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djinnandtea's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've probably read this book a half dozen times, and it still, generally, delights me. I will admit to finding it less engaging on my most recent go around, some of the magic a little dulled with age and exposure (also Gwendolyn really is a foul little girl), but Chrestomanci and his supporting cast are such compelling figures, and I’m still so dedicated to Cat. I enjoy this world immensely, I enjoy Chrestomanci immensely. Jones writes him with such flair and humor, and this book truly changed the way I think of the word “vague” even now, years later.
I saw someone on Tumblr discuss the inherent classism of this book, which is a thing I can’t really unsee now, and I think it’s important to mention here. It’s also a book of its time. Adults sometimes speak harshly to children (calling them or their actions stupid) and there are a few moments of physical punishment (a character is spanked with a boot, another “boxed” twice on both ears). I don’t think it devalues the story, but it does take me out of the joyful experience of reading it when these moments occur, and it could understandably be off-putting to other readers.
I saw someone on Tumblr discuss the inherent classism of this book, which is a thing I can’t really unsee now, and I think it’s important to mention here. It’s also a book of its time. Adults sometimes speak harshly to children (calling them or their actions stupid) and there are a few moments of physical punishment (a character is spanked with a boot, another “boxed” twice on both ears). I don’t think it devalues the story, but it does take me out of the joyful experience of reading it when these moments occur, and it could understandably be off-putting to other readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Child abuse and Fatphobia
veroef's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
novelyon's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Incest, Physical abuse, Racism, and Death of parent
gothicmoon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I loooved this book. I was so scared that Gwedolen would come in and be suddenly a heroine and I am infinitely glad that she wasn't. She was abusive! The ENTIRE time. She didn't deserve a a redemption, and she didn't get it. Good! This, my friends, is how one goes about writing a Sn*pe character.
I love Cat and I wanna hug him and adopt him as my own. Janet is the best. When Cat's just died and Janet's relieved that he's well and talks and talks and talks as she does and Cat falls asleep feeling "safe and cared-for?" I weeped like a baby.
I love Cat and I wanna hug him and adopt him as my own. Janet is the best. When Cat's just died and Janet's relieved that he's well and talks and talks and talks as she does and Cat falls asleep feeling "safe and cared-for?" I weeped like a baby.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal cruelty and Fatphobia
anonymousreader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
vel16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The 5-star rating is largely because of nostalgia for me, personally, but this still holds up and is an excellent book. Dated in some ways, but progressive for when it was written, this is an oddly dark and enchantingly wonderful book that is a part of my favourite book series since childhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Fatphobia
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Violence, and Blood
This book is suitable for children but there are some problematic elements related to casual weight- and body-shamingtherainbowshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I read this series in high school and absolutely loved it. Right now, I'm rereading it with my husband because now that I've introduced him to Diana Wynne Jones, he's obsessed. I loved this book just as much as an adult. There are a few parts that show their age, of course. The conclusion of the 9 girls situation is so characteristic of Diana's writing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, and Violence
Toxic sibling