borrelvissie 's review for:

Lampje by Annet Schaap

4.75

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I read the (original) Dutch version of this book, Lampje, after I received it as a gift for December holidays (Sinterklaas) from my parents, back in 2018. I very clearly recall how much I loved it when I first read it and I've reread it several times. It is undoubtedly the book I love most from my early childhood, I still think very fondly of it. The characters are very fleshed out - Lampje (I believe her name is Lampie in English?), or Emilia, is brave, but her fear, doubt, homesickness and grief are properly addressed as well. Admittedly, I still sometimes pick it up to reread my favourite scenes, even after six years and knowing the story from start to finish in detail.