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catrad's review against another edition
4.0
The Door That Led to Where is an intriguing novel set in two time periods - modern day London, and the London of the 1800s. I loved the idea that someone could discover a key and it could lead them to such a thrilling and exciting discovery as a door to the past.
Both versions of London are wonderfully drawn, and the detail in particular of the earlier time period is gripping. I read this book very quickly as it grabbed me from the outset - it's a wonderful combination of modern day teenage challenges and a Dickensian murder-mystery.
My only gripe with the book is that in places the writing seems disjointed. Characters jumped from place to place with no intervening explanation, and I did have to re-read certain passages to clarify what was happening.
Having said that though, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would certainly recommend it as a fast and thought provoking read, with some real commentaries about the social differences between the two time periods.
Both versions of London are wonderfully drawn, and the detail in particular of the earlier time period is gripping. I read this book very quickly as it grabbed me from the outset - it's a wonderful combination of modern day teenage challenges and a Dickensian murder-mystery.
My only gripe with the book is that in places the writing seems disjointed. Characters jumped from place to place with no intervening explanation, and I did have to re-read certain passages to clarify what was happening.
Having said that though, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would certainly recommend it as a fast and thought provoking read, with some real commentaries about the social differences between the two time periods.
cat_thecatlady's review against another edition
3.0
the premise and the story overall are pretty interesting! such a shame the writing fails and doesn't deliver the greatness this book could achieve!
full review here: https://catshelf.wordpress.com/2015/09/21/book-review-51-the-door-that-led-to-where-by-sally-gardner/
full review here: https://catshelf.wordpress.com/2015/09/21/book-review-51-the-door-that-led-to-where-by-sally-gardner/
seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
3.0
One of those books I'm sure entirely sure I could have enjoyed (or understood!) as my h if I didn't live in London. There's a bit of nuance around AJ and his mates, they're the typical Hackney trio living it up in Stokey wondering what to do next after failing their GCSCs.
There's a lot of love for London, grimey and fawning, there's a bit of time travel and even a muder/mystery to be solved. You could even call it a coming of age.
There's a lot of love for London, grimey and fawning, there's a bit of time travel and even a muder/mystery to be solved. You could even call it a coming of age.
emmagray13's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
abbienicholle's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I got this from the op shop and started reading it because I thought it would be a quick read. I wasn’t expecting to love it so much. Finished it in two sittings. It was a fun mystery. Very easy read.
thebookofdanny's review against another edition
3.0
I was slightly disappointed with this book, it didn't blow me away like her other work. Maximum potential was not achieved and some parts were slightly long-winded. However, Sally Gardner is still one of the most impressive writers and I'm sure to read more from her in the future.
cxppatee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
reviewsfromabookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know what to expect from The Door That Led To Where, I actually hadn't head anything about it before I received an email from the publisher. I have heard a lot about Sally Gardner though, especially her book Maggot Moon which I know has gotten a lot of high praise and amazing reviews. I had decided to look up The Door That Led To Where on Goodreads and see what it was about. I was instantly intrigued by this book, it not only contained time travel, it was also set in London, two things I love reading about. I decided then and there that this was a book I needed to read.
I find this book quite difficult to review, mostly because of the fact it's aimed at younger audience than the one I am used to. It's not aimed at young children, given the fact it contains a fair bit of violence, murder and a lot of swearing. But it doesn't read like a young adult book either, it definitely falls between the two. It's meant that when I've been reviewing it I've been looking at it differently, reviewing it as a book that's aimed more at younger teens. It's not the sort of book that I usually read, but it's one I ended up thoroughly enjoying and it has made me very excited to try more books by this author.
I completely understand now why Sally Gardner gets so much praise, she's one talented author. She not only brought to life a modern day London, she also brought 1830's London to life as well. This was one of those times where the time travel aspect of the book worked perfectly for me. It didn't bother me in the way it has a habit of doing in most other time travel books, usually because I tend to over think it. I loved the whole concept of Jobey's Door, that all AJ needed to do was walk through it and he'd find himself in the 1830's.
I like the characters in this book, especially those of AJ and his two best friends, Leon and Slim. They're characters that feel very real, who talk and act exactly how you'd imagine people in their situation and from their area and upbringing would. I also like that they're characters that a younger teen reader can identify with. It also helps that Gardner creates wonderful banter between them all, and anyone who knows me knows that I love great banter between characters. They're three boys who haven't had the easiest start in life and are struggling, so the past is an escape for them all. It opens up chances for the boys that they wouldn't have dreamed of. I liked seeing the characters and their varying feelings about the past and what it could offer them. It's also good to see characters wrestling with the decision to stay in the past or to face their future in our time.
4/5 Butterflies
I'm actually just going to get straight to the point with this review and rate the book. It's a definite four out of five for me. The murder mystery element will be what appeals to the books target audience, it'll keep them reading. I loved and appreciated how well written this was, and how Gardner brought to life a part of London that tourists don't see, the more run down side to it. This was a 4/5 read for me because it's not my usual read, but I can see it being a 5/5 read for younger readers. I'd recommend this to parents who come in to my library, asking for advice on what to give their children to read. I'd also recommend to anyone who loves a good middle grade book, with an intriguing premise, interesting characters and a hint of mystery.
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
 |
| My dilemma with this book. |
I find this book quite difficult to review, mostly because of the fact it's aimed at younger audience than the one I am used to. It's not aimed at young children, given the fact it contains a fair bit of violence, murder and a lot of swearing. But it doesn't read like a young adult book either, it definitely falls between the two. It's meant that when I've been reviewing it I've been looking at it differently, reviewing it as a book that's aimed more at younger teens. It's not the sort of book that I usually read, but it's one I ended up thoroughly enjoying and it has made me very excited to try more books by this author.
I completely understand now why Sally Gardner gets so much praise, she's one talented author. She not only brought to life a modern day London, she also brought 1830's London to life as well. This was one of those times where the time travel aspect of the book worked perfectly for me. It didn't bother me in the way it has a habit of doing in most other time travel books, usually because I tend to over think it. I loved the whole concept of Jobey's Door, that all AJ needed to do was walk through it and he'd find himself in the 1830's.
 |
| There's time travel and London! |
I like the characters in this book, especially those of AJ and his two best friends, Leon and Slim. They're characters that feel very real, who talk and act exactly how you'd imagine people in their situation and from their area and upbringing would. I also like that they're characters that a younger teen reader can identify with. It also helps that Gardner creates wonderful banter between them all, and anyone who knows me knows that I love great banter between characters. They're three boys who haven't had the easiest start in life and are struggling, so the past is an escape for them all. It opens up chances for the boys that they wouldn't have dreamed of. I liked seeing the characters and their varying feelings about the past and what it could offer them. It's also good to see characters wrestling with the decision to stay in the past or to face their future in our time.
4/5 Butterflies
I'm actually just going to get straight to the point with this review and rate the book. It's a definite four out of five for me. The murder mystery element will be what appeals to the books target audience, it'll keep them reading. I loved and appreciated how well written this was, and how Gardner brought to life a part of London that tourists don't see, the more run down side to it. This was a 4/5 read for me because it's not my usual read, but I can see it being a 5/5 read for younger readers. I'd recommend this to parents who come in to my library, asking for advice on what to give their children to read. I'd also recommend to anyone who loves a good middle grade book, with an intriguing premise, interesting characters and a hint of mystery.
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
Writing was very flat. Could not connect to the characters or the story.
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0