orionmerlin 's review for:

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien

4.75

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Characters: 9/10

The characters in this book are memorable and well-drawn. Mrs. Frisby, the protagonist, is a compelling and relatable character whose courage and resourcefulness made me deeply care about her journey. The secondary characters, like the brilliant and enigmatic Nicodemus, the loyal and kind-hearted Justin, and the practical Mr. Ages, each bring depth and importance to the story. Even smaller characters, such as the crow Jeremy, have distinctive personalities that are easy to describe and add charm to the narrative. I found all of them multidimensional and integral to the story, with motives and arcs that felt genuine.

Atmosphere/Setting: 10/10

The setting was vividly described, immersing me in both the natural world of Mrs. Frisby's farm and the technologically advanced world of the Rats of NIMH. The stark contrast between the earthy, precarious life of the animals and the almost futuristic underground domain of the rats was both striking and compelling. The atmosphere carried a sense of urgency, mystery, and wonder that enhanced the story’s tone. I could easily visualize every scene, from the dark and intricate tunnels of the rats’ home to the lush, dangerous fields Mrs. Frisby traversed.

Writing Style: 9/10

Robert C. O'Brien’s prose is engaging, clear, and evocative. The balance between narration and dialogue was nearly perfect, and the storytelling flowed effortlessly. The writing was descriptive without being overdone, making it accessible yet rich. I particularly appreciated the way O’Brien’s style suited both the emotional depth of the story and its lighter moments. This book’s writing style left me eager to explore more of O’Brien’s works.

Plot: 8.5/10

The plot was cohesive and beautifully structured, with a satisfying blend of tension, mystery, and emotional stakes. Mrs. Frisby’s personal journey interwoven with the Rats of NIMH’s backstory kept me intrigued throughout. The pacing was excellent for the most part, though a few sections, especially involving the backstory, felt a little slower than the rest. The story’s twists, such as the revelation of the rats’ origins, were fascinating and unique, offering a fresh perspective compared to other children’s books I’ve read. The ending felt complete but left me curious about what would happen next.

Intrigue: 9/10

I was thoroughly invested in this book and found it difficult to put down. The stakes were consistently high, from Mrs. Frisby’s quest to save her son to the rats’ plans for their future. The mixture of emotional weight and intellectual curiosity—wondering how the rats’ technological advancements came to be—held my attention from start to finish. I was eager to see how each challenge would resolve, making the book a compelling read.

Logic/Relationships: 9.5/10

The characters’ actions aligned well with their motives and personalities. The rules of the world, from the natural instincts of the animals to the scientific backdrop of the rats’ intelligence, were clear and believable. The world-building struck a perfect balance between depth and accessibility. The relationships, especially the collaboration and respect between Mrs. Frisby and the rats, felt organic and emotionally resonant. The moral dilemmas faced by the rats, particularly their desire to live independently of human influence, added thought-provoking layers to the story.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mix of adventure, heart, and thoughtfulness made it a pleasure to read. The emotional stakes were compelling, the characters unforgettable, and the themes of bravery, sacrifice, and morality deeply impactful. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to others, both young and old, as it is both entertaining and meaningful.