leasummer's review
3.0
It is possible I didn’t understand this book because there’s so many rave reviews. It is mad cap. It’s like if the show “Father Brown” went on an expedition. I couldn’t tell if it was trying to be a comedy or a mad cap adventure or something more serious.
It is a story of an unlikely friendship (is it a friendship?!) that comes to matter more than anything. The ending was a bit of a shock that didn’t really seem necessary but maybe it was the culmination of a few unhinged characters coming together. Having a former POW who potentially was mentally ill prior to the war but now certainly has PTSD at least as a villain seems lazy and quite frankly rude.
Benson was on a budget but money just kept appearing for things, except the lack of money was a driving point toward the end.
A bit all over the place from a plot stand point for me but the adventure was entertaining, the friendships and characters were sad, maybe reflective of the time in was set. Overall I am not really sure the point and since I had such high hopes by the premise and reviews I felt disappointed.
It is a story of an unlikely friendship (is it a friendship?!) that comes to matter more than anything. The ending was a bit of a shock that didn’t really seem necessary but maybe it was the culmination of a few unhinged characters coming together. Having a former POW who potentially was mentally ill prior to the war but now certainly has PTSD at least as a villain seems lazy and quite frankly rude.
Benson was on a budget but money just kept appearing for things, except the lack of money was a driving point toward the end.
A bit all over the place from a plot stand point for me but the adventure was entertaining, the friendships and characters were sad, maybe reflective of the time in was set. Overall I am not really sure the point and since I had such high hopes by the premise and reviews I felt disappointed.
fictrix's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
millieg24's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
annegoff's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
nhoff's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
yolandamcgill's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ekki's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
leannaaker's review
5.0
What a fun, heartwarming story. The adventures finding a beetle were also charming.
megansgc's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely tale about a woman finally realizing an emotional and important dream instead of staying stuck. Lovely group of characters she collects along the way and emotional bonds that go deep