Reviews

The River and the Book by Alison Croggon

stiofanob's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tomstbr's review

4.0

A beautiful book. Alison skilfully jumps back and forth between chapters to the climax. It isn't particularly subtle with its themes and metaphors, but for the intended audience I would expect they would come away having learned a lot, whether about colonialism, theft, and poverty. This is a great book for kids between 10 and 15 or so, maybe older, and it's quite an easy read with short chapters and a lyrical voice. Loved the touch of magic that is threaded through without being overbearing.

palette's review against another edition

Malas hahahaha

aaron_j136's review

3.0

3.5 stars

A beautiful story, with great writing and characters

limeywesty's review

4.0

Little book, big message. Written in whimsy as though it were a fable, Alison Croggan’s latest novel lyricises the dangers of Western imperialism on Indigenous cultures. Endorsed by Amnesty International, the River and the Book follows Simbala on a quest down the river, weaving fairytale with poignant message and magical realism with a landscape rich in tradition to texture the beginning of a valuable conversation.

chocolatsalade's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

salwa15's review against another edition

hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

littleelfman's review

5.0

If there's one thing for certain, it's that Alison Croggon know how to put words together. This is a BEAUTIFUL tale that holds so much more than its page count implies.

cabeswaeter's review

5.0

B e a u t i f u l and also made me cry on public transport

azylstra's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0