Customer Reviews

THUMBELINA: A Novel

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those books that would appeal to both teenagers and adults. Thumbelina has a silly name and long blonde hair. Her less-than-perfect mother dies unexpectedly, and after she goes to a foster home, she teams up with another sassy youngster, a girl named Myrna who has orange curls. Together, they try to make it out in the world. This is a sad novel that draws you in until the last page. Though the lack of quotation marks and the slow plot development make the novel a little clunky at times, Thumbelina and Myrna are such fascinating characters that it doesn't matter.

I am taking a college fiction writing class this summer -- Andrea Koenig is my instructor. When she told us students that she had written a novel which had been published, I sought it out. I was not disappointed; this book is the first in a long time that I have read in one day! The title character, a fourteen-year-old girl who has been through much adversity, is wise beyond her years -- she has earned the right to every [smart] comment that pops forth from her six-foot body. It's heartbreaking to think of how believeable this character is! The complexity of Thumbelina's mother was the most compelling to me. The lack of quotation marks around dialogue made me a little dizzy at times, but otherwise, I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to future works from Ms. Koenig.

I really enjoyed this book right from the first page. I could relate to Thumbelina's not fitting in with the popular crowd and I loved her sarcasm. I was a little put off, though, by Thumby's friend, Myra and her attempts to have another baby. She's only 14! Also, Myra's boyfriend, Stan could get arrested for sleeping with an underage girl. All in all, this was a good read.

This was one of the most consuming books that I've read in a long time. The voice is so pure and authentic and the story so engrossing that I read the entire book in one day. The only down side is that it was the author's first book so I can't go right out and by something else by her. It's rare to find a book written from the perspective of an adolescent that isn't written with a typical white middle class setting. I think this should be on every High School's summer reading list.

This book is so fresh and engaging. The characters are so well developed that I feel as if I have been inside of them. I would love it if the author wrote another book, soon! There are a zillion beautiful passages. Koenig is majorly talented and I am a forever fan!

I've actually read this book twice, which is rare for me. But it's such a deeply touching story and it just breaks your heart once you begin identifying with the main character. But Thumbalina isn't one who walks around wanting you to feel sorry for her, so on some level although it's a sad story, you also hone into her strength which ends up being the one thing that makes this sad story inspiring.

This is a heart-breaker deluxe. I cried my eyes out, couldn't put it down.

This book is by for one of the most amazing novels I have ever read. It was very true-to-life, and the character was more realized and developed than I have seen in a long time. I found myself being drawn into a web of reality, and I felt like i knew the main character, Thumbelina, myself. It touched my soul so deeply that it will remain a part of me all my life. I have read this book too many times to count, and I recommend that you read it as well. It is one story that you will not soon forget.

I love this book more than anything! When I first got it, I didn't think I'd like it after reading the first page. But a month later I gave it another chance, and I could NOT put it down! Every time I had something to do, I put it off till I was done with the book. It's written in such a captivating way and covers so many serious subjects, but many times you don't notice how serious they are because Thumbelina never has any self-pity and many times she has a unique sense of humor. It was happy and sad at the same time --i love books like that! And the ending was the very best part. I love how it was worded. If you're age 13 or up, I reccomend this book to you.

"Thumbelina" was a bit hard to get used to at first but look out!!!! After her mother dies when she is fourteen, Thumbelina learns fast what it's like to be in the real world.

This review slot is for the book by Andrea Koenig, not the "Children's" version with pictures!!!!!