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sarahjanet's review against another edition
4.0
I unearthed some of the Streatfeild books I didn't read growing up and interlibrary loaned them, since they are TRAGICALLY hard to find. (Someone make e-books of her books, pleeeease?) This one is sweet, although the characters aren't quite as well developed as some of Streatfeild's.
metaphorosis's review against another edition
3.0
reviews.metaphorosis.com
3 stars
When Tim's father is injured in an accident, the family has to cut back. Then Tim inherits a large house, and the family takes in boarders - including his father, now back from the hospital, but not back to himself.
I first read this many years back, as the child the book was intended for. I liked it (partly because Tim has a dog that he fights to keep), but didn't fall in love with it. As an adult, my reaction was not much different. It's a pleasant, well written book, but not one that will really grip you. The concept of a big inheritance being problematic was new to me, but I think it's mainly the dog that I liked.
Toward the end, the book does deal nicely with the relation between Tim and his father - with Tim unaware of the extent of his father's injury. It also has some pointed but not too pushy lessons about good behaviour. The ending is quick and a bit slapdash, but overall the book is pleasant and harmless.
emmkayt's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy searching out books by favourite authors from my childhood, and Noel Streatfeild was absolutely one of my favourites. I'd not heard of this one before. It's about a suburban family whose world is turned upside down after the dad is left with a head injury in a car crash. There were many familiar elements from her other novels (and I thought she did a lovely job fleshing out the parents' characters and challenges, not just those of the children). Just the ticket.
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