We read this as a source play to Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, and I can really see the influence PLautus had on him! While I haven't read Comedy of Errors yet, I can see Plautus' influence even in Shakespeare's later works, like Twelfth Night. The humor drawing from mistaken identities is always quite a fun theme, especially with all the drama that comes with it. This makes me excited to read more Shakespeare!
I really just don’t really care to read about Roz protecting her island from climate change. I feel like it doesn’t have to the same heart-warming energy as the first two books, so I won’t be continuing with the series.
I have to say, I didn’t love this sequel as much as I did the first installment, but, with that being said, it was still just as touching and beautiful. I really enjoyed learning about Roz’s development and personal philosophies. Same as the first novel, it was hard to put this book down once I started. Each chapter had me gripping the edge of my seat.
I think what took me back from making this a 4.5 ⭐️ was probably the lack of interaction between Roz and the rest of the world, which, obviously, is the point, but I just love her interactions with other animals. It’s probably what made me fall in love with the series in the first place.
This book was an amazing way to start my winter break. It was beautiful from the start to the end. I cannot believe I was crying over a baby goose and a robot. I just fell in love with every single character, and not continuing the series to know how it ends would absolutely leave me too emotional to continue. I love Roz like she is a real person, and maybe she is a real person. She thinks, she feels, she loves. What separates her from us? I have so many questions and so many revelations for such a short, middle-grade novel. I don’t think I will ever have the words to describe how perfect this novel was.
Wow, this was such a nostalgic trip. I first read this book when I was around 10, maybe? And I read it every single year after that until middle school. I felt like I shouldn't be reading it because, objectively, there are some problems with this novel. The characters don't act natural, Alexis is unbearable at times, there are holes in the plot, characters disappear, just general inaccuracies written as fact.
BUT I had a craving to read it again over the spooky season, and I'm so glad that I got it. Yes, it's objectively bad, but I can see why I loved it so much as a kid. I really resonated with Alexis, and I have to admit that the plot is gripping, even when I already knew everything that was to happen. The romance in here is also sweet, despite its slight pretentiousness.
Of course, I can admit this book has a plethora of flaws, as mentioned before (because WHY does the dad practically disappear after the car wreck????), but it just has such a beauty to it that I cannot explain, possibly due to nostalgia for me. I can't wait to eventually reread the other two books. I remember them being almost better than this one!!
I'm gonna be honest, I'm not thoroughly impressed with this book. I think it's too short, as what I believe should have been accomplished fell flat. I wanted to learn more about the convent and how Eileen felt about it. Did the daughters know anything about it? How did the nuns control so much of the power? There are so many questions left unanswered because all that matters is Furlong's acknowledgement of his privilege as a white man and his shortcomings in spite of the power he holds. Furlong seems to be put on a pedestal that he doesn't quite deserve, I think.
This novel could've had so much more going for it if it was just 100 pages more. That being said, I do think it brings up interesting discussions surrounding blissful ignorance.