angelicathebookworm 's review for:

The Borrowers by Mary Norton

3.0

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Norton’s detailed descriptions of the Clock’s home, especially the different uses the characters have for the items they borrow, are beautifully written and yet utterly convincing no matter what the age of the reader. The novel also contains some dark undertones to it that I enjoyed discovering in my re-read of this childhood classic.

The narrative has a frame story which is about an older woman telling her young niece about the Borrowers. While the idea is interesting and allows the final line to be an effective surprise, the frame merely bookended the fantasy tale and the narrative would have arguably been just as enjoyable without it. I also found the characters from the frame story to be easily forgotten as they weren’t as developed as the characters from the main story. It is also important to note that some aspects of the narrative are dated, such as with the treatment of the young boy and the portrayal of Pod and Homily’s relationship, which may be something to consider before reading this book.

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