Reviews

The Four-Story Mistake by Elizabeth Enright

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situationnormal's review

3.0

I thought the first Melendy Family book was pretty OK but this one was even more meh than the last for me. Maybe I'm just burnt out on the quirky kids series for the time being, but nevertheless, I never got too interested in any of the four children.

karajrapp's review

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5.0

Enright's writing is enchanting and perfect for reading aloud, this book even better than the first volume of this series. The stories of the Melendy children are simple but quintessential childhood adventures that are enjoyable for both kids and adults.

evw166's review

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4.0

Very nostalgic

misajane79's review

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5.0

It hasn't taken long, but I think Enright is now solidly on my list of favorite writers.
In Four-Story Mistake, there is a another fabulous house, plenty of adventures, and some truly great characters. I love how WWII is an undercurrent throughout, but not a huge focus. And Oliver. I adore Oliver, especially since I've known boys like him.
Parts of Enright's writing is just luminous--I wanted to take a pencil and underline some of her wonderful sentences. Alas, it is a library book, so I resisted, but I have a feeling Enright will be on my personal shelves soon.

corvinaq's review

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5.0

Although it's rather treacle-y, I like this book. I first read it as a child and then couldn't remember the title for the next 20 years. Now that I have discovered its identity I am re-reading. Although nothing much happens in the book it's still a fairy tale from beginning to end. How *spoiler* likely is it that 50 people would pay to see elementary schoolers in a play, with both singing AND dancing, that their own children are not even in?! Their car blows a tire so to save money they buy a pony and carriage? The policeman gives them a gift of an alligator for Christmas? Whatever, I still want their house.