Customer Reviews

Benny and Babe

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book, like many of Colfer's others! The action was non-stop, which is what I like in a book. Since it is based on kids my age, I could really relate. The battle between good and evil got an unexpected twist in the end, when Furty does something good for the pair. Benny and Babe are opposites, and (...) what makes them funny. Babe insults Benny on being a Townie, and Benny comes back with a Culchie remark. Figurative language pops out at you just as fast as Babe's quick remarks. I loved hearing about what would happen next; from the kiss to Black Chan. This book took me on a roller coaster that I actually enjoyed!

Eoin Colfer hits a home run with Benny and Babe in both content and style. Benny and Babe is a classic coming of age story about 13 year old Benny who is a hurling all-star plagued with a very liberal mother and a little brother who won't behave like little brothers should. Benny also still play with dolls (technically its an action figure, but no one would care about the difference if they ever found out). Benny's life changes while visiting his grandfather for the summer in a small fishing village where he meets Babe, a rambunctious Tomboy with a "crazed one-eyed" dog named Conger. Benny and Babe end up friends and partners in a lure business where they find old lures and sell them to fisherman. All is fine an well until Furty Howlin enters the mix, then things get interesting.

Colfer uses a very fun writing style that can be described as tongue in cheek at times. Although the main character is 13, Benny and Babe can appeal to older audiences because of the humor and writing style included. Themes include, coming of age, friends, entrepreneurship, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism, and responsibility. Colfer touches on all of these themes in a tactful and very realistic way, bringing a sense of truth to the story. Benny and Babe, is an excellent book that is definitely worth the read.

Eoin Colfer, better known for his Artemis Fowl books, has created a sympathetic and believable character in Benny. My 12 year-old daughter and I both completely enjoyed the Irish setting, the humour, and the adventures of Benny and his "business partner" and possible love interest, Babe.