Reviews

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

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aepbuilder's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

crystan's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

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

harmonictempest's review against another edition

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5.0

I probably read this 25 years ago, and I don't think I could have told you a thing about it except remembering the way one figure dies. But on reading it again I realized a surprising number of quotes and phrases (and illustrations!) had stuck with me.

It's just a delightful book, for two primary reasons: one is that the primary work of the story is to show the protagonist's evolution from pride and selfishness into humility and self-sacrifice, and the other is just how...gentle the book is. I love how human the British characters are and how clearly the book avoids easy black-and-white painting of that era - it's unsurprising to find that it was written by a Pulitzer-Prize-winning historian!

Both of those things are rare in more contemporary books and it was an absolute delight to sit with them here.

estherfilbrun's review against another edition

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5.0

Mom first read this book to me in school, and I remember being captivated by the story. Several years later, I was able to find a cassette recording of the story in our local library, and enjoyed going through it again. Then just recently, I remembered it had been a while since I read it, and decided to enjoy it again.

At this point, I’m not sure how many times I’ve heard or read the story—Mom has read it aloud at least once since she first read it to me. But no matter how many times I’ve read it, it’s managed to retain its place as one of my top favorite Revolutionary War novels.

This book has depth, intensity, and rich, relatable characters. You feel like you’re right there, trying to smuggle messages under the British soldiers’ noses, or riding free on Goblin’s back after winning the right to ride him. This book brings to life the trials and hopes of apprentices, as well as giving a glimpse into the world of the wealthy at the time. There’s history, a dash of romance, family, and deep friendship…this book has it all, and Forbes does an excellent job pulling it all together into one magnificent, unforgettable tale.

If you enjoy reading about American history but haven’t read this book yet, I’d highly recommend you pick this up. It’s a gem.

maggie_elisabeth's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The author of this book has mad talent. Her writing immediately draws me in, and every word sparks vivid images. Every time I read this book (and I've read it nearly a dozen times) I feel like I am there in Boston. I can smell the sea and feel the wind in my face. I can hear the bustle of the busy streets. I ache the way the characters ache. I haven't yet found a book with descriptions that compare.