Reviews

The Swish of the Curtain: Blue Door 1 by Pamela Brown

pagesofpins's review

4.0

It's hard to know quite what to do with this one. The writing is charming, but it's dated enough that I have no idea if it would hold the attention of a modern American kid. Three sets of siblings befriend each other in 1940's England. After one breaks the window of an old church building accidentally, they turn it into a theater where they can sing, dance, act etc., all having different talents. Of course, their families are opposed to stage careers, and their school certificates are looming. I enjoyed Maddy, the youngest, and all her mischief. BBC, please make this a season or two on Masterpiece.

ohnoflora's review

4.0

Pretty dated in lots of ways but so infectious in the enthusiasm for performance and creativity. I adored this book as a young person and can't say for sure whether it inspired the various plays and concerts our group of friends and siblings put on or whether it just reflected something that I already enjoyed doing.

brontebabeblog's review

5.0

This is one of the most charming books I've ever had the pleasure to read. A group of young friends form an amateur theatre company, and over the course of two years, work hard to entertain the little town that reside in and earn the respect of their parents. It has an old world feel to it, and a sense of representing a lifestyle which no longer exists. Somehow though it manages to seem remarkably fresh. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and it was so wonderful to read about a group of young people working together to achieve their shared but individual dreams. I'm glad there are sequels that I can lose myself in too.

jennybeastie's review

4.0

I'm not entirely sure how to review this book -- I found it delightful, but I have no idea if most modern kid audiences will. I love that it was written by a teenager in 1941. It basically reads as theatrical fantasy, by which I mean that it's a theater kid's fantasy of becoming successful in the theater as a young person. I was this kind of young person, and I really enjoy gentle British stories, so I found it deeply satisfying, if a little slow moving. I think it will appeal to fans of Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes (and series), possibly the Penderwicks, maybe Anne of Green Gables or Swallows and Amazons.

All about kids with agency creating the thing that they love over the mild objections of their parents. I particularly enjoyed how the 7 different kids gradually figure out what their professional ideal might be, and grow into their ambitions. I'm quite delighted to discover this author as an adult, I'm just not entirely sure what audience to suggest it to.

advanced reader's copy provided by edelweiss.

estellagwood's review against another edition

4.0

Such a sweet and comforting story! There are lots of main characters, which is confusing at times and hard to remember the details about them, but we still get to know them closely and learn their personalities throughout the story. It moves very fast and Brown is able to pack many adventures into the story, but because of this it's rather dense, feels longer than it actually is and seems to take a while to read. It is so light-hearted and feels very nostalgic of childhood. Brown tells the story wonderfully during the play, in that we learn what's happening as the play unfolds, and over this we hear snippets of what's happening in the audience, so it's like we're watching the play! There is a 'villain' that you simply love to despise, although they're not actually evil, but it's very well written. You celebrate the joys and sorrows and excitement and nerves with the company and it feels very atmospheric. Would recommend to children and young adults who enjoy Ballet Shoes, although really anyone could enjoy this book. Overall, a wonderful story!

dodau's review against another edition

Read as a child

laurenn2536's review against another edition

5.0

So much fun, a lovely but simplistic plot with extremely lovable characters, I can't wait to read on with the series.

pollyched's review

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

anjana's review

4.0

https://superfluousreading.wordpress.com/2019/03/10/the-swish-of-the-curtain-blue-door-1-by-pamela-brown

scaifea's review

2.0

A group of young friends turn a small, deserted chapel into a theater and put on plays for their community.
Meh. Typical fare for its time, which tends toward the edge of Saccharine Cliff.