briarsreviews's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Camille's Story, 1910, is a sweet but short book for young readers looking to dive into the realm of short chapter books.
I had never heard of the Secrets of the Manor historical mystery middle grade series but when I saw this book at a local thrift store I decided to pick it up. Why not take a dive into some newer books for young readers and see how things have changed? I also just enjoy picking up different and random books for the fun of it, especially if there aren't many reviews.
This book was very sweet and a great way to introduce historical fiction to young readers. I wish there was a little bit more depth into the mystery since that felt slightly dull, but that's just my personal opinion. I think young readers will find this book engaging and a nice read. It's especially interesting having this book be from the serving class perspective instead of the rich, which is what I typically see in young historical fiction books.
Three out of five stars.
I had never heard of the Secrets of the Manor historical mystery middle grade series but when I saw this book at a local thrift store I decided to pick it up. Why not take a dive into some newer books for young readers and see how things have changed? I also just enjoy picking up different and random books for the fun of it, especially if there aren't many reviews.
This book was very sweet and a great way to introduce historical fiction to young readers. I wish there was a little bit more depth into the mystery since that felt slightly dull, but that's just my personal opinion. I think young readers will find this book engaging and a nice read. It's especially interesting having this book be from the serving class perspective instead of the rich, which is what I typically see in young historical fiction books.
Three out of five stars.
mrskatiefitz's review
3.0
This is a review of both Camille's Story and [b:Claire's Story, 1910|22943025|Claire's Story, 1910 (Secrets of the Manor, #8)|Adele Whitby|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1430084132s/22943025.jpg|42510579].
The most recent additions to the Secrets of the Manor historical mystery series begin a new story arc, set in 1910. Book 7 introduces Camille, the daughter of the cook at (a completely fictitious) Henri Rousseau's manor, and Book 8 introduces Claire, a Rousseau relative who comes to the manor after losing both of her parents. Both books pose questions about both girls' relationship to the Rousseaus, and when Camille and Claire begin to investigate, they discover some big surprises.
Kids who were hooked on the Vandermeer / Chatswood stories will be pleased to know that there is a connection between those books and these (albeit a very small one) which is revealed in Book 8. They will also feel right at home in this new setting, as the vocabulary surrounding the different types of household help, and the norms of relationships between family and servants are exactly the same.
It is a bit weird that the author chose to name the owner of the manor Henri Rousseau, since he doesn't seem to have anything in common with the real Rousseau, but kids will be unlikely to notice or care. They will be more interested in unraveling the family secrets than in matching fiction to reality.
There is more emotional depth in this segment of the series than there was in books one through six, and though the twists are mostly predictable, they are revealed effectively, making the reader hungry for the next installment.
The most recent additions to the Secrets of the Manor historical mystery series begin a new story arc, set in 1910. Book 7 introduces Camille, the daughter of the cook at (a completely fictitious) Henri Rousseau's manor, and Book 8 introduces Claire, a Rousseau relative who comes to the manor after losing both of her parents. Both books pose questions about both girls' relationship to the Rousseaus, and when Camille and Claire begin to investigate, they discover some big surprises.
Kids who were hooked on the Vandermeer / Chatswood stories will be pleased to know that there is a connection between those books and these (albeit a very small one) which is revealed in Book 8. They will also feel right at home in this new setting, as the vocabulary surrounding the different types of household help, and the norms of relationships between family and servants are exactly the same.
It is a bit weird that the author chose to name the owner of the manor Henri Rousseau, since he doesn't seem to have anything in common with the real Rousseau, but kids will be unlikely to notice or care. They will be more interested in unraveling the family secrets than in matching fiction to reality.
There is more emotional depth in this segment of the series than there was in books one through six, and though the twists are mostly predictable, they are revealed effectively, making the reader hungry for the next installment.
More...