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mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
2.0
I usually love Eva Ibbotson books, but this was disappointing. Like most of her books I read this when I was kid. I basically lumped it in with all the other books of hers. Upon reread I can now see that this was definitely one of her weaker stories.
As per usual, a kind somewhat odd child (decidedly less odd than the normal Ibbotson child character this time around) by the name of Rick is angry at the injustice in the world. Lucky for him he has been given the opportunity to do some good when a family of ghosts turned out of their home by modernization, turn up at his boarding school. Now Rick is going to do all he can to find a sanctuary for all ghosts.
It's an easy read. The characters are nice if not a little simplistic. The plot is brisk. The gap between good to things going awry was much too small. The resolution was too quick. The villain didn't get the same kind of comeuppance I’d expect. The story itself was rather thin comparatively.
Basically, all the attributes that may keep a reader from enjoying these books were too prevalent for me to ignore as in other books. The charm that overcomes the flaws was not present leaving me with a slightly below average addition to her bibliography.
My review for Ibbotson’s books are admittedly judged by a different standard compared to other children’s books of a similar basis or subject. This is the first time I’ve ever felt the need to disregard that and be more objective. I’d say if you’re not well-versed in Ibbotson then start with this one to get a feel for her then move onto Which Witch? or The Secret of Platform 13 which are clearly superior.
The Haunting of Granite Falls
The Secret of Platform 13
Which Witch?
As per usual, a kind somewhat odd child (decidedly less odd than the normal Ibbotson child character this time around) by the name of Rick is angry at the injustice in the world. Lucky for him he has been given the opportunity to do some good when a family of ghosts turned out of their home by modernization, turn up at his boarding school. Now Rick is going to do all he can to find a sanctuary for all ghosts.
It's an easy read. The characters are nice if not a little simplistic. The plot is brisk. The gap between good to things going awry was much too small. The resolution was too quick. The villain didn't get the same kind of comeuppance I’d expect. The story itself was rather thin comparatively.
Basically, all the attributes that may keep a reader from enjoying these books were too prevalent for me to ignore as in other books. The charm that overcomes the flaws was not present leaving me with a slightly below average addition to her bibliography.
My review for Ibbotson’s books are admittedly judged by a different standard compared to other children’s books of a similar basis or subject. This is the first time I’ve ever felt the need to disregard that and be more objective. I’d say if you’re not well-versed in Ibbotson then start with this one to get a feel for her then move onto Which Witch? or The Secret of Platform 13 which are clearly superior.
The Haunting of Granite Falls
The Secret of Platform 13
Which Witch?
fangirl76's review against another edition
4.0
A cute, not too scary read for Halloween with a surprise ending. It's probably a little tame for the YA readers it's filed under, but it might be too much for young readers.
hmerwin13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-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? No
3.5
Students did not love this book but I enjoyed it. A little slow.
ninaliebtschokolade's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
lycheecha's review against another edition
4.0
An old childhood favorite of mine. I picked it up again to see if I'd love it just as much as I remembered doing so as a kid, and it honestly matched up. There's just something about children's books with humorous asides that never fail to put me in a better mood, even as an adult.
thechristined's review against another edition
4.0
A ghost named Humphrey and his family need to find a new place to live after the manor they’ve haunted for centuries is being modernized. While looking for an acceptable place, they meet up with schoolboy Rick Henderson who decides what the ghosts of England need is a sanctuary, and he is going to do all he can to get them one. Along the way, Rick finds out more than just ghosts exist – there are vampire bats, werewolves, and witches, too.
The Great Ghost starts off simple: “Humphrey the Horrible was a ghost.” Except, Humphrey isn’t horrible – in name or otherwise. From there, the story is very straightforward, yet full of humor and wit. And even a little bit of history! All the characters – especially the ghosts – are great, but I think Rick really stole the spotlight a lot of the time. My favorite moments were the ones in which he was taking care of Baby Rose (which I won’t say any more about because of the risk of spoiling it). I also loved Humphrey, he really grew throughout the story, more so than most of the others, but since the synopsis is really all about him, so it’s not too surprising.
I’m not sure there is anything I can say that hundreds haven’t said before, because Eva Ibbotson is an amazing writer. She has such a great humor and imagination, both of which are evident in The Great Ghost Rescue. Each new ghost she introduced, from Humphrey to the Hag to the Mad Monk, had something special and memorable about them.
You can read the rest of the review at my blog: http://readerlymusings.com/2013/10/31/book-review-the-great-ghost-rescue-by-eva-ibbotson/
The Great Ghost starts off simple: “Humphrey the Horrible was a ghost.” Except, Humphrey isn’t horrible – in name or otherwise. From there, the story is very straightforward, yet full of humor and wit. And even a little bit of history! All the characters – especially the ghosts – are great, but I think Rick really stole the spotlight a lot of the time. My favorite moments were the ones in which he was taking care of Baby Rose (which I won’t say any more about because of the risk of spoiling it). I also loved Humphrey, he really grew throughout the story, more so than most of the others, but since the synopsis is really all about him, so it’s not too surprising.
I’m not sure there is anything I can say that hundreds haven’t said before, because Eva Ibbotson is an amazing writer. She has such a great humor and imagination, both of which are evident in The Great Ghost Rescue. Each new ghost she introduced, from Humphrey to the Hag to the Mad Monk, had something special and memorable about them.
You can read the rest of the review at my blog: http://readerlymusings.com/2013/10/31/book-review-the-great-ghost-rescue-by-eva-ibbotson/
joshoonet's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
saj_81's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A childhood favourite! I think about this one often, so I had to get it from the library. I wish more children of today could discover Eva Ibbotson's wonderful books.