clarinette's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wetdryvac's review against another edition
5.0
A couple stories that weren't my speed, but overall, utterly fabulous.
c_joicey4's review against another edition
5.0
It's so nice reading some of Eva Ibbotson's short work, as it's not something she is traditionally associated with. This collection is an absolute gem of a work/works, and just goes to show just how in control of her craft she was!
librarykirsten's review against another edition
4.0
Why would you publish a short story collection without a contents page? Why, Pan Macmillan, why?
This collection doesn't quite hang together, and there are assumptions about marriage which don't hold up to modern scrutiny, but Ibbotson's wit and charm and ability to bring out the joy of ordinary life shine through. I'm generally not a fan of the love at first sight trope, or excuses for adultery, but Ibbotson's one of the few authors who can seduce me with both.
This collection doesn't quite hang together, and there are assumptions about marriage which don't hold up to modern scrutiny, but Ibbotson's wit and charm and ability to bring out the joy of ordinary life shine through. I'm generally not a fan of the love at first sight trope, or excuses for adultery, but Ibbotson's one of the few authors who can seduce me with both.
cab15's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
chickiebean_loves_books's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cathybbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
soboycottmaja's review against another edition
5.0
Ugh, I loved this so, so much ♥️ My favorite story was probably "Sidi"!
iamnotamerryman's review against another edition
3.0
A real mixed bag for me. Some stories I hated, some I loved, and some were just okay.