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laurenjpegler's review
4.0
A very enjoyable insight into British & Irish folklore! I’m quite surprised I liked this considering I didn’t enjoy Crossley’s other retellings!
fionak's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciated the varied writing style for different tales but several of the stories were confusing or lacked a proper structure.
oleade's review against another edition
4.0
It was fun to read as a nightstand book. Most stories have next to no noticeable meaning but they are fun and easy to read.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
4.0
Encountering Crossley-Holland's writing is always a delight. He is, without doubt, one of our most gifted wordsmiths and in this collection he uses his talents to honour and embrace the language and voice of a time lost. In this collection of British and Irish folk tales (I write this wide-eyed that other reviews don't think we have a heritage here). Between Worlds' stories span our isles, exploring six different themes: Magic, Legends, Fair Folk, Love, Wit and Ghosts. At the collection's conclusion Crossley-Holland shares where the stories' origins and why (and how) he chose to tell them the way he did. I really liked this addition.
The style and tone of the narratives change depending on where these stories or set and what kind of atmosphere he is trying to project. The stories of wit are light and short; those that are ghost stories flit between sombre and humorous. For me though, it was the stories of the Fair Folk and Magic that he wove best. These retellings and landscapes were places in which he read at his most comfortable. These are the fairies that I encountered in the work of Joseph Jacobs and the tales of Magic ones I found within the Reader's Digest book of Myths and Legends.
The collection deserves 5 stars; my only reticence comes from the fact that some of the sections are stronger than others.
The style and tone of the narratives change depending on where these stories or set and what kind of atmosphere he is trying to project. The stories of wit are light and short; those that are ghost stories flit between sombre and humorous. For me though, it was the stories of the Fair Folk and Magic that he wove best. These retellings and landscapes were places in which he read at his most comfortable. These are the fairies that I encountered in the work of Joseph Jacobs and the tales of Magic ones I found within the Reader's Digest book of Myths and Legends.
The collection deserves 5 stars; my only reticence comes from the fact that some of the sections are stronger than others.
samuraibunny's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
judythedreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
kemendraugh's review against another edition
5.0
I wanted to start the year off right and I've never ever regretted reading fairy stories and folklore, even when I didn't like them.
These ones I liked very much.
These ones I liked very much.
ophelia_wears_black's review against another edition
5.0
Some popular tales alongside lesser known ones, this collection is masterfully retold. Perfect read by the fire on a cold night, or on a rainy day.
Tales of love, the fae, trickery and courage in the various corners of Britain. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Tales of love, the fae, trickery and courage in the various corners of Britain. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
rhodesee's review against another edition
3.0
This is a large collection of short, simple and lesser-known folk tales originating form Ireland and Britain. The illustration add some interest to the tales which I think is needed for many of them. Though they are very well told, my thoughts for most of them can be summed up with the thought that there is a usually a reason something is "lesser-known."
timitsut's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75