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A review by eyreguide
The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman
4.0
This is a very entertaining Middle Grade read. I really enjoyed Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series and "Sally Lockhart" books, so I do like his writing style and his inventive storytelling. The Scarecrow and His Servant is a mix of a fairy tale and an homage to Don Quixote with a sinister streak in the unknown motivations of the powerful Buffaloni family. Although the adventures the Scarecrow takes Jack on are rather sedate and sometimes just silly, Jack and the Scarecrow's schemes are very entertaining and unexpected. The characterizations of the main characters are pretty broad and easy, and while the action in the story moves along at a comfortable pace, it does come together nicely in the climax scenes in the courtroom. And in the final scenes I saw that philosophical edge that Philip Pullman likes to add to his novels and which I always find very interesting. In this case it was the nature of identity.
Although the story seems to focus on the Scarecrow, I found his simple minded sincerity a little tiring after awhile, and thought that earnest and sensible Jack was a great counterpoint, and much more sympathetic. The other standout character was crusty Granny Raven who has some great scenes near the end of the story. This book is a witty, light, easy read - perfect for children or adults who love whimsical reads.
Although the story seems to focus on the Scarecrow, I found his simple minded sincerity a little tiring after awhile, and thought that earnest and sensible Jack was a great counterpoint, and much more sympathetic. The other standout character was crusty Granny Raven who has some great scenes near the end of the story. This book is a witty, light, easy read - perfect for children or adults who love whimsical reads.