kristinana's review against another edition
2.0
The two-star rating, according to Goodreads, means, "it was ok," which is exactly how I felt about this book.
There were some wonderful ideas here; the reason I wanted to read it was because of the story's connection to German folk tales, and I liked the fact that many of the stories invoked were unfamiliar to me. There were also several very memorable scenes and images -- not the least of which is announced in the highly compelling first sentence: "My life might have been so different, had I not been known as the girl whose grandmother exploded." With a first sentence like that, how can you go wrong? Well, by banking way too much on that first sentence (which is pretty much repeated in various ways multiple times) and by being inaccurate (her grandmother didn't explode, nor did she, as the protagonist tries to correct the story, spontaneously combust. She just regular-combusted. In fact, now that I think of it, the sentence could have been both more accurate and just as compelling if it was, ""My life might have been so different, had I not been known as the girl whose grandmother went up in flames.")
For me, the story did not dwell nearly enough on the dark fairy tales that occasionally appear. This is where the novel could have really been lovely. Just think if someone like A.S. Byatt had gotten hold of the basic conceit and run with it. Instead, it read more like a Nancy Drew mystery, with two pre-teens solving a horrific mystery that has been plaguing their town for more than half a century -- REALLY? Well, the police in that town must have been idiots, because I almost immediately solved the mystery, which was simultaneously obvious and illogical. Moreover, the main character, Pia, is basically an observer throughout most of the novel; her unpopular (male) friend is infinitely smarter, stronger, braver, and more active than she is, which is extremely annoying.
I read in one of these goodreads reviews that this was marketed as a young adult novel overseas, and that makes sense; I remarked to my mother before finding this out that it read like a teen novel. There's nothing wrong with that, but if it had been marketed as YA it would have saved me the hassle, since I would never have picked it up -- despite its beautiful cover.
There were some wonderful ideas here; the reason I wanted to read it was because of the story's connection to German folk tales, and I liked the fact that many of the stories invoked were unfamiliar to me. There were also several very memorable scenes and images -- not the least of which is announced in the highly compelling first sentence: "My life might have been so different, had I not been known as the girl whose grandmother exploded." With a first sentence like that, how can you go wrong? Well, by banking way too much on that first sentence (which is pretty much repeated in various ways multiple times) and by being inaccurate (her grandmother didn't explode, nor did she, as the protagonist tries to correct the story, spontaneously combust. She just regular-combusted. In fact, now that I think of it, the sentence could have been both more accurate and just as compelling if it was, ""My life might have been so different, had I not been known as the girl whose grandmother went up in flames.")
For me, the story did not dwell nearly enough on the dark fairy tales that occasionally appear. This is where the novel could have really been lovely. Just think if someone like A.S. Byatt had gotten hold of the basic conceit and run with it. Instead, it read more like a Nancy Drew mystery, with two pre-teens solving a horrific mystery that has been plaguing their town for more than half a century -- REALLY? Well, the police in that town must have been idiots, because I almost immediately solved the mystery, which was simultaneously obvious and illogical. Moreover, the main character, Pia, is basically an observer throughout most of the novel; her unpopular (male) friend is infinitely smarter, stronger, braver, and more active than she is, which is extremely annoying.
I read in one of these goodreads reviews that this was marketed as a young adult novel overseas, and that makes sense; I remarked to my mother before finding this out that it read like a teen novel. There's nothing wrong with that, but if it had been marketed as YA it would have saved me the hassle, since I would never have picked it up -- despite its beautiful cover.
faithtutton's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
laurelinwonder's review against another edition
4.0
Reminiscent of "The Book Thief" where another young girl in Germany stumbles upon information not meant for children, this book, though for a young audience held my attention. Just dark enough, just enough exploration of humanity. A surprising little creepy novel worth a read.
jbojkov's review against another edition
5.0
This story has a fairy-tale like quality about it from the very beginning. The main character, Pia, lives in Germany in a small town called Bad Munstereifel (that ought to be your first clue) and from the day her grandmother accidentally goes up in flames, things start going down hill for her. Next girls start disappearing from the town and it's up to Pia and her only remaining friend Stefan to discover who is behind the missing girls. With delightfully creepy stories thrown in by Herr Schiller, an elderly neighbor and friend, this makes for a sinister, dark story just right for a cold Winter's night.
meaganmart's review against another edition
4.0
Pia is a 10/11 year old girl growing up in a small German town. She is turned into a social pariah after her grandmother catches fire and dies at their Advent dinner. But soon, the town in overtaken by an even larger mystery, the disappearance of several young girls. Pia and the only friend she has left, Stefan, decide to take matters into their own hands and set out to solve the mystery of who has been snatching the girls.
This novel is completely engrossing. I was quickly sucked into the world Helen Grant creates, and couldn't put the book down. She writes with an intensity that is engulfing, and the narrative is fast paced. She sets just the right tone with the "scary" stories that she includes, and the finished product is unforgettable.
This novel is completely engrossing. I was quickly sucked into the world Helen Grant creates, and couldn't put the book down. She writes with an intensity that is engulfing, and the narrative is fast paced. She sets just the right tone with the "scary" stories that she includes, and the finished product is unforgettable.
additionaddiction's review against another edition
5.0
I barely put this book down. I finished it in about 24 hours. The dialogue and thought processes of the main character were very accurate to a child of that age. It bothers me when a child in a book uses verbiage that no child would ever use.
The chapters are so short that it sort of compels you to read "just one more" and before you know it you'll be halfway through the book and not wanting to put it down.
This book also reminds me a little of "The Shadow Of The Wind" which is another page-turner and of a similar style.
The chapters are so short that it sort of compels you to read "just one more" and before you know it you'll be halfway through the book and not wanting to put it down.
This book also reminds me a little of "The Shadow Of The Wind" which is another page-turner and of a similar style.
lumbermouth's review against another edition
3.0
It took me a while to decide what kind of book I was reading, and I think it took Helen Grant a while to decide what kind of book she was writing, but once we both figured it out, it was a great read. Requires a little hanging in for the first half or so, but the back third is worth it.
baklavopita's review against another edition
4.0
I think my expectations for this book were too high based on reviews. I'll have to think more about why.