Reviews

La Isla de Abel: Spanish Paperback Edition of Abel's Island by William Steig

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idgey's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

wesleyrose's review against another edition

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5.0

This novel is the last book I read for my children’s literature course. William Steig is now one of my favourite authors for children. He manages to wind a great plot for children with a language that is sophisticated and funny. I found myself incredibly drawn into the experiences of this little mouse and teared up when Abel had to say goodbye to the island that Abel called home. The island allowed Abel to explore a creative side and take a second glance at his life and if it was what he wanted. Steig beautifully delves into such an adult and complicated topic of reassessing one’s life but uses a dainty mouse to express these personal investigations into the self. Amazing book, I highly recommend it!

mat_tobin's review against another edition

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5.0

Having begun his writing career working for The New Yorker, Steig eventually turned to children's literature at the ripe age of 60. All of his books are different. Humorous, often touched with pathos, Abel's Island, now published by Pushkin, is one of my favourites.
The story opens with Abel and his wife celebrating their trouble-free life by picnicking near the river. There is a touch of pampered arrogance and well-to-do about the couple yet when a heavy storm sweeps the land, Abel, in a touch of quaint chivalry, is whisked off in the flood and stranded on an island. Whilst there he questions his past life, which is recognises was empty, and begins to pursue a more internal blossoming in which he finds himself through hard work and the exploration of the creative arts.
Written in '76 and the winner of New York Book Review Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1977 Newbery Honor Book, I would gladly share this with children. It places in front of them big questions with regards to what we live for, what things can distract us and the promise of a more meaningful life.

luluruzam's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

calistareads's review against another edition

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4.0

I actually thought this was a children's book I was getting, but I read it anyway. It was a lovely quick read. William is a fantastic writer. He has a great ear for vocabulary. At first, I didn't know if I liked our main character Abel. He seemed rather snooty, but he changed so much throughout the story.

One thing I have learned is that when you put person vs nature, that is usually when some of the biggest changes happen in a character. They really have to learn to trust themselves and rely on what they can do.

Abel and his girl are on a picnic when a storm blows up suddenly. They run to shelter and the water is washing everything away. Abel's girl looses a scarf and Abel thinks he can get it for her as it's her favorite. He gets it and then is swept away to an island where he must learn to survive on his own for a whole year.

It's a nice story and the end went really fast. Abel has got plenty of personality. It's a cute story and I will see if my niece is interested in reading it as well.

Cute.