Reviews

Behind the Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassedy

misha_ali's review

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4.0

I read this when I was about 11, then spent years trying to remember what it was called (pre-Internet years), and then spotted it in a friend's bookshelf and begged her to let me borrow it and read.

I can't blame people for finding the idea of autonomous dolls creepy after growing up with the Child's Play series, but I found it quite interesting, melancholic and sadly beautiful with a little imagination, much like the peeling flowery wallpaper in the attic where much of the action in this book takes place.

ordinarypickle's review

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5.0

This was one of my very favorite books growing up and I read it many times. I always identified with Maggie. I was a weird kid with imaginary friends for far longer than I probably should have had them, we moved around a lot, and I had a hard time making friends so I was often teased by teachers and kids like she was.
The writing in this wasn't too young adult feeling, the story still holds up, and I really enjoyed re-reading it.

meredith_gayle's review

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ladyluna83's review

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3.0

What a weird book. So, people die and become dolls. ok then. Could have a bit better ending.

woodendress's review

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I don't think I ever finished this, I thought it was too bizarre.

katiemccune's review

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dark mysterious 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

sonia_reppe's review

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5.0

My favorite childhood book.

lavenderbug's review

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5.0

I read this book probably in 6th grade and all I could remember was some of the book cover and the descriptive scenes of the house, trees, how Maggie chews her hair, and the vampire-like way the aunts float through the house. I spent years trying every combination of Attic, Dolls, Tea, and anything else I could think of to try to find this book again. It’s gothic setting, isolated adolescent protagonist, and touch of imagination and whimsy made me fall in love with the book and helped me feel better about my own habits of solitude.

kellysmaust's review

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4.0

I came across this strange little book at Goodwill and had to give it a try. It's a little creepy but also heartwarming and sweet. Definitely an usual children's book.

msjaquiss's review

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2.0

One of the most depressing children's books I've ever read.