Reviews

Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman

msjaneod's review against another edition

4.0

I did enjoy this book - the voice of the 10 yr old narrator is really well done and its a realistic depiction of the life of people within urban, sometimes deprived area. The voice of the kid allows the author to describe some pretty grisly or upsetting events without overplaying the details. Very moved at the end...

hannahlouisebates's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The author really nails the voice of an 11 year old and it was a really interesting way of telling the story in fragments of what a child understands and thinks is important.  
I found out about half way through that this is written by a white man which kind of tainted it for me, but it is still well written and believable.
Could have done without the sexual assault in the last 50 pages.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault and Violence

sarah_17's review against another edition

funny sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

mooped_'s review against another edition

challenging emotional sad fast-paced

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

3.75

I really liked the narrator of this book. I can’t even lie the ending is what bumped it up the .75 stars for me, it had me teary eyed. I have seen what other people have said about the fragmentation and the lack of plot, but honestly I think that’s what gives it its charm. I’m not completely sold on the pigeon as a metaphor/ character/ omnipotent being? I guess I need to think about it some more and its symbolism but overall really beautiful story. I appreciate when authors tackle hard adult issues from an innocent child’s perspective, because isn’t that how we all feel sometimes? 

hannak111's review against another edition

3.0

3.5*

judesaunders's review against another edition

dark funny sad medium-paced

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

3.0

crusoe's review against another edition

challenging dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

mariadonnamc's review

challenging dark emotional funny sad medium-paced

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

4.75

danirikku's review

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

rzanfy's review against another edition

5.0

Superb, especially for the audience. I’ve read some reviews about it being repetitive. Remember that the protagonist and narrator is a naive 11 year old boy who’s wet behind the ears. Speaking to year 7s is part of my job- they repeat themselves.