Reviews

A Parcel of Patterns by Jill Paton Walsh

breazy_reader_724's review against another edition

4.0

Second plague-oriented novel for me during the coronavirus pandemic. Both were good (the other was ~ modern-day set The End of October by Lawrence Wright). This one, set in Eyam, England during the fact-based circumstances of the plague in 1665-1666, is written in a style which took some getting used to, but helps create the illusion of a first-hand account of a young woman and her observations about the effects of the plague on the lives of her friends, family and neighbors. The protagonist, Mall Percival, is an interesting character with insight and a somewhat modern sensibility as well. Although there was much tragedy and heartbreak in the story, there was hope, resilience and respect and consideration for others as well, and while thankfully our current circumstances don't appear as severe as what Eyam was facing, those are things we could all use these days.

infosifter's review against another edition

4.0

I first read this as a teenager, and I loved it! In fact, it haunted me for years and recently I was trying to find it although I couldn't remember the author or the names of the characters. Goodreads recommendations randomly tossed it my Way, and I really enjoyed the reread.

mipa_jt's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.0

elsabet_of_eedis's review

emotional sad slow-paced

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

5.0

marzipanbabies's review

emotional reflective sad

3.25

abigailmacy's review

emotional informative medium-paced

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

4.0

lauriereadslohf's review against another edition

5.0

I am intrigued by books about the plague. The attraction? Well, even one of my crappiest, exhaustion-filled day pales in comparison to living through the plague. Or maybe it's those gore filled plague sores that call to me (but I'd never truly admit that).

This book is a bit different than the few that I've read about the plague of the 1600's in that it isn't scholarly, dry or written from the point of view of adults. This fictional tale is told by a young lady named Mal who describes her world with beauty and sensitivity. Initially, the writing style was a bit of a chore and a little difficult to get into. But stick with it, the journey is well worth the work. Once I adjusted myself to the rhythm of the writer and the different language choices (than I'm used to) I fell completely into Mall's world of hard work and young love amidst the threat of unbelievable horror when the Bubonic Plague arrives.

I'm a hard-hearted reader, having read far more than my share of overly sentimental stuff, but this book brought me to tears too many times to count from the sheer strength of this young girl. It makes me all teary just to think about these people. This is a book that should be required reading in schools (if it isn't already).

julied's review

dark informative sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0