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A review by mbarclay2013
Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline Wilson
3.0
My childhood consisted of reading every Jacqueline Wilson book there was, and now 8 years later her stories are still enjoyable. Dancing the Charleston follows the story of 10 year old Mona who lives with her Aunt on the estate of Somerset Manor in the 1920s. After the death of Lady Somerset, both of their lives change forever.
Jacqueline Wilson’s Victorian era books were my favourite growing up, especially the Hetty Feather tales, and learning about the 1920s was equally as pleasant. We learnt about both the rich and the poor during this era through multiple families in both the village and in the upperclass, and a different viewpoint than the ultra rich versus the servants that Wilson’s books are usually focused on. The story itself was quite simple and enjoyable enough, sharing many elements of life for post WW1 children.
The detail in this story was fantastic, from the elaborate and bright rooms in the Manor to the fine dresses sewn by Mona’s aunt and the rising 1920s fashion - each item was brought to life before your very eyes. The chapters at the exhibition towards the end of the story were particularly amazing. I was over the moon when we see who Mona meets there, the little references put in makes both present and younger me smile with happiness. Every character was well written and it was quite simple to keep track of them all as more were introduced. I really enjoyed reading about the Somerset’s, especially Barbara’s children. Maggie was a character that was getting on my nerves towards the end, her rude and jealous attitude was horrible.
My only criticism of the book is that there were a few plot points that could have been expanded. The plot line of Mona’s education and how she enjoys it at the High School and how the big revelation affects the character relationships, even if some of them knew prior. Although, the plot twist at the end is done very well and still was a surprise even if it was spoiled for me thanks to a comments in the reviews here. I was also a bit confused about the title as Charleston is barely mentioned, but I could maybe argue a connection to the underlying plot twist.
I’d have to rate this a 3.5, a great and simple story that has all of the amazing elements which makes Jacqueline Wilson books such childhood staples. But it would have been nice to see beyond their future too, the pace seemed a bit slow at times and ended a bit abruptly. I can’t wait to read some of her newer works and re read the ones that outlined my childhood.
Jacqueline Wilson’s Victorian era books were my favourite growing up, especially the Hetty Feather tales, and learning about the 1920s was equally as pleasant. We learnt about both the rich and the poor during this era through multiple families in both the village and in the upperclass, and a different viewpoint than the ultra rich versus the servants that Wilson’s books are usually focused on. The story itself was quite simple and enjoyable enough, sharing many elements of life for post WW1 children.
The detail in this story was fantastic, from the elaborate and bright rooms in the Manor to the fine dresses sewn by Mona’s aunt and the rising 1920s fashion - each item was brought to life before your very eyes. The chapters at the exhibition towards the end of the story were particularly amazing. I was over the moon when we see who Mona meets there, the little references put in makes both present and younger me smile with happiness. Every character was well written and it was quite simple to keep track of them all as more were introduced. I really enjoyed reading about the Somerset’s, especially Barbara’s children. Maggie was a character that was getting on my nerves towards the end, her rude and jealous attitude was horrible.
My only criticism of the book is that there were a few plot points that could have been expanded. The plot line of Mona’s education and how she enjoys it at the High School and how the big revelation affects the character relationships, even if some of them knew prior. Although, the plot twist at the end is done very well and still was a surprise even if it was spoiled for me thanks to a comments in the reviews here. I was also a bit confused about the title as Charleston is barely mentioned, but I could maybe argue a connection to the underlying plot twist.
I’d have to rate this a 3.5, a great and simple story that has all of the amazing elements which makes Jacqueline Wilson books such childhood staples. But it would have been nice to see beyond their future too, the pace seemed a bit slow at times and ended a bit abruptly. I can’t wait to read some of her newer works and re read the ones that outlined my childhood.