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sjak's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
maggiecarr's review
4.0
Expand Your Horizons 2021: Read a Book Published in the 1920s
This volume contained 12 short stories that had me looking up words lost in my current vocabulary, retelling shenanigans to those around me who would listen, and roaring with laugher when reading my myself. Goodness, William is like the perfect mix of Leave It To Beaver × Dennis The Menace × Amelia Bedelia filled with the best of intentions but not outrunning his misgivings.
This volume contained 12 short stories that had me looking up words lost in my current vocabulary, retelling shenanigans to those around me who would listen, and roaring with laugher when reading my myself. Goodness, William is like the perfect mix of Leave It To Beaver × Dennis The Menace × Amelia Bedelia filled with the best of intentions but not outrunning his misgivings.
anyasinatra's review
5.0
Just William 'just about' sums up my childhood! Reading Crompton's series on the most notorious boy to grace the pages of literature left one reeling for all the (mis)adventures and fun said boy had all in a day's work.
Re-reading these books makes me yearn for another time. Not William's per se, but my own.
It's nostalgia for the 2000s with a piercing edge that hit me with sharp suddenness.
Also on an entirely different note, I cannot believe the amount of racist jokes white people got away with as late as the '60s. Sick.
Re-reading these books makes me yearn for another time. Not William's per se, but my own.
It's nostalgia for the 2000s with a piercing edge that hit me with sharp suddenness.
Also on an entirely different note, I cannot believe the amount of racist jokes white people got away with as late as the '60s. Sick.
fisayomi's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hilarious
dmcke013's review
2.0
The first in [a:Richmal Compton|8508725|Richmal Compton|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]'s classic 1920s comedy series, about a young child who causes chaos wherever he goes, all the time whilst thinking that he is helping.
Yes, it's very much a product of its time - complete with clear distinction between the Upper, Middle and Lower classes and, yes, this particular entry (the very first) is really more a collection of short(ish) stories rather than having an over-arching plot but, for all that - and once you get into the right frame of mind - there is a reason these are enduring stories!
(Oh, and if you want to see the impact William has had on English literature? Try [b:Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|12067|Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|Terry Pratchett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615552073l/12067._SY75_.jpg|4110990] and tell me you don't spot the similarities ...)
Yes, it's very much a product of its time - complete with clear distinction between the Upper, Middle and Lower classes and, yes, this particular entry (the very first) is really more a collection of short(ish) stories rather than having an over-arching plot but, for all that - and once you get into the right frame of mind - there is a reason these are enduring stories!
(Oh, and if you want to see the impact William has had on English literature? Try [b:Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|12067|Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|Terry Pratchett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615552073l/12067._SY75_.jpg|4110990] and tell me you don't spot the similarities ...)
shadylane00's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
libraryrobin's review
4.0
The delightful misadventures of a clever, and often contrary, eleven year old. A bit like Dennis the Menace but older.
scarletohhara's review
4.0
An adorable book about a mischievous child and his antics, set in colonial England. An amazing read if you enjoy old English, and wouldn't mind chuckling or laughing out loud (as I did when I was reading this on my flight) at many places.