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laurenrebecca8's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? Yes
2.75
nancidrum's review against another edition
5.0
Great little story about an Australian family. Similarities to Sound of Music with strict "Captain" father and kind second wife who loves the children. This was rated in top 10 books Australians suggested non-Aussies should read. Very sweet, funny, and tender.
sharnibee's review against another edition
4.0
What a gorgeous story. I'm glad I didn't resist my urge to buy this edition at the bookshop the other day...
I think I must have seen the miniseries when I was quite small because I remembered the ending (although absolutely nothing else).
I think I must have seen the miniseries when I was quite small because I remembered the ending (although absolutely nothing else).
katos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mamatoca's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
The unexpected ending is what moved this to a 3.5 for me. I don't know how I avoided spoilers beforehand, but I am glad I did. The ending elevates it from merely a lighthearted children's book, to something with a little more "teeth" that lasts beyond childhood.
barryhaworth's review against another edition
4.0
I first read this one as a set book when I was at school (can't remember exactly when) and recently dug it out to reread. At the time I first read it I felt that the style of writing and the personalities of the children reminded me very strongly of the works of Edith Nesbit, and such books as "The Story of the Treasure Seekers" or "The Phoenix and the Carpet". Revisiting after many years I found it just as enjoyable as I remembered, and the Nesbit comparison still holds. This time around I think I will check out the sequels - I never did find out what happened next.
booksofthepast's review against another edition
5.0
This gorgeous little story broke my heart. I adore this story so much. I think I will read this book every year.
mousebloom's review against another edition
emotional
sad
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
bristoni74's review against another edition
3.0
One of my goals in 2022 is to read or re-read Australian classics and I thought I would start with this childhood classic published in 1894. Apparently it was an instant success at the time and has been in print ever since. I very much enjoyed the introductory chapters which made it clear these children were not British (lol) but rather Australian children who weren’t model children, but rather were quite mischievous and naughty. This was quite a novel concept at the time as children’s books tended to have “good” characters and happy endings.
The seven little Australians are made of up 6 children who are the father’s children from his first marriage and their ages range from 4 to 16. The 7th little Australian is a baby he has had with his new wife and step-mother to the children although she is only 20!!!
It was interesting to see the different values between then and now with the father, very strict and aloof who dosen’t really understand his children or his young wife for that matter, given he married her when she was a teenager! It’s an era of “children should be seen and not heard”. Esther is the step-mother and as she is only 20 finds it difficult to discipline the children herself, especially given the oldest two aren’t much younger than her at 16 and 14 respectively. The children do get into some scraps and the handing out of “thrashings” was a bit jarring to read, especially as the children were often not being deliberately naughty.
So whilst the book could be considered “out-dated”, I did love the descriptions of rural Australia – the landscape, the beautiful sunsets and the heat. I could also relate to some of the stories, particularly Meg who at 16 ties her laces on her corset so tight to get a “fashionable” 18 inch waist she faints and becomes very unwell. Not much different from today, where young women still try to control and enhance their bodies through dieting, fashion, cosmetic procedures and even surgery.
A sweet novel with an unexpected sad ending and I’m glad I revisited this classic children’s story.
The seven little Australians are made of up 6 children who are the father’s children from his first marriage and their ages range from 4 to 16. The 7th little Australian is a baby he has had with his new wife and step-mother to the children although she is only 20!!!
It was interesting to see the different values between then and now with the father, very strict and aloof who dosen’t really understand his children or his young wife for that matter, given he married her when she was a teenager! It’s an era of “children should be seen and not heard”. Esther is the step-mother and as she is only 20 finds it difficult to discipline the children herself, especially given the oldest two aren’t much younger than her at 16 and 14 respectively. The children do get into some scraps and the handing out of “thrashings” was a bit jarring to read, especially as the children were often not being deliberately naughty.
So whilst the book could be considered “out-dated”, I did love the descriptions of rural Australia – the landscape, the beautiful sunsets and the heat. I could also relate to some of the stories, particularly Meg who at 16 ties her laces on her corset so tight to get a “fashionable” 18 inch waist she faints and becomes very unwell. Not much different from today, where young women still try to control and enhance their bodies through dieting, fashion, cosmetic procedures and even surgery.
A sweet novel with an unexpected sad ending and I’m glad I revisited this classic children’s story.