Author: Esther Forbes
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, American Revolution, Historical Fiction, Classics
Source: Library
My Review:
I was not looking forward to reading Johnny Tremain, this month's book club pick. However, I didn't dislike it as much as I had anticipated. I don't read many war stories or middle-grade fiction.
I thought Johnny Tremain was well-written and engaging. Even though it is not something I would normally read, it kept my interest. I did not always understand what was going on, which makes me wonder how it was written for a middle-grade audience. There were several deaths and quite a bit of mild cursing, which was off-putting.
I did not relate to the characters. I have never been into politics, so it was hard for me to understand someone Johnny's age being so invested in all that was going on. Most of the characters in the story are insufferable and rude.
I wanted more from the ending. There was too much unsaid, but I guess the focus was more on the war than the people. Overall, it wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either.
★★★/5
Synopsis (Goodreads):
Johnny Tremain, a young apprentice silversmith, is caught up in the danger and excitement of 1775 Boston, just before the Revolutionary War. But even more gripping than living through the drama of Revolutionary Boston is the important discovery Johnny makes in his own life.
We had a copy of this one floating around our house when I was growing up, and my sister really liked it, but I never read it. I much preferred books about girls and horses back then. ;D
ReplyDeleteLark, I don't think you missed much, LOL!
DeleteI for sure know the title but I can't remember if I ever read it. When it comes to the Revolutionary War though, I prefer Hamilton to all else. Eleanor is OBSESSED and we saw the show in May. I love that she loves history because of musicals. She's also obsessed with Six, about the women who had the misfortune of being married to Henry VIII.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am on the only one in my book club who did not completely LOVE this book and think it was the best ever. I think it is pretty awesome that Eleanor loves history and it does sound interesting to learn about Henry VIII's wives!!
DeleteI'm sure that I liked it when I was a kid, but maybe I wouldn't now.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I don't know, all the ladies in my book club loved it, so you might still like it.
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