An absolute children’s classic of pure joy, escapism and good humour, that every child is deserving of and should be read. The story has some variatioAn absolute children’s classic of pure joy, escapism and good humour, that every child is deserving of and should be read. The story has some variation from the Julie Andrew’s and Dick Van Dyke 1964 adaptation, such as the dancing cow, and John & Barbara’s story, being just lovely. I must admit I did visualise many scenes from the film as I read this and wondered why I hadn’t read it before! ~ so if you can share this with younger children, before they see the film, they will be able to appreciate both in their own right. The 1964 film is, of course, a masterpiece in itself, and this is a real treat of a story!...more
Ooooooh, an absolute masterpiece by RL Stevenson executed in just 55 pages, written in 1886 and Still as profound. ‘My devil had been long caged, he cOoooooh, an absolute masterpiece by RL Stevenson executed in just 55 pages, written in 1886 and Still as profound. ‘My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring’. The writing is just pure quality gothic fiction. ...more
A dark fairy tale, depicting Bluebeard as an ugly despised man who married many women and disposed of them in his castle once they no longer interesteA dark fairy tale, depicting Bluebeard as an ugly despised man who married many women and disposed of them in his castle once they no longer interested him. Many variations published since. ...more
A short piece of fiction, with everything you need from a children’s adventure story, strong consistent narration throughout, that switches from adultA short piece of fiction, with everything you need from a children’s adventure story, strong consistent narration throughout, that switches from adulthood to boyhood and back again seamlessly over time. Introduces the impact of war with a light touch, the inherent survival instinct in adults & the rebellion in adolescence that has detrimental consequences. ...more
A heartwarming read, that can be easily dipped in and out of, there is no need to read it in order, as each chapter is an anecdote in its own right. TA heartwarming read, that can be easily dipped in and out of, there is no need to read it in order, as each chapter is an anecdote in its own right. There are details of the highs and lows and the dilemmas faced by vets in practice. A reoccurring theme throughout of how dogs can know more about their humans than the human themselves. Some references to Fitzpatrick’s own personal challenges and how he uses this to enhance his own life and work with both dogs and their humans. However the dogs are the real heroes in this book, so, get the tissues ready before you start reading!...more
A good winters fireside read where the narrator reminisces on a past dark experience, one Christmas Eve surrounded by his family. The memory disturbs A good winters fireside read where the narrator reminisces on a past dark experience, one Christmas Eve surrounded by his family. The memory disturbs him and takes him to the garden for air. An Atmospheric haunting short read....more
A mildly profound conclusion of the Narnia series, focusing on ‘The Last Battle’ - the plot is clearly symbolic of eternity from the Christian faith aA mildly profound conclusion of the Narnia series, focusing on ‘The Last Battle’ - the plot is clearly symbolic of eternity from the Christian faith and draws to a close that could be reassuring for many a reader. It describes the peaceful, unspoilt landscape occupied by favourite characters from previous adventures suggesting a representation of eternal life in heaven.
The book was published in the ‘50’s and includes outdated references of discrimination & misogyny typical of its time.
Overall a fantasy novel series most likely to be enjoyed by those who were introduced to them as a child in the 60’s/70’s.
There are many other modern titles of a similar trope out there to be enjoyed. ...more
Another adventure in Narnia featuring Eustace, his friend Jill and Prince Caspian. The plot seemed a little formulaic, yet had a thoughtful & emotive Another adventure in Narnia featuring Eustace, his friend Jill and Prince Caspian. The plot seemed a little formulaic, yet had a thoughtful & emotive ending. I did smile however, when I read how the inept Head Teacher lived happily ever after in Parliament ~ clearly, times have never changed….....more
Another magical tale of Narnia. Edmund & Lucy a long with their disagreeable cousin Eustace enjoy adventures aboard the Dawn Treader, from a picture oAnother magical tale of Narnia. Edmund & Lucy a long with their disagreeable cousin Eustace enjoy adventures aboard the Dawn Treader, from a picture on the bedroom wall. Eustace brings more drama to this story and is a comical character since Edmund & Lucy are rather well behaved. Caspian features in this one too. It is reminiscent of Enid Blytons Faraway Tree which was published 10 years previously as they encounter different lands & their quirks. Somehow the ending seemed hurried & abrupt....more
A microscopic lens on the impact of grief, and the dynamic between 2 brothers. By far the best of Rooney yet. Only 2 main characters- 5 at the most, mA microscopic lens on the impact of grief, and the dynamic between 2 brothers. By far the best of Rooney yet. Only 2 main characters- 5 at the most, making this an intense & visceral read. You never really know how it will end for Peter & I won’t spoil it for you either, but emotive to the last word. ...more
A good combination of the rise of Prince Caspian and the adventures of Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy in the land of Narnia. In this adventure Aslan reinA good combination of the rise of Prince Caspian and the adventures of Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy in the land of Narnia. In this adventure Aslan reins while the white witch doesn’t feature. The ending appears abrupt and almost unfinished as it jumps from the new beginning of the Telmarines, to Peter declaring it’s the last visit to Narnia for both him & Susan, which lacked any emotion or nostalgia before finding themselves back in Euston. A Basic and simplistic style of writing for children. ...more
A slightly different stronger story line & landscape from the first 2 books in this series. The key Character is Shasta, a ‘run-a-way’ & his horse. ItA slightly different stronger story line & landscape from the first 2 books in this series. The key Character is Shasta, a ‘run-a-way’ & his horse. It takes place in archenland, a different part of Narnia & introduces its first battle. It keeps the whimsical aspects, attracting a younger reader with only a few references to Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy. ...more
A good old fashioned children’s story, where Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy go on an action packed, and at times, tense, adventure together in Narnia. SiA good old fashioned children’s story, where Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy go on an action packed, and at times, tense, adventure together in Narnia. Simplistic traditional fantasy, where good triumphs over evil....more
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