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A review by mysimas
Gideon the Cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Really enjoyed the author’s attention to the small details of everyday life — that there were pests in the 18th century cuisine (in the cheese, flour), or that a character drank so much water it sloshed around in their tummy… Also really liked the humour, like the whole scene with the parson and the bandits, or the creativity linked to Peter and Kate’s blurring.
Still, though, it’s a children’s book. The 18th century world is depicted as a dark, dangerous place, but only through the experiences of the side characters. The protagonists Kate and Peter, while inconvenienced by their plight, are always lucky to encounter kind and open-minded people… No one ever accuses them of witchcraft, or punishes them for unusual behaviour. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but considering what happens to most everyone else, they seem encased in a protective bubble. Kate keeps complaining about sexism, but the worst thing she encounters are restrictive dresses…. No one actually tries to stop her from doing anything.
Still, I mostly liked the book, until the ending, which I thought was a bit weird. Not sure if I’ll be picking up the sequel.
Also,the Tar Man and Gideon are 100% brothers. Calling it!!
Still, though, it’s a children’s book. The 18th century world is depicted as a dark, dangerous place, but only through the experiences of the side characters. The protagonists Kate and Peter, while inconvenienced by their plight, are always lucky to encounter kind and open-minded people… No one ever accuses them of witchcraft, or punishes them for unusual behaviour. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but considering what happens to most everyone else, they seem encased in a protective bubble. Kate keeps complaining about sexism, but the worst thing she encounters are restrictive dresses…. No one actually tries to stop her from doing anything.
Still, I mostly liked the book, until the ending, which I thought was a bit weird. Not sure if I’ll be picking up the sequel.
Also,