zenithharpink's review against another edition
3.0
I read this in Spanish, and it was definitely maxing out my comprehension, but this was a cute story, even if Eloise is a bit of a brat.
libkatem's review against another edition
5.0
ME ELOISE, is a fabulous six year old living in the Plaza. We get an insight to her friends, her adventures, and to some degree, her lonliness. Often said to be Ms Thompson's alter ego, Eloise in the Plaza (and in Paris and in Moscow) is a delight to your fabulous inner six year old.
valhecka's review against another edition
4.0
My aunt gave these to me for Christmas when I was ten, and I would have been insulted except then I read them and they're completely adorable. And this one has a good interesting article in the back on Ms. Thompson and the evolution of Eloise.
barefootsong's review against another edition
4.0
I am rawther fond of Eloise and her antics. :) And the biographical info at the back of this edition is quite interesting.
Also, it is one of my life's ambitions to stay in the Plaza someday.
Also, it is one of my life's ambitions to stay in the Plaza someday.
krissy514's review against another edition
5.0
such a cute story!! now I want to read the rest of them ;)
idreamofallthebooks's review
3.0
An entertaining and mystical read for young readers!
Eloise is a strong female protagonist who seeks the truth of her origins – as all she knows is that she was dropped off on the orphanage’s steps in a bucket. Though she was tested constantly throughout at the hands of Sister Hortense, I found that Brian was able to skilfully interweave determination for a better life into Eloise’s mindset.
Alongside the strength of character demonstrated through Eloise, Brian also showed the reader how important relationships were in those trying times. The relationship that Eloise has with Sister Genevieve, Sully and Janie were the necessary connections that Eloise craved to assist her to become the saviour of the unicorn and the town.
The mystical elements that were woven throughout the tale of Eloise and her survival at a harsh and deteriorating orphanage in the small town of Whittering were such a highlight! I loved how Brian was able to play on the role of imagination and religious belief, and how both could peacefully coexist with each other.
At the end of reading this story, there were a couple of elements of the tale that I would have tweaked, such as the time jumping (sometimes we spent chapters on one to two days, then it would leap to a week later), the constant running back up and down the hill to fetch water (I wanted there to be other errands or chores that could be focused on) and a bit more backstory to the Sisters and Sully.
Thank you @walkerbookaus for gifting me a copy to read and review!
Eloise is a strong female protagonist who seeks the truth of her origins – as all she knows is that she was dropped off on the orphanage’s steps in a bucket. Though she was tested constantly throughout at the hands of Sister Hortense, I found that Brian was able to skilfully interweave determination for a better life into Eloise’s mindset.
Alongside the strength of character demonstrated through Eloise, Brian also showed the reader how important relationships were in those trying times. The relationship that Eloise has with Sister Genevieve, Sully and Janie were the necessary connections that Eloise craved to assist her to become the saviour of the unicorn and the town.
The mystical elements that were woven throughout the tale of Eloise and her survival at a harsh and deteriorating orphanage in the small town of Whittering were such a highlight! I loved how Brian was able to play on the role of imagination and religious belief, and how both could peacefully coexist with each other.
At the end of reading this story, there were a couple of elements of the tale that I would have tweaked, such as the time jumping (sometimes we spent chapters on one to two days, then it would leap to a week later), the constant running back up and down the hill to fetch water (I wanted there to be other errands or chores that could be focused on) and a bit more backstory to the Sisters and Sully.
Thank you @walkerbookaus for gifting me a copy to read and review!
waywardfancy's review
While being a new release, this novel has a classic feel, thanks in part to the setting in a 19th century orphanage run by the mean Sister Hortense. Orphan Eloise was found in a bucket as a baby and is victimised by Sister Hortense at every turn. Now at almost 12 she is constantly doing chores and not allowed to have lessons, although kind Sister Genevieve manages to sneak in a few stories, the favourite one being about a unicorn. Eloise vividly daydreams of a family and what lies beyond the walls of the town. She befriends a horse Dancy and his owner the blacksmith and the who shares a mystery written in code. What does it have to do with the poisonous pond and unicorns. And is that a lump on Dancy's forehead? When a new girl of around the same age, Janie, arrives at the orphanage, Eloise has to learn to let down her defenses. For if she let's Janie in, could they solve this mystery together? A solid story uplifted with magic and satisfying conclusion infused with great warmth and emotional intelligence.
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