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A review by mariahistryingtoread
The Beasts of Clawstone Castle by Eva Ibbotson
5.0
I actually finished this almost a month to the day ago. I just never wrote review for some reason. But, I've finally decided to stop putting it off.
I love Eva Ibbotson. I've loved Eva Ibbotson since I was a kid and I've read almost all of her books in this style (i.e. the quirky children's fantasy ones not the european princess/peasant girl? mid 20th century stuff). I remember enjoying this one as I always did, but it wasn't a standout like some of the others. But, I knew without a doubt I'd enjoy it and at the time that's what I wanted.
It didn't disappoint.
Madlyn and Rollo are siblings that go to stay with their elderly relatives in their castle. The elderly relatives run a castle tour that hasn't been profitable since the fancy, shmancy castle tour opened up across the way. But, they desperately need the money in order to pay for the wild cows that have roamed free on the castlegrounds for decades. With the help of some ghosts they just might pull it off.
If you've ever read any of Ibbotson's work you'll have a general idea of how this will go. Sweet, well-mannered kind of weird kids save the day. There are gruesome yet still wholesome ghosts. The characters aren't very deep, but they have a certain charm to them that makes you root for the regardless. The villains are annoyingly realistic enough that when the comeuppance is had it's very rewarding.
The underlying theme of all of Ibbotson's work that I've read is to have respect for others and be kind when you can. It creates a very distinct tone. You will have the kookiest characters - a ghost who has a ghost rat gnawing at his heart for instance - be welcomed 100% as they are immediately. It's such a warm and accepting atmosphere. It's part of why I find her books so comforting.
There's honestly not a lot to say. It's an easy, breezy read. Again, if you want an odd, lighthearted ghost story with a happy ending and strong found family themes then go for it.
I love Eva Ibbotson. I've loved Eva Ibbotson since I was a kid and I've read almost all of her books in this style (i.e. the quirky children's fantasy ones not the european princess/peasant girl? mid 20th century stuff). I remember enjoying this one as I always did, but it wasn't a standout like some of the others. But, I knew without a doubt I'd enjoy it and at the time that's what I wanted.
It didn't disappoint.
Madlyn and Rollo are siblings that go to stay with their elderly relatives in their castle. The elderly relatives run a castle tour that hasn't been profitable since the fancy, shmancy castle tour opened up across the way. But, they desperately need the money in order to pay for the wild cows that have roamed free on the castlegrounds for decades. With the help of some ghosts they just might pull it off.
If you've ever read any of Ibbotson's work you'll have a general idea of how this will go. Sweet, well-mannered kind of weird kids save the day. There are gruesome yet still wholesome ghosts. The characters aren't very deep, but they have a certain charm to them that makes you root for the regardless. The villains are annoyingly realistic enough that when the comeuppance is had it's very rewarding.
The underlying theme of all of Ibbotson's work that I've read is to have respect for others and be kind when you can. It creates a very distinct tone. You will have the kookiest characters - a ghost who has a ghost rat gnawing at his heart for instance - be welcomed 100% as they are immediately. It's such a warm and accepting atmosphere. It's part of why I find her books so comforting.
There's honestly not a lot to say. It's an easy, breezy read. Again, if you want an odd, lighthearted ghost story with a happy ending and strong found family themes then go for it.