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A review by mariahistryingtoread
The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson
2.0
I usually love Eva Ibbotson books, but this was disappointing. Like most of her books I read this when I was kid. I basically lumped it in with all the other books of hers. Upon reread I can now see that this was definitely one of her weaker stories.
As per usual, a kind somewhat odd child (decidedly less odd than the normal Ibbotson child character this time around) by the name of Rick is angry at the injustice in the world. Lucky for him he has been given the opportunity to do some good when a family of ghosts turned out of their home by modernization, turn up at his boarding school. Now Rick is going to do all he can to find a sanctuary for all ghosts.
It's an easy read. The characters are nice if not a little simplistic. The plot is brisk. The gap between good to things going awry was much too small. The resolution was too quick. The villain didn't get the same kind of comeuppance I’d expect. The story itself was rather thin comparatively.
Basically, all the attributes that may keep a reader from enjoying these books were too prevalent for me to ignore as in other books. The charm that overcomes the flaws was not present leaving me with a slightly below average addition to her bibliography.
My review for Ibbotson’s books are admittedly judged by a different standard compared to other children’s books of a similar basis or subject. This is the first time I’ve ever felt the need to disregard that and be more objective. I’d say if you’re not well-versed in Ibbotson then start with this one to get a feel for her then move onto Which Witch? or The Secret of Platform 13 which are clearly superior.
The Haunting of Granite Falls
The Secret of Platform 13
Which Witch?
As per usual, a kind somewhat odd child (decidedly less odd than the normal Ibbotson child character this time around) by the name of Rick is angry at the injustice in the world. Lucky for him he has been given the opportunity to do some good when a family of ghosts turned out of their home by modernization, turn up at his boarding school. Now Rick is going to do all he can to find a sanctuary for all ghosts.
It's an easy read. The characters are nice if not a little simplistic. The plot is brisk. The gap between good to things going awry was much too small. The resolution was too quick. The villain didn't get the same kind of comeuppance I’d expect. The story itself was rather thin comparatively.
Basically, all the attributes that may keep a reader from enjoying these books were too prevalent for me to ignore as in other books. The charm that overcomes the flaws was not present leaving me with a slightly below average addition to her bibliography.
My review for Ibbotson’s books are admittedly judged by a different standard compared to other children’s books of a similar basis or subject. This is the first time I’ve ever felt the need to disregard that and be more objective. I’d say if you’re not well-versed in Ibbotson then start with this one to get a feel for her then move onto Which Witch? or The Secret of Platform 13 which are clearly superior.
The Haunting of Granite Falls
The Secret of Platform 13
Which Witch?