sheryl_marie_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Girl Who Saved Christmas is my first Matt Haig read that was written for children and as expected it is brilliant. It's still enjoyable as an adult because Haig doesn't 'speak' to children in a patronising or unnatural way. There are mature concepts that are referenced either metaphorically or literally. The metaphorical concepts (e.g. the media not necessarily representing the whole truth) are there for the children to find but if the child isn't ready for it then the metaphor will plant a seed and will add to the story regardless. The more literal mature concepts (e.g. feminism) are explained factually, simply and without judgement but still with a feeling of importance not only to the story or character but to the reader too. The book is cleverly written.
I also loved that it doesn't rely on comedy, slapstick or ridiculous elements to entertain. It doesn't need to. The characters are not black and white goodies or baddies, the plot is generous, adventurous and emotional. I really enjoyed the historical references to Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens too.
This is a great festive light read for an adult like me who wants a little Christmas sparkle.
It's a great festive read for any child but it would be especially good for a parent and child shared read in order to pull out those interesting mature concepts of feminism, journalism, bullying, poverty and opportunity.
I also loved that it doesn't rely on comedy, slapstick or ridiculous elements to entertain. It doesn't need to. The characters are not black and white goodies or baddies, the plot is generous, adventurous and emotional. I really enjoyed the historical references to Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens too.
This is a great festive light read for an adult like me who wants a little Christmas sparkle.
It's a great festive read for any child but it would be especially good for a parent and child shared read in order to pull out those interesting mature concepts of feminism, journalism, bullying, poverty and opportunity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Grief
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