Books
by Eva Ibbotson
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One Dog and his Boy |
Eve Ibbotson died just before Christmas - a great loss to the world of children's books. This, her last novel, shows no diminution in her skill as a storyteller or her ability to capture the sympathy of her readers. Her stories are old fashioned and beautifully crafted, but they do not lack drama and young readers (and adults sharing the tale) will be gripped as they follow the adventures of Fleck and his boy, Hal.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 60 Spring 2011) |
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The Dragonfly Pool |
Think Ruritania and Sound of Music - this is the flavour of Ibbotson's new novel for children. While not perhaps her best, nevertheless it has all her trademark touches: a charismatic heroine (Talitha or Tally), an eccentric setting (a progressive school), an Eastern European kingdom and the Nazi threat. Characters abound: heroic teachers, truly villainous villains, loyal retainers. There is an assassination, horrible relations and a happy ending. Curl up and enjoy.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 45 April 2008) |
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The Secret Countess |
Originally published as A Countess Below Stairs, this is the antidote to gloomy, rain-sodden afternoons. Feeling in need of a pick-me-up? - curl up in a large chair with this novel. Out for a summer afternoon on the river with hamper and champagne? - this is book to take. A trademark Ibbotson: a glorious romance with everything - handsome hero, lovely heroine and ghastly villain (villainess).
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 66 Autumn 2011) |
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The Star of Kazan |
The main character is called Annika and she is an orphan found by a young cook called Ellie while she is on a walk with her fellow housemaid, Sigrid, who works for the same professors as Ellie. When she is older a woman comes to their house and claims she is the mother of the girl, but things don't turn out as well as expected.
(Eloise May - bwl 28 February 2005) |
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