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ivyninareads's review against another edition
3.0
This book wasn't terrible and it wasn't astounding either. I think I wanted to like it more than I did. I 100% cover shopped this when I think I was around the age of 12 and it has sat on my bookshelf ever since so I'm most just glad it's over with. My true rating is a 2.5 stars.
I thought the endingwas quite sweet I was mostly intrigued by the relationships between the characters in the narrative rather than the fantastical elements which I believe were supposed to be the main point of interest.
It was okay, wouldn't read again, but that makes perfect sense because it's not meant for me.
I thought the ending
Spoiler
where Abigail meets Robert Bow (the descendant of Gibbie Bow who was the brother of Judah Bow, Abigail's first love)Spoiler
although I did find Robert's immediate belief in Abigail's story a little unrealistic. I guess the entire thing is unrealistic. I mean, it's literally a children's story.It was okay, wouldn't read again, but that makes perfect sense because it's not meant for me.
amy11ung's review against another edition
1.0
I found this book incredibly boring and hated the way they spoke. The storyline was good, but I don't like the way Ruth Park wrote it. I don't have anything against old books or what time period they were set in, I just found Abigail extremely annoying.
We read this book in year 8 and I don't know if it was because we are in modern times but my entire class hated it and most people didn't even bother reading it.
We read this book in year 8 and I don't know if it was because we are in modern times but my entire class hated it and most people didn't even bother reading it.
jodicleghorn's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't stack up to how I remembered it. Felt the language was dated and that the nuance and maturity of modern YA was definitely absent.
It's still a great premise but the execution of it, as an adult reader, just failed to deliver.
It's still a great premise but the execution of it, as an adult reader, just failed to deliver.
prada's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hcube3's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
2.0
Playing Beatie Bow has one of the best descriptions I've ever read of the working class during the Victorian Era. The smells, lack of washing, clothes and food are all explained in wonderful detail. Gibbie, the youngest son, had a morbid fascination over his own death.
There is a disturbing scene where Abigail is caught by an insalubrious individual who intends to turn her into a doxy. Prostitution was a large problem in Britain and so presumably also in Australia.
Playing Beatie Bow has a disturbing message...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
There is a disturbing scene where Abigail is caught by an insalubrious individual who intends to turn her into a doxy. Prostitution was a large problem in Britain and so presumably also in Australia.
Playing Beatie Bow has a disturbing message...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
smitchy's review against another edition
4.0
Another book I have been meaning to read for ages but only just got around to, this story is considered an Australian children's classic.
14 year old Abigail is angry about her father's affair 4 years ago and now angry at her mother for considering getting back together with him. Set in 1980's Sydney Abigail is draw back in time (by a combination of circumstances some of which are only revealed at the end of the book) to the far harsher Sydney of the 1870's. Taken in by the Bow family, all of whom are convinced that Abigail shouldn't be allowed back until she has done the thing (Granny is convinced she has come for a reason) she needs to do. In the time she is there Abigail starts to reassess her view of her parents and the decisions they have made. And also appreciate the time she lives in.
A great read to learn about history but also good for any kid who is struggling with divorced parents and help to see things in a different light.
Recommended for 12+.
14 year old Abigail is angry about her father's affair 4 years ago and now angry at her mother for considering getting back together with him. Set in 1980's Sydney Abigail is draw back in time (by a combination of circumstances some of which are only revealed at the end of the book) to the far harsher Sydney of the 1870's. Taken in by the Bow family, all of whom are convinced that Abigail shouldn't be allowed back until she has done the thing (Granny is convinced she has come for a reason) she needs to do. In the time she is there Abigail starts to reassess her view of her parents and the decisions they have made. And also appreciate the time she lives in.
A great read to learn about history but also good for any kid who is struggling with divorced parents and help to see things in a different light.
Recommended for 12+.
frances_with_an_e's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book many years ago. Loved it just as much today as I did back then.