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toryhallelujah's review against another edition
2.0
Nothing extraordinary. The pictures were lovely but the story didn't move me.
mae_thebooksbewithyou's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I went in to this book knowing absolutely nothing about it. I picked it up because I was intrigued by the title and the blurb. It was a cute little book, but man, stories that include a plague just hit different nowadays. It was a quick read and I enjoyed the world-building. The characters were likable, but I didn't feel particularly attached to any of them. Overall, I think my favorite parts of the book were the world-building and the vaguely magical landscapes of Isola and Allora. I don't think this is going to be a book I ever feel the need to reread, but I might think about it fondly from time to time.
miniseries's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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? N/A
4.5
deanis23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
chantellereads's review against another edition
5.0
4.85
This is such a heartwarming read! I really love this novel — the writing and the setting are so beautiful! I love all of the characters as well! I only wish that there were more illustrations in the book because they're so stunning! Highly recommend if you're looking for a quick read that can warm your heart!
This is such a heartwarming read! I really love this novel — the writing and the setting are so beautiful! I love all of the characters as well! I only wish that there were more illustrations in the book because they're so stunning! Highly recommend if you're looking for a quick read that can warm your heart!
elishaireland's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
traditionson's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful book that shows how life can grow and be changed through others actions or unforeseen events. A beautiful world filled with flying fish, stories untold and gossipy old ladies. Well ok maybe the last two aren't so great but the coffin maker was a character that only seemed to grow in strength and personality. A read that I would recommend for all readers. It was a storybook style ending and yet I still feel that it was worthwhile with a unique look at life.
becks_books's review against another edition
3.0
I nearly dnfed this audiobook near the beginning because:
1. The narrator is English but for some reason, they've decided to make her do some sort of Italian accent for all the charatcers (she cannot do an Italian accent)
2. Fatphobia. There's 1 fat character mentioned in the book and his weight is constantly commented upon, and it also seems like a shorthand to say that he's lazy and greedy, so I really didn't like this. It also feels like it's played for laughs, and I'm just so bored of this kind of lazy use of fat characters as comedy or to show us that a character is bad.
Anyway, despite those concerns, there was a lot about the writing style and central character that I enjoyed, so I carried on, and overall I did enjoy it. It's an odd one because the book revolves a lot around death and other dark topics, so I'm not sure what age this book would work for, but despite that, it was a good read, and the friendship that is at the heart of the story is really lovely.
1. The narrator is English but for some reason, they've decided to make her do some sort of Italian accent for all the charatcers (she cannot do an Italian accent)
2. Fatphobia. There's 1 fat character mentioned in the book and his weight is constantly commented upon, and it also seems like a shorthand to say that he's lazy and greedy, so I really didn't like this. It also feels like it's played for laughs, and I'm just so bored of this kind of lazy use of fat characters as comedy or to show us that a character is bad.
Anyway, despite those concerns, there was a lot about the writing style and central character that I enjoyed, so I carried on, and overall I did enjoy it. It's an odd one because the book revolves a lot around death and other dark topics, so I'm not sure what age this book would work for, but despite that, it was a good read, and the friendship that is at the heart of the story is really lovely.
zaynaisinspired's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Child abuse and Confinement
just_hebah's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely, magical, poignant--and threaded through with tension for the well-being of Tito, the Boy of the title.