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A review by user613
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
3.0
3.5 stars
This is a great, clean adventure with a hint of magic that I remember I enjoying as a child.
Rereading this as an adult, I’m not sure why I enjoyed it so much. Sure, the book is full of whit, excitement and (mis-)adventures. It’s also full of historical references that were definitely over my head and a few too-descriptive paragraphs. Apparently either of these was enough to mar my enjoyment of the story.
The idea and execution of this book are well done. The book has an innocence to it that many other modern books are lacking. And my younger self definitely did enjoy this book.
I'd recommend this read to anyone looking for an innocent feeling historical fantasy.
Similar recommendations:
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Content:
Religion: Robert buys a puzzle with winged bulls with men's heads, which turns out to be a Sunday puzzle about the ancient Nin eveh. A story is told about a Ninevite boy who was the son of King Sannecherib. In one chapter the children wish for wings. They discuss whether or not the priest will confuse them for angels. The children hang out in a churchyard once.
Violence: the children find themselves in a few dangerous situations.
Romance: one reference to an unfortunate love affair.
Other: The children find a magical creature that grants wishes
This is a great, clean adventure with a hint of magic that I remember I enjoying as a child.
Rereading this as an adult, I’m not sure why I enjoyed it so much. Sure, the book is full of whit, excitement and (mis-)adventures. It’s also full of historical references that were definitely over my head and a few too-descriptive paragraphs. Apparently either of these was enough to mar my enjoyment of the story.
The idea and execution of this book are well done. The book has an innocence to it that many other modern books are lacking. And my younger self definitely did enjoy this book.
I'd recommend this read to anyone looking for an innocent feeling historical fantasy.
Similar recommendations:
[b:Princess Academy|85990|Princess Academy (Princess Academy, #1)|Shannon Hale|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349410861l/85990._SY75_.jpg|3299770]
[b:Eight Cousins|14570|Eight Cousins (Eight Cousins, #1)|Louisa May Alcott|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328864060l/14570._SY75_.jpg|2905864]
[b:Half Magic|225038|Half Magic (Tales of Magic, #1)|Edward Eager|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503640983l/225038._SX50_.jpg|1441544]
Content:
Religion: Robert buys a puzzle with winged bulls with men's heads, which turns out to be a Sunday puzzle about the ancient Nin eveh. A story is told about a Ninevite boy who was the son of King Sannecherib. In one chapter the children wish for wings. They discuss whether or not the priest will confuse them for angels. The children hang out in a churchyard once.
Violence: the children find themselves in a few dangerous situations.
Spoiler
They find themselves in a seiged castle. They're captured by Indians and nearly scalped and roasted. But then they're saved.Romance: one reference to an unfortunate love affair.
Other: The children find a magical creature that grants wishes