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maplessence's review
3.0
I'm a big fan of the late Margaret Mahy, but I prefer her books aimed at very young children.
This book had An Important Message, but I don't think it delivered. I don't think Ms Mahy herself knew what she was trying to say about land development and the cost to small communities.
Mahy makes the good point that if you build somewhere then it's not unspoilt;
The above quote is clear but most of the message is muddled - as is the paranormal content. And I found the former local guy turned wealthy developer Marriott Carswell
I think there would be better books on this subject. Can anyone recommend one? Preferably by a Kiwi author.
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshessonovel.wordpress.com
This book had An Important Message, but I don't think it delivered. I don't think Ms Mahy herself knew what she was trying to say about land development and the cost to small communities.
Mahy makes the good point that if you build somewhere then it's not unspoilt;
"...and after all, if I really wanted the bay to stay totally untouched, I wouldn't be living here myself, would I?" said her mother's voice out in the kitchen. I'd live in the city, and just enjoy the idea of the bay, pure and untouched between bare hills. But we built this house didn't we? We dug into the slope and levelled the space and poured the concrete foundations."
The above quote is clear but most of the message is muddled - as is the paranormal content. And I found the former local guy turned wealthy developer Marriott Carswell
Spoiler
leering at the oldest child quite uncomfortable and possibly aimed at an older audience? Other than that, this book reads like it as aimed at the 10-13 year old market.I think there would be better books on this subject. Can anyone recommend one? Preferably by a Kiwi author.
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshessonovel.wordpress.com
nedge's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
landscapesofink's review
3.0
I only gave this book 3 stars because it was a short read, only 182 pages, and didn't have much character development at all, but then again I did only read it for this challenge. Lucky I found such a short book I own with the author M :) I couldn't really relate to the main character, because she was 11, but I liked the rebelliousness of her sister Kate.
thatreadhead's review
3.0
I only gave this book 3 stars because it was a short read, only 182 pages, and didn't have much character development at all, but then again I did only read it for this challenge. Lucky I found such a short book I own with the author M :) I couldn't really relate to the main character, because she was 11, but I liked the rebelliousness of her sister Kate.
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