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A review by katymul
Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There are very few flawless books out there, and most of them are middle grade. This is one such.
I mean, technically, Elsa is a singing role in The Sound of Music, at least the stage version, but that is me being a pedantic sourpuss. Forget I brought it up.
But it is proof how hard it is to please me with the portrayal of the theatrical process and a youth theatre teacher. Especially with a play I've directed myself! But this book does it. Not only do I like and respect the choices of the theatre camp, but the delicate way that it advances the plot without taking over the larger arcs is stunning.
SO MUCH happens in the story. So many characters advance so far, so many woven threads are intertwined not just through the protagonist but in a complex and beautiful web. So many different pieces end up depending on one another and the result is just...beyond beautiful.
Also, we really haven't learned anything since the 80's, have we?
I mean, technically, Elsa is a singing role in The Sound of Music, at least the stage version, but that is me being a pedantic sourpuss. Forget I brought it up.
But it is proof how hard it is to please me with the portrayal of the theatrical process and a youth theatre teacher. Especially with a play I've directed myself! But this book does it. Not only do I like and respect the choices of the theatre camp, but the delicate way that it advances the plot without taking over the larger arcs is stunning.
SO MUCH happens in the story. So many characters advance so far, so many woven threads are intertwined not just through the protagonist but in a complex and beautiful web. So many different pieces end up depending on one another and the result is just...beyond beautiful.
Also, we really haven't learned anything since the 80's, have we?