nikkivrc's review
2.0
Some children's books have an added layer for adults to enjoy - this book is not one of them. There are constant attempts at wit and eccentricity, but it all felt really contrived and childish. This is fun for kids, but anyone over the age of 10 should stay away.
elro's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
theatlantean's review
4.0
This had Drake laughing out loud on many an occasion. Full of ridiculous characters and very tall tales. A great start to a series.
hollowspine's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
A short and very funny adventure starring Eddie Dickens, sometimes called Johnathon or Simon by his mother when she forgets his name.
The audio book begins with a helpful note for American readers who may have trouble figuring out some of the Britishisms of the book, which was very funny in itself.
The book was apparently written in a series of episodes for the author's nephew at boarding school, and as such is slightly ridiculous and I believe very suitable for "young British gentlemen", or young American gentlekid whose caregivers watch public television.
The action starts out when Eddie's parents fall ill, becoming crinkly around the edges and producing the smell of old hot water bottles and having an odd color to them. Not wanting their son to catch the dreadful disease they decide to send him to Awful End to stay with Mad Uncle Jack and Even Madder Aunt Maud.
Much hi-jinx ensue where Eddie learns that one should always listen to one's mother, roving acting troupes can be rather a bother and that for some dried fish is seen as an acceptable form of payment, but for most it is seen also as rather a bother.
One of my favorite characters is Daphney er...Dawkins the Gentleman's Gentleman whose place is a basket of tissue paper in the kitchen, which is much better than under a coal scuttle or some such.
The story is delightfully funny, chock full of hilarious words and turns of phrase, explanations of plot and story.
The audio book begins with a helpful note for American readers who may have trouble figuring out some of the Britishisms of the book, which was very funny in itself.
The book was apparently written in a series of episodes for the author's nephew at boarding school, and as such is slightly ridiculous and I believe very suitable for "young British gentlemen", or young American gentlekid whose caregivers watch public television.
The action starts out when Eddie's parents fall ill, becoming crinkly around the edges and producing the smell of old hot water bottles and having an odd color to them. Not wanting their son to catch the dreadful disease they decide to send him to Awful End to stay with Mad Uncle Jack and Even Madder Aunt Maud.
Much hi-jinx ensue where Eddie learns that one should always listen to one's mother, roving acting troupes can be rather a bother and that for some dried fish is seen as an acceptable form of payment, but for most it is seen also as rather a bother.
One of my favorite characters is Daphney er...Dawkins the Gentleman's Gentleman whose place is a basket of tissue paper in the kitchen, which is much better than under a coal scuttle or some such.
The story is delightfully funny, chock full of hilarious words and turns of phrase, explanations of plot and story.
caitlin_bookchats's review
2.0
Not a bad book, but not to my particular tastes, I thought it was just a little too silly in places. I listened to it read on CD though and it was a great presentation.
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