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jackdziatkowiec's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Sleepy Hollow is gray and gloomy horror. Rip Van Winkle is a warning not to become idle, or life will pass you by.
bhall237's review against another edition
3.0
“All the stories of ghosts and goblins that he had heard in the afternoon, now came crowding upon his recollection. The night grew darker and darker; the stars seemed to sink deeper in the sky, and driving clouds occasionally hid them from his sight. He had never felt so lonely and dismal.”
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
This is a re-read and I had given it a 3/5 then, after reading it again though, I’m leaning more towards a lower score now. The thrill of the chase scene between Ichabod and The Headless Horseman was no longer exciting and considering that was the best moment of the story for me, the was nothing to keep me interested in this one. 2/5.
“Every change of season, every change of weather, indeed, every hour of the day, produces some change in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains, and they are regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers. When the weather is fair and settled, they are clothed in blue and purple, and print their bold outlines on the clear evening sky; but sometimes, when the rest of the landscape is cloudless, they will gather a hood of gray vapors about their summits, which, in the last rays of the setting sun, will glow and light up like a crown of glory.”
Rip Van Winkle
This one was new to me and wow is this leagues above The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This is straight out of The Twilight Zone, showing obvious influence on popular writers such as Rod Serling and Richard Matheson. The entire concept of Rip being teleported decades into the future is horrific enough, but the fact that he can’t return and that this is just where he is in time now really got under my skin. 4/5.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
This is a re-read and I had given it a 3/5 then, after reading it again though, I’m leaning more towards a lower score now. The thrill of the chase scene between Ichabod and The Headless Horseman was no longer exciting and considering that was the best moment of the story for me, the was nothing to keep me interested in this one. 2/5.
“Every change of season, every change of weather, indeed, every hour of the day, produces some change in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains, and they are regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers. When the weather is fair and settled, they are clothed in blue and purple, and print their bold outlines on the clear evening sky; but sometimes, when the rest of the landscape is cloudless, they will gather a hood of gray vapors about their summits, which, in the last rays of the setting sun, will glow and light up like a crown of glory.”
Rip Van Winkle
This one was new to me and wow is this leagues above The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This is straight out of The Twilight Zone, showing obvious influence on popular writers such as Rod Serling and Richard Matheson. The entire concept of Rip being teleported decades into the future is horrific enough, but the fact that he can’t return and that this is just where he is in time now really got under my skin. 4/5.
katherinebriggs's review against another edition
5.0
Sleepy Hollow might feel slow to today's audience, but you cannot beat the depth of Irving's description and his insight into each characters' behavior.
mwalkerelders's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thebookboy's review against another edition
4.0
I think it's unfair to review these two stories as one so here are two little reviews:
Sleepy Hollow
I loved this one - although nothing like I was expecting after seeing the film, Sleepy Hollow is a marvellously funny and evocative little story that perfectly balances the slight chill of traditional ghost stories with some much appreciated tomfoolery. Ichabod is a brilliant character, and I enjoyed the fact that this was just a silly tale rather than anything too serious. Excellent atmosphere too.
Rip Van Winkle
I liked this one less than sleepy Hollow, but I think this is mainly to do with how hard done by poor Dame Van Winkle is - if I had a husband who was rubbish at farming, never did any work and sold land to get by I'd probably be pretty fed up too, but she's still painted as a villain - poor lady. I enjoyed the main story though and love Irving's writing.
I definitely recommend these two fun tales if you want something quick and enjoyable to jump into.
4 stars
Sleepy Hollow
I loved this one - although nothing like I was expecting after seeing the film, Sleepy Hollow is a marvellously funny and evocative little story that perfectly balances the slight chill of traditional ghost stories with some much appreciated tomfoolery. Ichabod is a brilliant character, and I enjoyed the fact that this was just a silly tale rather than anything too serious. Excellent atmosphere too.
Rip Van Winkle
I liked this one less than sleepy Hollow, but I think this is mainly to do with how hard done by poor Dame Van Winkle is - if I had a husband who was rubbish at farming, never did any work and sold land to get by I'd probably be pretty fed up too, but she's still painted as a villain - poor lady. I enjoyed the main story though and love Irving's writing.
I definitely recommend these two fun tales if you want something quick and enjoyable to jump into.
4 stars
bookclubtrivia's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
steller0707's review against another edition
5.0
These stories were well-known to me. But I had never actually read them. They provided a great Halloween week treat. This edition, published by the Sleepy Hollow Press, includes twelve illustrations from the original publication thT have been beautifully colored. I thoroughly enjoyed the both stories and illustrations.
sharppointysticks's review against another edition
I listened to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on the CraftLit Podcast.
laurenleyendolibros's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0