dja777's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful book — highly recommend!! Interesting characters and a captivating story.
wiestli's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-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? Yes
3.5
kentcryptid's review against another edition
5.0
A Drowned Maiden's Hair is a wonderfully fun, fast-paced, pulpy Victorian Sensation novel. Its main character, Maud, is a great portrait of an eleven year old: in some ways old before her time, but still believably a child. She's neither overly sentimentalised, nor unrepentantly bratty.
Laura Amy Schlitz also has a great eye for character, and a gift for a great first line:
Finally, this is ultimately a hopeful book about good things happening to good people, and sometimes that's just what you need.
Laura Amy Schlitz also has a great eye for character, and a gift for a great first line:
On the morning of the best day of her life, Maud Flynn was locked in the outhouse, singing 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic.'Doesn't that just make you want to read more?
Finally, this is ultimately a hopeful book about good things happening to good people, and sometimes that's just what you need.
meeranair_54's review against another edition
4.0
Maud Mary Flynn is an orphan who doesn't get along with anyone at the Barbary Asylum. All she has ever wanted was a taste of the love, affection and luxury that other kids her age are accustomed to. So when the rich, sophisticated Hawthorne sisters arrive at the asylum, and decide to adopt her, she can't believe her luck! But Maud should know that not everything is as it seems and she may have gotten more than she bargained for.
This was such a heart-felt, engaging tale about a eleven-year old girl deprived of the necessities of childhood. The plot is unlike anything I've read before and even the mystery behind the identity of the Hawthorne sisters is something that I would not have guessed.
The writing style holds all the allure of a classic novel without the complexities of the same; thereby keeping us entranced with the storytelling. Maud's perspective on life tugs at your heartstrings and you can't help but root for her well-being. Also, Maud enjoys reading a great deal. This was yet another aspect of her personality that made her all the more endearing to me.
Without revealing too much, I'd just like to say that Hyacinth represents such toxicity, especially in the life of a child. She is selfish, manipulative, unreliable and downright devious. I was so glad that Maud and Muffet had each other, which just goes to show that children have such an honest point of view and at the end of the day, are only looking for some love and recognition.
The ending couldn't have been more perfect. I teared up a bit, just cause I was happy with how all the loose ends were tied up.
Would definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys historical fiction, regardless of their age. There's quite a bit that you can take away from it.
Rating - 4.25 stars
This was such a heart-felt, engaging tale about a eleven-year old girl deprived of the necessities of childhood. The plot is unlike anything I've read before and even the mystery behind the identity of the Hawthorne sisters is something that I would not have guessed.
The writing style holds all the allure of a classic novel without the complexities of the same; thereby keeping us entranced with the storytelling. Maud's perspective on life tugs at your heartstrings and you can't help but root for her well-being. Also, Maud enjoys reading a great deal. This was yet another aspect of her personality that made her all the more endearing to me.
Without revealing too much, I'd just like to say that Hyacinth represents such toxicity, especially in the life of a child. She is selfish, manipulative, unreliable and downright devious. I was so glad that Maud and Muffet had each other, which just goes to show that children have such an honest point of view and at the end of the day, are only looking for some love and recognition.
The ending couldn't have been more perfect. I teared up a bit, just cause I was happy with how all the loose ends were tied up.
Would definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys historical fiction, regardless of their age. There's quite a bit that you can take away from it.
Rating - 4.25 stars
hannahforys's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
hollywholly's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jennutley's review
4.0
A melodrama is accurate. A really gothic tale for young adults. The cover is a bit clunky but the story is great. Was thoroughly entertained.
kellyholmes's review
4.0
What an eerie little story! I loved it. The main character Maud has just the right amount of spunk—she's no [b:Pippi Longstocking|19302|Pippi Longstocking|Astrid Lindgren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519300455l/19302._SX50_.jpg|2056462] but she can take care of herself. As a lonely orphan, she starts out thinking that any attention is good attention, but she learns along the way that maybe it's not always worth the trade-off.