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annashiv's review against another edition
5.0
I read this when I was very young. It was recommended to me by my grade school librarian. I did not remember anything about it and thought I'd try it out again. It's not your normal kind of story, but I loved it. I think there's a lot of depth and lessons that I could find for a long time, thinking about it all. I can see how it might not be for everyone, but I don't think I'm coming from a place of nostalgia. There was very little that seemed familiar. I really enjoyed it, even if the writing was not the easiest for me to read. I recommend it.
glowormbluelady's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ketchikrista's review against another edition
5.0
Lloyd Alexander is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. It is a wonderfully told story that almost begs to be read aloud. It is very face paced and each chapter ends with a little incentive to read the next chapter.
nomadicreader's review against another edition
4.0
I'm giving 4 1/2 stars. A wonderful read aloud with my boys, full of adventure and humor.
dandelionfluff's review against another edition
4.0
I truly enjoyed this! I finished most of it on a day, and couldn't put it down. Now, the narrative style might not be for you, but, let me tell you what really impressed me: at intermittent points, the female characters have their own sections and stories. Their successes are their own, and they move forward empowered by their own efforts. The book's from 1991, so with all that being said, it seems we've fallen out of touch with these ideas. Most of the time, females are pushed to the side as love interests, or have a story completely dependent upon the main male character. These female characters, child, woman, and elderly, are all independent. And that's what really impressed me here.
Aside from that, there are wonderful witticisms and clever phrases, sudden turns of fate, and good resolution. I'm not too sure about the depiction of Chinese culture, though. Are the mannerisms accurate or not? If I had more context, I'd judge that, too, but story-wise, I'm happy.
Aside from that, there are wonderful witticisms and clever phrases, sudden turns of fate, and good resolution. I'm not too sure about the depiction of Chinese culture, though. Are the mannerisms accurate or not? If I had more context, I'd judge that, too, but story-wise, I'm happy.
elevetha's review against another edition
3.0
2 1\2 stars. It was all right. It was about on the same level for me as "The Arcadians".
misskreads's review against another edition
5.0
Lloyd Alexander is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. It is a wonderfully told story that almost begs to be read aloud. It is very face paced and each chapter ends with a little incentive to read the next chapter.