Reviews

This one doesn't have the same appeal for me as the rest of the series. She is away from the family and friends we loved so much for the entirety of the book, and though she gets pulled off letters, we don't get a chance to hear their words directly. She and Joe, finality together at the end of the previous book, are on the outs after a couple of years of relationship that we hear about only in review. It was interesting to see Europe through her eyes, pre- World War I, and to see the beginnings of the war from Europe itself.

avonleagal's review against another edition

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5.0

another great Betsy Tacy book.

SPOILER:Joe’s notice in the newspaper at the end was TOTALLY The Great War by Ts

sheranel's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

evaseyler's review against another edition

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3.0

I enjoyed this one more than "Betsy In Spite of Herself" for two reasons: firstly, there was a nice rehash of recent events at the beginning to clear up what was going on with each character. Secondly, it was quite a travelogue, which I liked. It was a little odd on the basis of being really only Betsy, with not much interaction with previously important characters. But I liked it.

I think it could have used a little more meat to it, though. She seemed to skim through all the adventures pretty quickly. Granted, it's meant for a younger audience, and Betsy is not a worldly-wise girl, so it's very squeaky-clean. I'm not like saying that I wish her to NOT be squeaky-clean. It just could have done with some more details. :-)

zenithharpink's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was really enjoyable, even if I do find the series of Betsy's earlier years more appealing. It's super entertaining to hear about her travels, and it makes me wish I was back at many of those places myself-just maybe not exactly WHEN Betsy was out there!

I loved all of Betsy's adventures, and as sweet as this story is, it's sweetness wasn't overdone or exhausting. The most fascinating chapter of all, however was the end when the world was sliding in World War I.

I recommend this to fans of Betsy and her adventures, as well as those looking for an interesting read of life immediately before World War I.

mimima's review

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

One of the last Betsy-Tacy books, this one chronicles Betsy’s trip to Europe in 1914. Like all hero’s journey books, more attention is put to the front experiences, but Lovelace did a fabulous job of portraying the countries on the cusp of the first World War. While there were wincingly problematic descriptions now and then, it was a good story and interesting to see the portrayal of having to leave London because war was declared

hidingzeus's review against another edition

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3.0

I didn't like this one as much as the high school years. It was likely due to the lack of the interaction between Betsy and the characters we had grown to love in the previous books. Part of the Betsy-Tacy books are the charm of the relationship Betsy has with her friends and family.

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