters representing the months. However you barely notice this! I would say this book focuses more on the lives and dramas of the locals, it's full of eccentric characters and funny moments and entanglements.
However, there is a melancholy running through these subplots and themes of abandonment, child neglect and death. The language can also be somewhat dated.
It's so different to Ibbotsons traditional work, it is way less romantic but I still overall enjoyed it and found the end very satisfying. In a sense I liked that Susanna's story was not completely hinged on her getting together with someone and is definitely focused on her business and independence.
Other ways this book differs from classic Eva Ibbotson romances is that it is written like a diary with the chapters representing the months. However you barely notice this! I would say this book focuses more on the lives and dramas of the locals, it's full of eccentric characters and funny moments and entanglements.
However, there is a melancholy running through these subplots and themes of abandonment, child neglect and death. The language can also be somewhat dated.
It's so different to Ibbotsons traditional work, it is way less romantic but I still overall enjoyed it and found the end very satisfying. In a sense I liked that Susanna's story was not completely hinged on her getting together with someone and is definitely focused on her business and independence.