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blewballoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Similarly to Dracula, this reads to me as more of a comedy than a scary story. Unlike with Dracula, the narrative voice came off as cynical and the characters are a not likable. Any adaptation that presents Ichabod as a good and sincere man is taking liberties. None of the other characters are better, they are just different caricatures.
Overall, somehow both a better and worse experience than I expected. The prose was fun to listen to on audiobook, but if it had been longer it probably would have worn out its welcome due to lack of captivating characters and plot.
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, and Colonisation
gremlin_98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Minor: Racism
This is from the 18th century so it's not uncommon in literature, but there is not great descriptions of black folk in this story. Something to keep in mind if your reading for the first time.karenschlesser's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
hjb_128's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Violence, and Classism
Minor: Sexism
pacifickat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I mention this peaceful spot with all possible laud, for it is in such little retired Dutch valleys found here and there, embosomed in the great state of New York, that population, manners, and customs remain fixed, while the torrent of migration and improvement which is making such incessant changes in other parts of this restless country sweeps by them unobserved. They are like those little nooks of still water that border a rapid stream, where we may see the straw and bubble riding quietly at anchor, or slowly revolving in their mimic harbor, undisturbed by the rush of the passing current." (5:50)
"Local tales and superstitions thrive best in these sheltered, long settled retreats, but are trampled underfoot by the shifting throng that forms the population of most of our country places. Besides, there is no encouragement for ghosts in most of our villages, for they have scarcely had time to finish their first nap and turn themselves in their graves before their surviving friends have traveled away from the neighborhood, so that when they turn out at night to walk their rounds, they have no acquaintance left to call upon. This is perhaps the reason why we so seldom hear of ghosts except in our long established Dutch communities. The immediate cause however, of the prevalence of supernatural stories in these parts was doubtless owing to the vicinity of Sleepy Hollow. There was a contagion in the very air that blew from that haunted region. It breathed forth an atmosphere of dreams and fancies, infecting all the land." (53:20)
I also really liked the way the ending leaves open various interpretations depending on the inclination and assumptions of the reader.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Violence
gl00my_gh0st's review against another edition
2.0
It wasn't bad but i had much higher expectations.
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
jade's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
sophiamoonlight's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Colonisation
citrusboombox's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Moderate: Racism
teatunesandtales's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall, not a bad short story. But the cinematic versions of this definitely elaborate and extend a lot of creative liberties.
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, and Classism