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elyttig's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
diax's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
3.0
that_little_drop_of_poison's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? N/A
3.75
shajila's review against another edition
4.0
This was surprisingly a lot like the movie (Mary and the Witch's Flower)! A great read. I did find bits a little dull but I think this would have been right up my alley if I was 10ish.
lucyblack's review against another edition
3.0
I read this to my 6 year old in preparation for going to see the film Mary and the Witches Flower. It's a strange book with some standout scenes amongst a badly paced plot and lot's of overdone language. It's ver old fashioned and I don't think I would have understood lots of the language as a kid. There aren't many characters and most of them are stereotypes, Mary was a blank slate. In a way it seems very small, like an amatuer theatre play rather than an epic fantasy.
The magic element is weirdly framed too. The story explores some dark themes and mean spells but never really touches on how magic works, who it comes to or what it means to be a witch/wizard/ sorcerer etc.
There was some really beautiful imagery and sense of place. The old house and the gardens, mist and colour. I'm glad I read it for that.
The magic element is weirdly framed too. The story explores some dark themes and mean spells but never really touches on how magic works, who it comes to or what it means to be a witch/wizard/ sorcerer etc.
There was some really beautiful imagery and sense of place. The old house and the gardens, mist and colour. I'm glad I read it for that.
flohbeutel's review against another edition
2.0
Nichts wird erklärt. Der Plot hat so viele Löcher, er sieht aus wie ein Korkstacheling. Dazu noch der ungezwungene Gebrauch von Wörtern wie "Missgeburt" und wir haben ein Kinderbuch, das in den 60ern und 70ern durchgewunken wurde, aber heutzutage echt zu wünschen übrig lässt.
ovvlish's review against another edition
4.0
I'm majorly obsessed with Studio Ghibli, so when Studio Ponoc came to be and started putting out material for their movie adaptation of this book, I knew I needed to read it. And I finally got around to the book yesterday, all in one sitting, accidentally.
It was really really enjoyable, in a way that is very particular to me, in some ways. British children's fantasy literature of the 60s/70s/80s is like my go-to genre for when I need something cozy and relaxing, and this hit exactly the spot. It was rather short, but I enjoyed that technique of layering the protagonist's personality, in which the main character, Mary in this case, seems sad, lonely, incompetent, annoying to everyone around her, and yet as soon as she's placed in a new situation where she has agency and no one knows her from any other girl her age, she flourishes. But she also gets help from those around her who are willing! It's an extremely satisfying type of character arc and has a sense of realism about it that I adore.
It was really really enjoyable, in a way that is very particular to me, in some ways. British children's fantasy literature of the 60s/70s/80s is like my go-to genre for when I need something cozy and relaxing, and this hit exactly the spot. It was rather short, but I enjoyed that technique of layering the protagonist's personality, in which the main character, Mary in this case, seems sad, lonely, incompetent, annoying to everyone around her, and yet as soon as she's placed in a new situation where she has agency and no one knows her from any other girl her age, she flourishes. But she also gets help from those around her who are willing! It's an extremely satisfying type of character arc and has a sense of realism about it that I adore.
dilliemillie's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
It's fun and exciting! only... I watched the movie version first, and *gasp* enjoyed it more than the book. Please don't take away my bookworm card!
nutmegandpumpkin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
it was OK I guess? Just sort of meh
• What I didn’t like: It was plot driven but the plot could’ve been better; after chapter 1 it felt pretty rushed and there were so many plot holes / unanswered questions to how things worked and how problems were solved. I also disliked the written out accents because it was hard to read, distracting, and took me out. Thankfully they were only really in the first half but still.
• What I liked: It was cute and had cozy vibes. A pretty quick read and included cats & pretty settings.
• What I didn’t like: It was plot driven but the plot could’ve been better; after chapter 1 it felt pretty rushed and there were so many plot holes / unanswered questions to how things worked and how problems were solved. I also disliked the written out accents because it was hard to read, distracting, and took me out. Thankfully they were only really in the first half but still.
• What I liked: It was cute and had cozy vibes. A pretty quick read and included cats & pretty settings.