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The Bewitching of Alison Allbright
Alison Allbright has always sought refuge in day dreams - of having a glamorous mother and a lovely home, of being an exciting person, of doing all the things that the others at high school do - and more. When Mrs Considine appears, spinning her amazing web of fantasy and making those dreams come true, Alison is completely bewitched....until she discovers the catch.
160 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 10, 2015
Alison Allbright is a high school nobody. She is prickly and selfish, so she has no friends. She resents being poor, living in a shabby home and not having the money to do the fun things her well-off classmates do. There isn’t even money for class trips, so Alison has to stay behind. All of her daydreams revolve around material things and the wish for more. And then Mrs Considine steps into her life.
Mrs Considine is an upstanding citizen with tons of funds and a daughter who looks exactly like Alison. When her chauffeur runs over Alison’s beat up bicycle and they stop at Alison’s home to replace it with a bright shiny new one, Alison’s life takes a momentous turn. But is it a turn for the better? Or worse?
Being inside Alison’s head and listening to her justify what she allowed to happen was an interesting experience. I thought she was a self-centered little idiot, but I can understand why she was constantly dreaming of bigger and better things instead of being happy with what she had. The fact that she let things get as far as they did made me want to shake her repeatedly, but at least Alison wakes up and finally smells the decaying roses. My favorite part of the book is when Alison gets a rude awakening by a friend. There’s nothing quite like cold hard truths told by someone you respect to slap some sense into a person.
Well-written, interesting and a great plot. I enjoyed this book very much.
*Many thanks to Straw Hat Publishers for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Mrs Considine is an upstanding citizen with tons of funds and a daughter who looks exactly like Alison. When her chauffeur runs over Alison’s beat up bicycle and they stop at Alison’s home to replace it with a bright shiny new one, Alison’s life takes a momentous turn. But is it a turn for the better? Or worse?
Being inside Alison’s head and listening to her justify what she allowed to happen was an interesting experience. I thought she was a self-centered little idiot, but I can understand why she was constantly dreaming of bigger and better things instead of being happy with what she had. The fact that she let things get as far as they did made me want to shake her repeatedly, but at least Alison wakes up and finally smells the decaying roses. My favorite part of the book is when Alison gets a rude awakening by a friend. There’s nothing quite like cold hard truths told by someone you respect to slap some sense into a person.
Well-written, interesting and a great plot. I enjoyed this book very much.
*Many thanks to Straw Hat Publishers for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
January 23, 2015
Wow! I seriously loved this book! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I definitely wasn't anticipating it to be so suspenseful. Alison dreams of a glamorous lifestyle and when it drops in her lap, she can't say no. Even if it comes with a very high (and weird) price tag.
It was kind of like watching a car wreck. You're gasping and screaming "No!" but you can't look away. I kept hoping that Alison would come to her senses and realize what was happening to her. The ending had me clutching my Kindle and turning pages as fast as I could read them. Even though this book is intended for middle grade and young adult readers (ages 10-14), I was completely caught up in it. It was a short, intriguing read and I am excited to explore more books from this author.
Content: Some suspense.
My blog: Batch of Books
It was kind of like watching a car wreck. You're gasping and screaming "No!" but you can't look away. I kept hoping that Alison would come to her senses and realize what was happening to her. The ending had me clutching my Kindle and turning pages as fast as I could read them. Even though this book is intended for middle grade and young adult readers (ages 10-14), I was completely caught up in it. It was a short, intriguing read and I am excited to explore more books from this author.
Content: Some suspense.
My blog: Batch of Books
March 8, 2014
This is a morbidly fascinating tale.
Alison doesn't like the fact that she comes from a poor family. She dreams of being rich and travelling the world. She longs to make the kids at school feel jealous and wish to be her.
She sees her dreams coming true when Mrs. Considine notices her. She is shown all of the wonderful things that can happen with money. She is taken to Italy, she is given a nice wardrobe to wear, she is taught how to speak and act. She sees the positive, but not the flip side to the wealth and lifestyle.
This book took a few twists and turns. I could see many of them coming. I could see how a young girl could be caught up in the moment and let life get out of hand. I could see how she made some of her decisions.
While I could see how decisions were reached, I didn't like them. I didn't like the feel of the story. As I stated in the opening sentence it's fascinating. It's like a train wreck, you can see it coming, but for some reason you can't take your mind or your eyes away.
The book is written well. The author's pacing is excellent. I liked that Alison learns some very important lessons about life and friendship.
I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers. It's a little dark and gloomy. The book is very clean, it's just the feeling that you are left with at the end that may be more than a younger reader could handle.
Alison doesn't like the fact that she comes from a poor family. She dreams of being rich and travelling the world. She longs to make the kids at school feel jealous and wish to be her.
She sees her dreams coming true when Mrs. Considine notices her. She is shown all of the wonderful things that can happen with money. She is taken to Italy, she is given a nice wardrobe to wear, she is taught how to speak and act. She sees the positive, but not the flip side to the wealth and lifestyle.
This book took a few twists and turns. I could see many of them coming. I could see how a young girl could be caught up in the moment and let life get out of hand. I could see how she made some of her decisions.
While I could see how decisions were reached, I didn't like them. I didn't like the feel of the story. As I stated in the opening sentence it's fascinating. It's like a train wreck, you can see it coming, but for some reason you can't take your mind or your eyes away.
The book is written well. The author's pacing is excellent. I liked that Alison learns some very important lessons about life and friendship.
I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers. It's a little dark and gloomy. The book is very clean, it's just the feeling that you are left with at the end that may be more than a younger reader could handle.
January 11, 2023
I don't know why did I think about Coraline (the movie) when I read the plot. However, this story is really unpredictable since the first chapters. I thought it was about a luxurious and gorgeous witch who wanted to kidnap a stupid and no satisfied girl, but it was different from the idea that I had. Nevertheless, I liked the story was developing in such a way. It's a narration about that girl who isn't happy and comfortable with the life she has and some day a mysterious woman appeared to allow Alison lives her dream life, even if the price is dangerous.
My favorite character was Keith. Despite of the trait that he received from his sister, he was always firm and humble.
My favorite character was Keith. Despite of the trait that he received from his sister, he was always firm and humble.
July 25, 2022
This was a very simple story of a girl having her wishes come true, only to find that not everything you wish for is good.
It was enjoyable even if the story was basic and I was disappointed with the ending, where I felt the story could have been rounded out more.
It was enjoyable even if the story was basic and I was disappointed with the ending, where I felt the story could have been rounded out more.
September 24, 2021
An interesting story
An escapism of reality yet full of reality that could be anybody's dream as,a child. I know that I did at one point.
An escapism of reality yet full of reality that could be anybody's dream as,a child. I know that I did at one point.
October 8, 2023
For a children's book, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this!
March 15, 2017
The grass isn't necessarily greener...
Never let anyone try to force you to be someone other than your best self. Someone once said that gratitude is the parent of all virtues... Good read for teenagers everywhere ~ and especially for those who might struggle with maintaining an attitude of gratitude.
Never let anyone try to force you to be someone other than your best self. Someone once said that gratitude is the parent of all virtues... Good read for teenagers everywhere ~ and especially for those who might struggle with maintaining an attitude of gratitude.
November 9, 2012
My daughter and I both read and reviewed this book. For this and other reviews, visit us at http://MotherDaughterBookReviews.com
Here's what we had to say:
DAUGHTER SAYS:
What I liked and disliked about it:
I liked that the story was very mysterious and you never knew what was going to happen next. Even though I tried guessing what would happen, it didn’t really turn out that way. It was more extreme. Only one time I guessed what would happen and that was something extreme that did happen. At first, I thought the book was going to be really boring and I didn’t want to read it, but then, I didn’t want to put it down. It was awesome reading this book!
I didn’t really like that Alison chose to leave her life as a not rich family and went to live as a rich girl with Mrs. Considine. I don’t believe that having lots of money is what makes you rich. What makes you rich is family and friends. That was an important lesson in the book for people who don’t know that money doesn’t make you rich.
Even if at the start of the book Alison is mean to her friends, leaves her family, and lives with a rich stranger who is really dangerous, at the end she learns that she should just be herself.
My bottom line:
This book was very interesting and I loved it. I would highly recommend it to girls and boys 10 years and older.
MOM SAYS:
What I liked and disliked about it:
Thank you to Straw Hat (publisher) for their genius in re-introducing classic books as affordable e-books for a new generation to enjoy. Bravo!
After reading so many fabulous books steeped in mysticism, fantasy, and folklore, of late (e.g., The Golden Scarab, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Magic Molly, and Witch Sticker Ball), it was quite the change of pace to read a book that builds suspense and intrigue without any elements of the supernatural or fantasy. And this book really delivers through its intricate plot, its outstanding character development, and its memorable climax. This page is a page-turner from start to finish with writing at its finest.
Aside from the completely engaging story, there are a number of important lessons to be learned through this book, as aptly put by my daughter above. We are introduced to Alison at the beginning of the book as a teenaged girl who is a bit of a misfit. She jumps on the chance to assume another identity – one of a girl who is rich and popular. Through this journey, she learns alot about herself and by the end accepts that ultimately she is better off just being herself, taking responsibility for her own role in why her past relationships had problems, and appreciating the family that she does have.
My daughter and I read the book concurrently on our e-readers. I eventually got ahead of her to the climatic ending. I can’t say that I saw the ending coming and we were both shocked with the ending. I think that given the mature themes of the book, I would say in retrospect that I probably would not have let my 9 year old read this book. Perhaps it’s just me wanting to keep my little girl innocent, but I think the ending was a bit shocking. Then, the whole notion of the bewitching and, let’s call it what it really is, MANIPULATION, of Alison might be a bit advanced for some younger tweens to grasp. Ok, ok, I want to keep my daughter innocent for as long as possible – there, I said it!
My bottom line:
At the end of the day, I have to put on two different hats. As a grown-up, I personally really enjoyed this book. As a parent, I have to say that the book is a bit intense and suspenseful. However, in comparison to a book like The Hunger Games, I guess it’s not so bad. For this reason, I would only recommend this book to older tweens and teenagers (10+).
*The Bewitching of Alison Allbright was provided to us free-of-charge by the publisher in exchange for our honest opinion.*
Here's what we had to say:
DAUGHTER SAYS:
What I liked and disliked about it:
I liked that the story was very mysterious and you never knew what was going to happen next. Even though I tried guessing what would happen, it didn’t really turn out that way. It was more extreme. Only one time I guessed what would happen and that was something extreme that did happen. At first, I thought the book was going to be really boring and I didn’t want to read it, but then, I didn’t want to put it down. It was awesome reading this book!
I didn’t really like that Alison chose to leave her life as a not rich family and went to live as a rich girl with Mrs. Considine. I don’t believe that having lots of money is what makes you rich. What makes you rich is family and friends. That was an important lesson in the book for people who don’t know that money doesn’t make you rich.
Even if at the start of the book Alison is mean to her friends, leaves her family, and lives with a rich stranger who is really dangerous, at the end she learns that she should just be herself.
My bottom line:
This book was very interesting and I loved it. I would highly recommend it to girls and boys 10 years and older.
MOM SAYS:
What I liked and disliked about it:
Thank you to Straw Hat (publisher) for their genius in re-introducing classic books as affordable e-books for a new generation to enjoy. Bravo!
After reading so many fabulous books steeped in mysticism, fantasy, and folklore, of late (e.g., The Golden Scarab, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Magic Molly, and Witch Sticker Ball), it was quite the change of pace to read a book that builds suspense and intrigue without any elements of the supernatural or fantasy. And this book really delivers through its intricate plot, its outstanding character development, and its memorable climax. This page is a page-turner from start to finish with writing at its finest.
Aside from the completely engaging story, there are a number of important lessons to be learned through this book, as aptly put by my daughter above. We are introduced to Alison at the beginning of the book as a teenaged girl who is a bit of a misfit. She jumps on the chance to assume another identity – one of a girl who is rich and popular. Through this journey, she learns alot about herself and by the end accepts that ultimately she is better off just being herself, taking responsibility for her own role in why her past relationships had problems, and appreciating the family that she does have.
My daughter and I read the book concurrently on our e-readers. I eventually got ahead of her to the climatic ending. I can’t say that I saw the ending coming and we were both shocked with the ending. I think that given the mature themes of the book, I would say in retrospect that I probably would not have let my 9 year old read this book. Perhaps it’s just me wanting to keep my little girl innocent, but I think the ending was a bit shocking. Then, the whole notion of the bewitching and, let’s call it what it really is, MANIPULATION, of Alison might be a bit advanced for some younger tweens to grasp. Ok, ok, I want to keep my daughter innocent for as long as possible – there, I said it!
My bottom line:
At the end of the day, I have to put on two different hats. As a grown-up, I personally really enjoyed this book. As a parent, I have to say that the book is a bit intense and suspenseful. However, in comparison to a book like The Hunger Games, I guess it’s not so bad. For this reason, I would only recommend this book to older tweens and teenagers (10+).
*The Bewitching of Alison Allbright was provided to us free-of-charge by the publisher in exchange for our honest opinion.*
January 24, 2013
(Source: Downloaded from Amazon.co.uk for free.)
Alison Allbright has very few friends. She keeps to herself, and never lets anyone come to her home because she is ashamed of the fact that she and her parents are poor.
One day whilst in the corner shop, Alison’s bike is run over by a blue Rolls Royce, and the driver offers to buy her a new bike.
When the new bike arrives, it comes courtesy of a lady called Mrs Considine, who seems overly interested in Alison and asks if she may take her out on a daytrip to make amends for the bike.
Alison’s parents are not overly happy about this, and so Alison sneaks off alone and goes anyway. When Mrs Considine then apologises to Alison’s parents, she somehow manages to twist them round her little finger, and next thing you know, she is taking Alison abroad for a holiday!
As much as this seems like a fairy tale for Alison, something is not 100% right about Mrs Considine. She claims to have a daughter – Camilla who is studying abroad and looks just like Alison, but then she starts calling Alison by her daughters name, and pretending that Alison is her real daughter.
What exactly is going on with Mrs Considine? What does she want with Alison? And where is Camilla?
This was a nice little story, with plenty of mystery surrounding Mrs Considine and Camilla. The reader is kept in the dark about exactly what Mrs Considine is planning, and what happened to Camilla.
Alison is probably a little too trusting, and gets really wrapped up in what she feels is a dream come true. She really has no idea that Mrs Considine intentions are a little more sinister.
I had a vague idea of where the story was heading, but I didn’t guess the details, and I wasn’t sure how it was going to end either.
It was pretty easy to spot that this story is quite old, as none of the teens had mobile phones, but this didn’t matter.
Overall; a fairly sinister YA/middle grade mystery. I’d say that 11-12 year olds would really enjoy this.
6.5 out of 10.
Alison Allbright has very few friends. She keeps to herself, and never lets anyone come to her home because she is ashamed of the fact that she and her parents are poor.
One day whilst in the corner shop, Alison’s bike is run over by a blue Rolls Royce, and the driver offers to buy her a new bike.
When the new bike arrives, it comes courtesy of a lady called Mrs Considine, who seems overly interested in Alison and asks if she may take her out on a daytrip to make amends for the bike.
Alison’s parents are not overly happy about this, and so Alison sneaks off alone and goes anyway. When Mrs Considine then apologises to Alison’s parents, she somehow manages to twist them round her little finger, and next thing you know, she is taking Alison abroad for a holiday!
As much as this seems like a fairy tale for Alison, something is not 100% right about Mrs Considine. She claims to have a daughter – Camilla who is studying abroad and looks just like Alison, but then she starts calling Alison by her daughters name, and pretending that Alison is her real daughter.
What exactly is going on with Mrs Considine? What does she want with Alison? And where is Camilla?
This was a nice little story, with plenty of mystery surrounding Mrs Considine and Camilla. The reader is kept in the dark about exactly what Mrs Considine is planning, and what happened to Camilla.
Alison is probably a little too trusting, and gets really wrapped up in what she feels is a dream come true. She really has no idea that Mrs Considine intentions are a little more sinister.
I had a vague idea of where the story was heading, but I didn’t guess the details, and I wasn’t sure how it was going to end either.
It was pretty easy to spot that this story is quite old, as none of the teens had mobile phones, but this didn’t matter.
Overall; a fairly sinister YA/middle grade mystery. I’d say that 11-12 year olds would really enjoy this.
6.5 out of 10.
March 26, 2015
I don't really know what I was expecting from The Bewitching of Alison Allbright but what I got was this mysterious, makes-you-think story that I had to finish in one sitting.
Alison Allbright is selfish and shallow. You would think that would have dissuaded me from reading this book but I could understand her naivety of wanting so much more than she has especially at her age. I can see that part of her personality turning some people off especially as the story progresses but there was something so mesmerizing about what was going on in the story that it didn't bother me. There was also a balance to Alison's personality. She was pretty shy and down on herself. I can understand shy so I felt like I could understand Alison in some small degree.
I wasn't always sure about what was up with Alison and Mrs. Condisine - this rich woman who just shows up in Alison's life. I had like three theories going on at once. After a while it was clear which theory won out but there were these layers to Mrs. Condisine that kept on being brought up. There were a lot of "what the?" moments because things... they get intense. I could not honestly say how this story was going to end. It was always up in the air and I'm thinking towards the end "Is this going to end like I think it is because if it does then wow!"
Alison Allbright and her story has many layers to it so I was never bored. I was always fascinated by what on Earth was going to be revealed next or how was everything going to end. It would have been great if this short story was longer however, The Bewitching of Alison Allbright didn't feel too short at all while I was reading it. It felt like a complete story that had me guessing the whole time.
Alison Allbright is selfish and shallow. You would think that would have dissuaded me from reading this book but I could understand her naivety of wanting so much more than she has especially at her age. I can see that part of her personality turning some people off especially as the story progresses but there was something so mesmerizing about what was going on in the story that it didn't bother me. There was also a balance to Alison's personality. She was pretty shy and down on herself. I can understand shy so I felt like I could understand Alison in some small degree.
I wasn't always sure about what was up with Alison and Mrs. Condisine - this rich woman who just shows up in Alison's life. I had like three theories going on at once. After a while it was clear which theory won out but there were these layers to Mrs. Condisine that kept on being brought up. There were a lot of "what the?" moments because things... they get intense. I could not honestly say how this story was going to end. It was always up in the air and I'm thinking towards the end "Is this going to end like I think it is because if it does then wow!"
Alison Allbright and her story has many layers to it so I was never bored. I was always fascinated by what on Earth was going to be revealed next or how was everything going to end. It would have been great if this short story was longer however, The Bewitching of Alison Allbright didn't feel too short at all while I was reading it. It felt like a complete story that had me guessing the whole time.
November 30, 2013
This book was a very quick read. It reads a bit like a fairy tale in a way, with good guys and bad guys. This one also speaks about morals and character and is meant to teach somewhat of a lesson without being preachy. Alison Allbright the main character in the story lives in a very affluent area of town. Unfortunately, her family is on the lower end of the income scale. She and her brother, Keith, are two of the poorest kids in the school, tending to miss out on lots. They live in a little run down house in a poor neighborhood. Alison is embarrassed of her family and craves to have a different life. She wants to be rich and well liked. I didn't totally connect with Alison, which isn't surprising because in the story she has no friends. Kids just don't like her because she's a total sourpuss. It seems like she's a pretty girl - its just her personality and unapproachability make her seem far more ugly than she is. The was she treats her family, especially her brother is terrible. Then, one day everything she wishes for comes true after a chauffeur runs over her bike and the wealthy lady he works for replaces it.
I found this story to have an engaging mystery. Its slightly predictable, but its one of those books where you know something isn't right and in the back of your head you can kind of see where it may be going, but there is still enough unknown to make it exciting and worth continuing onward. The only thing I wasn't super fond of was the ending. It seems like everything wraps up abruptly. I wish the author would have taken more time to craft a better ending. However, its still a very worthwhile read.
I found this story to have an engaging mystery. Its slightly predictable, but its one of those books where you know something isn't right and in the back of your head you can kind of see where it may be going, but there is still enough unknown to make it exciting and worth continuing onward. The only thing I wasn't super fond of was the ending. It seems like everything wraps up abruptly. I wish the author would have taken more time to craft a better ending. However, its still a very worthwhile read.
July 31, 2013
This story is so nicely weaved! It starts off a little slow, but then refuses to let go. The plot twists and turns with unexpected surprises, leading an every day girl into an intriguing dark fairytale without ever touching the realm of magic or fantasy.
Alison drew me in, but not because she's a sweet girl that everyone has to feel sorry for. Oh no! Alison has character flaws, big ones, and makes even worse decisions. But still, I couldn't help but liking her - maybe exactly because of these flaws. At times, I saw my own daughter in her, and honestly, a little of myself, when I was that age. What growing child doesn't fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others in a materialistic way at least once in a while?
Although the story starts out with the feeling of a normal contemporary, as it progresses, it takes on more the feel of a thriller (one for children, of course). During those last chapters, I was worried about Alison; my chewed on fingernails are proof. I honestly wondered if everything would work out in the end or if it was one of those tales with unhappy endings. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't say what happens. Yep, to find out, you'll have to read it yourself. (Evil, I know.)
The Betwitching of Alison Allbright kept me glued to the pages until the very end, which for me, is always a tell-tale sign of a good book. But that's not the only reason I loved it. This is a story, I'll think about for months. The message in the story is nothing new. I've heard it before, but the way Alison learned it and journey she went through to understand it make it hard to forget.
I definitely recommend this book.
Alison drew me in, but not because she's a sweet girl that everyone has to feel sorry for. Oh no! Alison has character flaws, big ones, and makes even worse decisions. But still, I couldn't help but liking her - maybe exactly because of these flaws. At times, I saw my own daughter in her, and honestly, a little of myself, when I was that age. What growing child doesn't fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others in a materialistic way at least once in a while?
Although the story starts out with the feeling of a normal contemporary, as it progresses, it takes on more the feel of a thriller (one for children, of course). During those last chapters, I was worried about Alison; my chewed on fingernails are proof. I honestly wondered if everything would work out in the end or if it was one of those tales with unhappy endings. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't say what happens. Yep, to find out, you'll have to read it yourself. (Evil, I know.)
The Betwitching of Alison Allbright kept me glued to the pages until the very end, which for me, is always a tell-tale sign of a good book. But that's not the only reason I loved it. This is a story, I'll think about for months. The message in the story is nothing new. I've heard it before, but the way Alison learned it and journey she went through to understand it make it hard to forget.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 27, 2015
Even though this book is intended for readers age 10-14 and I'm 37, I found myself really getting into the story and ended up staying up late to read the whole book! I was pleasantly surprised to be continuously pulled into the story line. The main character, Alison, is easy for everyone to identify with - she lives in a town where all of her schoolmates spend the weekends on their family boats and have big BBQ parties at their mansions (which of course have fancy names - both the boats and the houses). Alison, her brother and her parents live in a small cramped house and they don't even own a car. She struggles with trying to fit in with the rich crowd, and is very resentful about her family's meager money situation (doesn't every 12 year old feel this way?). When a strange opportunity arises to be around the other rich kids (albeit behind the scenes with no direct contact), she jumps right in without thinking through exactly how that opportunity arose. Alison continues to choose the "rich and famous" lifestyle at every opportunity that comes up, even though it means acting like someone she's not. She finally figures out at the end that she needs to like being herself and appreciate her family for who they are regardless of the financial situation they are in. I think this would be a really good book for teens to read to help them think about being happy for what they have.
March 26, 2013
Alison Allbright is an awkward high schooler, whose just managed to ruin the only real friendship she's ever had. Alison is obsessed with wealth and appearance. Her family's economic status is an embarrassment to her and she spends her time daydreaming about the life she longs to have. One day Alison catches a glimpse of a passing train and makes eye contact with a mysterious woman. Alison is unable to shake the feeling that the woman was looking directly at her. She imagines the woman is wealthy and has a brilliant life. As chance may have, Alison meets the woman, Mrs. Considine, from the train and is instantly taken by her. Mrs. Considine begins showering Alison with gifts and offers her a glimpse into the life she has always wanted. Alison is bewitched, but will she discover the truth behind Mrs. Considine's intentions before it's too late?
The Bewitching of Alison Allbright is an alluring suspense with shocking revelations that will entrance readers. The story is well written and fast passed. It's certain to be a favorite among middle grade and young adult readers.
Pick up a copy of The Bewitching of Alison Allbright.
The Bewitching of Alison Allbright is an alluring suspense with shocking revelations that will entrance readers. The story is well written and fast passed. It's certain to be a favorite among middle grade and young adult readers.
Pick up a copy of The Bewitching of Alison Allbright.
September 13, 2013
The Bewitching of Alison Allbright is a re-release of Alan Davidson’s 1987 novel of the same title. Alison is quiet an shy and not living in her imagine ideal circumstances when she has the chance to live in the place of wealthy Mrs. Considine’s deceased daughter. Alison serves a purpose to middle grade readers that the grass isn’t always greener and sometimes you have to make the best of the life you’re living and to recognize its happiness. I think most people of a certain age can identify with Alison in wishing as children we could change something about our circumstances. The character of Alison as Davidson writes her is real and relatable. Allison is in no way the perfect child. She’s shallow and self-centered and believes life owes her a certain standard. While the character was annoying to this adult at first, she certainly grew on me. The characters of Alison’s home life are a little thinly written but with the true focus Alison and Mrs. Considine, young readers will not miss the development.
The Bewitching of Alison Allbright is a good introduction to speculative fiction for children 9-12.
The Bewitching of Alison Allbright is a good introduction to speculative fiction for children 9-12.
June 19, 2013
Really did not care for this book. The main character is so hard to like, she is just nasty to everyone in her life. Then a rich woman takes pity on her and treats her the way she thinks she deserves. Alison wants to lord it over everyone, and is such a whiny little witch that I wanted something bad to happen to her. She had so many chances to redeem herself, but didn't take any of them. Was so glad when things turned out to be not what they seemed and she ends up in trouble. The ending was just meh. So incredibly predictable, girl finds what she's really been missing all along is just friendship.
January 30, 2015
Many people wonder what it would be like to live rich or to be someone else. The grass always seems greener on the other side. Allison doesn't like her life and feels sorry for herself because they are poor and she doesn't have any friends. She daydreams of a different life and then later she actually gets to live like she once dreamed. She soon found out that it wasn't like she thought it would be. There are a lot of British English terms. If you are not familiar with that be sure to look up the words so you can understand the story more.
February 11, 2015
"The Bewitching of Alison Allbright", is a suspenseful tale. It is about a girl who is unhappy with her lot in life and gets the chance to live her dream life. I enjoyed the the beginning and the end, but there was a spot in the middle where I almost stopped reading. I was having a hard time reading her negative thoughts towards her family and to see how quickly she could give them up for monetary things. It does have a nice message about how your attitude can affect that way you view your life. I would recommend to the intended age group (10-14).
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May 11, 2015You know how with some books you try really hard to pay attention and keep turning the page, only to find yourself distracted by that paint drying on your wall? Oh paint, though art lovely...
Yea, this is one of those books. I've read the summary, I've read other reviews, I've even started reading the book, but everything distracts me. I put it down, and I don't even want to pick it back up. The last book I forced myself to finish was Twilight, and we all know what a disaster that was. So, I'll save my time, and DNF.
Yea, this is one of those books. I've read the summary, I've read other reviews, I've even started reading the book, but everything distracts me. I put it down, and I don't even want to pick it back up. The last book I forced myself to finish was Twilight, and we all know what a disaster that was. So, I'll save my time, and DNF.
July 12, 2012
It was a very interesting book, different then anything we had read recently. I read it to my children and they thoroughly enjoyed it. There is one part of the book that was annoying. The book was written in England, and at one point they go to Italy and meet some Americans. The Americans spoke like they were from England not Atlanta. The book would have benefited from a little more research into the word choice of an upper class girl from the south. Beyond that the book was enchanting.
May 24, 2015
This was a quick fun read. The book reminds you that if your sudden good fortune seems too good to be true, it probably is. Alison is not very happy with her life as it is and suddenly it seems to be getting much better. But when she finds out she must give up her family in the process, she starts to see what she had.
January 31, 2015
"The Bewitching of Alison Allbright" is a quick, suspenseful tale of a teenage girl discontented with her life, who finds herself actually living her dream life. But is the dream better than reality? Great book for a younger reader (10-14).
December 9, 2016
Primer libro que leo en inglés y la verdad es que me ha gustado mucho ... es un libro corto pero que consigue engancharte ya que es de esas historias que te deja con la intriga de saber por qué pasa todo.
3.5/5
3.5/5
August 27, 2012
Read it about 20 years ago but I remember it being my favourite book at the time.
April 23, 2013
3.5 out of 4, great story with a good lesson in the end. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 6, 2013
written well for a teen novel. Entertaining but predictable.
July 25, 2013
The story line was good but felt that the ending was rather abrupt. The idea behind the story was good. Had been quite enjoying the story when it just ended.
February 5, 2015
Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Have a better house? Nicer things? Find out what happens to one girl who gets it. Great story!
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