What do you think?
Rate this book
Little People, BIG DREAMS
Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid nació en Bagdad en una familia artística y liberal. En 1980 fundó su propio estudio de arquitectura, Zaha Hadid Architects, en Londres. Allí obtuvo un gran reconocimiento internacional con trabajos que desafiaban la forma de los edificios convencionales. Construyó lo imposible, como el Centro Acuático de Londres, la öpera de Guangzhou o el Centro Cultural Heydar Aliyev en Bakú, Azerbaiyán. Ganadora de múltiples premios y reconocimientos, incluido el Premio Pritzker, se la recuerda hoy como una apasionada feminista y una arquitecta pionera.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1921
12 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
163 books142 followersYou may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 4, 2019
2.5 stars. A basic overview of architect Zaha Hadid's life. As usual with this series the illustrations are overly simplistic, big heads and black lines. As usual too, the biography back pages are the most interesting but sadly lacking a photo of any of Hadid's work.
October 12, 2019
"She was the first woman and the first Muslim to be awarded the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honor."
I had never heard of Zaha Hadid until this book, but hers is a story to be told. Once again, Little People, Big Dreams proves to be informative for both children and adults.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I had never heard of Zaha Hadid until this book, but hers is a story to be told. Once again, Little People, Big Dreams proves to be informative for both children and adults.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2019
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known women for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
I wasn't too familiar with Zaha Hadid's background and studies and I'm glad this book gave me the chance to learn about them. She was definitely an entrepreneur in her own field and this came from the fact that she was not afraid to experiment and to do things no one had ever done before. There's not only creativity, but also bravery in this, something we can all look up to.
This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known women for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
I wasn't too familiar with Zaha Hadid's background and studies and I'm glad this book gave me the chance to learn about them. She was definitely an entrepreneur in her own field and this came from the fact that she was not afraid to experiment and to do things no one had ever done before. There's not only creativity, but also bravery in this, something we can all look up to.
February 8, 2022
"Dicen que las Curtin se aburrían como ostras -murmuró la menor de las hermanas Purcell- y, como las educaron por encima de su posición, el convento es el mejor refugio para ellas."
Vocaciones es una novela que está ambientada en una pequeña localidad de Irlanda a principios del s.XX, justo cuando se estaba acabando de salir del encorsetamiento de la era victoriana, un momento de transición social especialmente difícil para las mujeres. Las protagonistas absolutas de esta historia son las hermanas Kitty y Winnie, hijas acomodadas de los Curtin, que se han convertido en gente acomodada desde la pobreza. Los Curtin educan a sus hijas por encima de su posición social, tienen dinero sí, pero el estatus social que quieren para sus hijas es muy superior al que tuvieron ellos. Por una parte, el padre quiere que su hija mayor se case y siga el negocio familiar junto a su probable futuro marido, y la madre sin embargo, esclava de la religión católica quiere para sus hijas una vida de monjas en el Convento de la Misericordia. Es interesante la forma en que el autor aborda el pasado de los Curtin, Johanna y Tom y de cómo llegan a tener esos deseos de futuro para sus hijas. Asi que cuando empieza la novela, el lector es muy consciente que para una mujer católica de aquella época en Irlanda, había solo dos caminos: o el matrimonio o el convento ¡¡y eso que ya habíamos ingresado ya el el siglo XX.
"Lo peor de muchos padres y madres es que piensan más en sí mismos que en sus hijos. Si los hijos quieren ir por el camino de los padres, todo va como la seda, pero, si no, la cosa sale cara. Tu padre piensa en su negocio y tu madre en su alma; Winnie y tú soís dos muñecas que ellos han vestido para su propio adorno."
(…)
"La había engordado toda la vida para el sacrificio. Era la víctima del egoísmo de su madre. Un sentimiento parecido al odio la quemó por dentro, pero fue solo un instante. Al fin y al cabo, las dos eran víctimas de algún destino, de un sistema horrible que no conocía la piedad. Si ella sufría, su madre también. Cerró los ojos con la sensación de estar hundiéndose en arenas movedizas."
La novela está dividida en dos partes claramente diferenciadas: la primera parte es un entorno básicamente doméstico donde somos testigos de la vida restringida de las hermanas desde que vuelven del internado católico. Apenas se las deja relacionarse con nadie a excepción de sus salidas a las misas o a los paseos por el campo, pero siempre con mucho cuidado para no mezclarse con hombres que no fueran los “inmaculados” hombres de iglesia. Es una vida algo claustrofóbica donde son manejadas como títeres por su madre, obsesionada porque lleguen puras y vírgenes a profesar como monjas. En la segunda parte de la novela, ya vemos a las hermanas en otro entorno, quizás igual de restringido, el del convento, pero en una emulación del mundo exterior, nos damos cuenta de que allí no es todo oro lo que reluce y que de alguna forma, el mundo del convento contiene los mismos “peligros” del mundo exterior.
"Los rostros de todas las monjas que conocía parecían entrelazarse como un gran árbol en la cortina de humo que pendía sobre el río. Las caras sobresalían: las pacientes, las resignadas, las heroícas, las abrumadas, las rebeldes, las indulgentes, las reprimidas, las inútiles, las que amaban a Dios por temor, las asexuadas, las sexuales; muchas adorables. Cuánta humanidad echada a perder."
Esta novela es muy extraña porque en un principio parece una cosa, y poco va evolucionando en algo diferente. En un principio parece la típica comedia de costumbres, con un cierto toque humorístico aquí y allá y poco a poco se va convirtiendo en un sátira social muy incisiva sobre la manipulación que ejercen los padres sobre sus hijas para que guíen sus destinos según las conveniencias sociales (un hecho que sigue ocurriendo hoy en día). Esta sátira social se extiende también en torno al negocio que tenían montado los sacerdotes y órdenes religiosos para vivir del cuento de las dotes de las niñas que entraban en el convento usándolas como meras mercancias. O’Donovan no se corta un pelo a la hora de denunciar este mercado de intercambio de niñas, que desde pequeñas son guíadas para que no puedan elegir el destino de sus vidas.
"A pintar, a bordar, y demás tonterías que convertían a las niñas en señoritas perfectas (...) En estos tiempos, si se atiborra a una niña con esa clase de saberes, el único sitio al que puede ir es al convento o a una caja de cristal. Y si la niña no quiere ni lo uno ni lo otro (al ver la clase de religión que le meten en la cabeza), lo más fácil es que nueve de cada diez vayan de cabeza al infierno."
El retrato social que hace O’Donovan de la vida en aquella pequeña localidad es magnifico en el sentido de que nos hacemos una idea muy certera de lo que significaba para esos padres verse extendidos a través de sus hijas y usándolas como la continuación de sus expectativas. Hay una reflexión además muy avanzada sobre la libertad de la mujer y de hasta qué punto salirse de lo marcado, podía convertir a a una mujer en una exliada social para siempre, porque aunque nos pueda parecer que las decisiones de las dos hermanas siempre estén influidas por los hombres que tengan más cerca, el autor se encarga de analizar el hecho de que realmente esas niñas no tenían otros referentes que esos hombres que ejercían la autoridad en todos los aspectos. Es por eso que me parece una obra muy avanzada y crítica para la época en lo que se refería a los roles de género.
"Despedía a las niñas por la mañana con una mezcla de sentimientos. Para ella, sus hijas no tenían una existencia independiente, sino que eran parte de sí misma, el complemento de sus intenciones y de sus ambiciones. Eran un arma arrojadiza contra Josie Duggan, que no tenía hijas, contra Helena Rafter, ahora Helena Dowd, que a pesar de su famosa educación en un internado, se había casado con el cobrador de impuestos .“
Gerald O’Donovan, que fue un ex sacerdote, sabe de lo que habla e imagino que esta novela en su momento debió levantar ampollas porque denuncia el constreñimiento de la mujer de la época sometida a los intereses mercantilistas de los valores católicos, la mentira de ciertas vocaciones y la falsedad en la que se vivía tanto en los conventos.
"El padre Burke había hecho el voto de celibato sin haberlo meditado en particular. Se planteaba el sacerdocio como una carrera, no como una vocación. Ël era un hombre mundano como cualquier otro que llevaba un pequeño negocio con prudencia y esmero. Ejercía de maestro de un sistema moral que no practicaba. Nunca había analizado sus creencias y no habría podido decir con sinceridad hasta qué punto creía en lo que predicaba. No le interesaba el tema. Carecía de convicciones que lo pusieran en un apuro. Había estudiado religión y moral, como materias obligadas, lo justo para aprobar los exámenes. El voto de castidad no era más que un peldaño para ganarse la vida. A partir de ahí, lo más importante era hacerse lo más agradable posible el paso por este mundo, sin grandes aspiraciones.”
Vocaciones es una novela que va in crescendo y no os dejeís engañar por esa primera parte medio bucólica y doméstica, con dos personajes femeninos que aparentemente no se cuestionan nada. El autor necesita su tiempo para que luego comprendamos las personalidades de las dos hermanas y la evolución/o no evolución de lo que serán sus vidas. Hay mucha mala leche y mucha sátira entre lineas, y también muchos momentos donde el humor soterrado nos hará sonreír.
"Qué cosa esto de conocerse a uno mismo. Yo nunca me conocí, que Dios me perdone."
Es una novela que me ha sorprendido muchísmo por la cantidad de matices que contiene, y por como Gerald O’Donovan nos muestra el variado registro de todos estos personajes. Una novela insólita que a medida que avanzas va a más. Agradecer a Alba (Rara Avis) por haberla rescatado del olvido.
"Procuren no olvidar que sus hijas son de carne y hueso, igual que ustedes, y no monedas ni propiedades para invertir con fines egoístas. Den libertad a la niña, en el nombre de Dios, y procuren rescatarla de sí misma. Enséñenle un poco cómo es el mundo y que elija ella sola. Tanto puede elegir bien como equivocarse, pero al menos no podrá pasarse la vida echando la culpa a sus padres de sus desgracias."
Vocaciones es una novela que está ambientada en una pequeña localidad de Irlanda a principios del s.XX, justo cuando se estaba acabando de salir del encorsetamiento de la era victoriana, un momento de transición social especialmente difícil para las mujeres. Las protagonistas absolutas de esta historia son las hermanas Kitty y Winnie, hijas acomodadas de los Curtin, que se han convertido en gente acomodada desde la pobreza. Los Curtin educan a sus hijas por encima de su posición social, tienen dinero sí, pero el estatus social que quieren para sus hijas es muy superior al que tuvieron ellos. Por una parte, el padre quiere que su hija mayor se case y siga el negocio familiar junto a su probable futuro marido, y la madre sin embargo, esclava de la religión católica quiere para sus hijas una vida de monjas en el Convento de la Misericordia. Es interesante la forma en que el autor aborda el pasado de los Curtin, Johanna y Tom y de cómo llegan a tener esos deseos de futuro para sus hijas. Asi que cuando empieza la novela, el lector es muy consciente que para una mujer católica de aquella época en Irlanda, había solo dos caminos: o el matrimonio o el convento ¡¡y eso que ya habíamos ingresado ya el el siglo XX.
"Lo peor de muchos padres y madres es que piensan más en sí mismos que en sus hijos. Si los hijos quieren ir por el camino de los padres, todo va como la seda, pero, si no, la cosa sale cara. Tu padre piensa en su negocio y tu madre en su alma; Winnie y tú soís dos muñecas que ellos han vestido para su propio adorno."
(…)
"La había engordado toda la vida para el sacrificio. Era la víctima del egoísmo de su madre. Un sentimiento parecido al odio la quemó por dentro, pero fue solo un instante. Al fin y al cabo, las dos eran víctimas de algún destino, de un sistema horrible que no conocía la piedad. Si ella sufría, su madre también. Cerró los ojos con la sensación de estar hundiéndose en arenas movedizas."
La novela está dividida en dos partes claramente diferenciadas: la primera parte es un entorno básicamente doméstico donde somos testigos de la vida restringida de las hermanas desde que vuelven del internado católico. Apenas se las deja relacionarse con nadie a excepción de sus salidas a las misas o a los paseos por el campo, pero siempre con mucho cuidado para no mezclarse con hombres que no fueran los “inmaculados” hombres de iglesia. Es una vida algo claustrofóbica donde son manejadas como títeres por su madre, obsesionada porque lleguen puras y vírgenes a profesar como monjas. En la segunda parte de la novela, ya vemos a las hermanas en otro entorno, quizás igual de restringido, el del convento, pero en una emulación del mundo exterior, nos damos cuenta de que allí no es todo oro lo que reluce y que de alguna forma, el mundo del convento contiene los mismos “peligros” del mundo exterior.
"Los rostros de todas las monjas que conocía parecían entrelazarse como un gran árbol en la cortina de humo que pendía sobre el río. Las caras sobresalían: las pacientes, las resignadas, las heroícas, las abrumadas, las rebeldes, las indulgentes, las reprimidas, las inútiles, las que amaban a Dios por temor, las asexuadas, las sexuales; muchas adorables. Cuánta humanidad echada a perder."
Esta novela es muy extraña porque en un principio parece una cosa, y poco va evolucionando en algo diferente. En un principio parece la típica comedia de costumbres, con un cierto toque humorístico aquí y allá y poco a poco se va convirtiendo en un sátira social muy incisiva sobre la manipulación que ejercen los padres sobre sus hijas para que guíen sus destinos según las conveniencias sociales (un hecho que sigue ocurriendo hoy en día). Esta sátira social se extiende también en torno al negocio que tenían montado los sacerdotes y órdenes religiosos para vivir del cuento de las dotes de las niñas que entraban en el convento usándolas como meras mercancias. O’Donovan no se corta un pelo a la hora de denunciar este mercado de intercambio de niñas, que desde pequeñas son guíadas para que no puedan elegir el destino de sus vidas.
"A pintar, a bordar, y demás tonterías que convertían a las niñas en señoritas perfectas (...) En estos tiempos, si se atiborra a una niña con esa clase de saberes, el único sitio al que puede ir es al convento o a una caja de cristal. Y si la niña no quiere ni lo uno ni lo otro (al ver la clase de religión que le meten en la cabeza), lo más fácil es que nueve de cada diez vayan de cabeza al infierno."
El retrato social que hace O’Donovan de la vida en aquella pequeña localidad es magnifico en el sentido de que nos hacemos una idea muy certera de lo que significaba para esos padres verse extendidos a través de sus hijas y usándolas como la continuación de sus expectativas. Hay una reflexión además muy avanzada sobre la libertad de la mujer y de hasta qué punto salirse de lo marcado, podía convertir a a una mujer en una exliada social para siempre, porque aunque nos pueda parecer que las decisiones de las dos hermanas siempre estén influidas por los hombres que tengan más cerca, el autor se encarga de analizar el hecho de que realmente esas niñas no tenían otros referentes que esos hombres que ejercían la autoridad en todos los aspectos. Es por eso que me parece una obra muy avanzada y crítica para la época en lo que se refería a los roles de género.
"Despedía a las niñas por la mañana con una mezcla de sentimientos. Para ella, sus hijas no tenían una existencia independiente, sino que eran parte de sí misma, el complemento de sus intenciones y de sus ambiciones. Eran un arma arrojadiza contra Josie Duggan, que no tenía hijas, contra Helena Rafter, ahora Helena Dowd, que a pesar de su famosa educación en un internado, se había casado con el cobrador de impuestos .“
Gerald O’Donovan, que fue un ex sacerdote, sabe de lo que habla e imagino que esta novela en su momento debió levantar ampollas porque denuncia el constreñimiento de la mujer de la época sometida a los intereses mercantilistas de los valores católicos, la mentira de ciertas vocaciones y la falsedad en la que se vivía tanto en los conventos.
"El padre Burke había hecho el voto de celibato sin haberlo meditado en particular. Se planteaba el sacerdocio como una carrera, no como una vocación. Ël era un hombre mundano como cualquier otro que llevaba un pequeño negocio con prudencia y esmero. Ejercía de maestro de un sistema moral que no practicaba. Nunca había analizado sus creencias y no habría podido decir con sinceridad hasta qué punto creía en lo que predicaba. No le interesaba el tema. Carecía de convicciones que lo pusieran en un apuro. Había estudiado religión y moral, como materias obligadas, lo justo para aprobar los exámenes. El voto de castidad no era más que un peldaño para ganarse la vida. A partir de ahí, lo más importante era hacerse lo más agradable posible el paso por este mundo, sin grandes aspiraciones.”
Vocaciones es una novela que va in crescendo y no os dejeís engañar por esa primera parte medio bucólica y doméstica, con dos personajes femeninos que aparentemente no se cuestionan nada. El autor necesita su tiempo para que luego comprendamos las personalidades de las dos hermanas y la evolución/o no evolución de lo que serán sus vidas. Hay mucha mala leche y mucha sátira entre lineas, y también muchos momentos donde el humor soterrado nos hará sonreír.
"Qué cosa esto de conocerse a uno mismo. Yo nunca me conocí, que Dios me perdone."
Es una novela que me ha sorprendido muchísmo por la cantidad de matices que contiene, y por como Gerald O’Donovan nos muestra el variado registro de todos estos personajes. Una novela insólita que a medida que avanzas va a más. Agradecer a Alba (Rara Avis) por haberla rescatado del olvido.
"Procuren no olvidar que sus hijas son de carne y hueso, igual que ustedes, y no monedas ni propiedades para invertir con fines egoístas. Den libertad a la niña, en el nombre de Dios, y procuren rescatarla de sí misma. Enséñenle un poco cómo es el mundo y que elija ella sola. Tanto puede elegir bien como equivocarse, pero al menos no podrá pasarse la vida echando la culpa a sus padres de sus desgracias."
October 4, 2019
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one here is about Zaha Hadid, a visionary Iraqi-British architect. She was not just a creative woman, but also a brave one. She was a muslim woman who imposed herself in a world of men. A true inspiration.
The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one here is about Zaha Hadid, a visionary Iraqi-British architect. She was not just a creative woman, but also a brave one. She was a muslim woman who imposed herself in a world of men. A true inspiration.
July 5, 2020
| Read on Reader Fox Blog |
I absolutely adore the Little People, Big Dreams series, this particular one by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Asun Amar, for children so much. They are brilliant educational and motivational tools that can be used to introduce young readers to some of the most international and impressive people. Even I have learned a great deal from reading some of these exceptional novels about these extraordinary people. And one of those people I recently learned about was young Zaha Hadid, a woman from Iraq who grew into a world-famous architect.
This book is gorgeously illustrated, following a very similar style to all of the other books I've read that are a part of this series. It's simple, colorful, to the point, and excellent for the typical audience. As usual, I am a huge fan. Even better, the book also features extended information about Zaha Hadid at the end.
An overview of Zaha Hadid's life, beginning from her childhood and stretching through into her adulthood accomplishments is the center focus for this book. We are taken on a short journey with her. We learn of the struggles she has faced and how she has turned her life into one of major and impressive success. Hadid is definitely a woman for young girls to look up to and I'm so thrilled that this book gives them an opportunity to do so.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
I absolutely adore the Little People, Big Dreams series, this particular one by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Asun Amar, for children so much. They are brilliant educational and motivational tools that can be used to introduce young readers to some of the most international and impressive people. Even I have learned a great deal from reading some of these exceptional novels about these extraordinary people. And one of those people I recently learned about was young Zaha Hadid, a woman from Iraq who grew into a world-famous architect.
This book is gorgeously illustrated, following a very similar style to all of the other books I've read that are a part of this series. It's simple, colorful, to the point, and excellent for the typical audience. As usual, I am a huge fan. Even better, the book also features extended information about Zaha Hadid at the end.
An overview of Zaha Hadid's life, beginning from her childhood and stretching through into her adulthood accomplishments is the center focus for this book. We are taken on a short journey with her. We learn of the struggles she has faced and how she has turned her life into one of major and impressive success. Hadid is definitely a woman for young girls to look up to and I'm so thrilled that this book gives them an opportunity to do so.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
September 18, 2019
Zaha Hadid by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara tells the true story of the female architect known as the "Queen of Curves", and her path to become one of the most respected and innovative visionaries in a profession that had traditionally been dominated by men. Growing up in Baghdad, the young Zaha had always been fascinated by shapes, and throughout her career was known to challenge the theory that the world of architecture could be seen only in rectangles. This is an enlightening portrait of a remarkable, fearless female, and I appeal to the publishers to continue with this informative and wonderful series, Little People, BIG WORLD, a truly valuable contribution to children's literature.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing, and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing, and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this ARC.
October 11, 2019
I love this series, and this book is one of the best in it – I'll definitely be buying it for my nephews and for friends' kids. The artwork is gorgeous and the words really get across the nature of Hadid's work, why it's important, and what she had to overcome. Also it's ideal for people (like me) who live in Glasgow as Hadid designed the Riverside Museum, which houses the Museum of Transport. Really recommend this.
May 7, 2021
3,5 estrellas
Una novela valiente, y más si se tiene en cuenta que se escribió en 1921.
Desde luego no la recomiendo a aquellas personas católicas que sientan admiración por la iglesia católica como institución, y su estructura jerárquica y organizativa, porque no creo que les guste lo que cuenta O'Donovan en ella.
Como yo no me encuentro precisamente en ese grupo, a mí me ha gustado mucho. Se nota que O'Donovan, que había sido sacerdote hasta que lo dejó en 1904 (tela también lo que debió pasar), sabe de lo que habla, y logra envolverte también en esa atmósfera opresiva que rodea a Kitty, la protagonista.
El poder de la iglesia en la Irlanda de principios del s. XX, monjas, curas de todo pelaje, la feligresía concebida por algunos como moneda de intercambio para hacer tratos con dios (lo cual recuerda mucho al sistema religioso contractual pagano, especialmente al de los romanos), el poder opresor de la religión... el autor tira con bala, y hay muy pocos que queden bien parados.
Yo la he disfrutado muchísimo, y si no he redondeado a 4 estrellas se debe a que tiene un ritmo irregular (un principio muy prometedor y un final angustioso, pero con un desarrollo medio que a veces se enreda en tramas secundarias, o que no acaba de explotar todo su potencial) y a que creo que le sobran páginas: podría haber contado y transmitido lo mismo sin dar tantas vueltas sobre lo mismo.
Pero, por lo demás, una novela muy entretenida, con personajes bien perfilados (la mayoría de ellos despreciables y "asesinables") y que no deja indiferente.
Una novela valiente, y más si se tiene en cuenta que se escribió en 1921.
Desde luego no la recomiendo a aquellas personas católicas que sientan admiración por la iglesia católica como institución, y su estructura jerárquica y organizativa, porque no creo que les guste lo que cuenta O'Donovan en ella.
Como yo no me encuentro precisamente en ese grupo, a mí me ha gustado mucho. Se nota que O'Donovan, que había sido sacerdote hasta que lo dejó en 1904 (tela también lo que debió pasar), sabe de lo que habla, y logra envolverte también en esa atmósfera opresiva que rodea a Kitty, la protagonista.
El poder de la iglesia en la Irlanda de principios del s. XX, monjas, curas de todo pelaje, la feligresía concebida por algunos como moneda de intercambio para hacer tratos con dios (lo cual recuerda mucho al sistema religioso contractual pagano, especialmente al de los romanos), el poder opresor de la religión... el autor tira con bala, y hay muy pocos que queden bien parados.
Yo la he disfrutado muchísimo, y si no he redondeado a 4 estrellas se debe a que tiene un ritmo irregular (un principio muy prometedor y un final angustioso, pero con un desarrollo medio que a veces se enreda en tramas secundarias, o que no acaba de explotar todo su potencial) y a que creo que le sobran páginas: podría haber contado y transmitido lo mismo sin dar tantas vueltas sobre lo mismo.
Pero, por lo demás, una novela muy entretenida, con personajes bien perfilados (la mayoría de ellos despreciables y "asesinables") y que no deja indiferente.
October 26, 2019
I really enjoy The Little People, Big Dreams series. They are short, pictorial biographies for historical people, some well-known, others not. Zaha Hadid is someone I had not heard of before. That made this story quite interesting to me as I was learning about someone new. As always, the plot is fast but that’s to be expected in a book geared to younger children, it is a taste of the subject. Zaha Hadid was definitely an entrepreneur in her own field and this came from the fact that she was not afraid to experiment and to do things no one had ever done before. This showed her bravery, determination, and creativity. As with all the books in this series, it features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the architect's life. This is a child friendly biography with delightful illustrations. It is a story that shows a young woman striving to achieve her dream. This book could be used to teach young children how to write a biography, show that it is important to have a dream and strive to achieve it as well as to introduce them to this little known architect. A good book for a school library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read via netgalley. The rating, opinions and ideas stated are my own.
October 7, 2019
'Zaha Hadid' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Asun Amar is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series.
Zaha Hadid grew up in Bagdad. She was interested in art and design from an early age. She later studied at the University of Beirut and had unusual ideas about architectural design. She imagined some of the most unusual buildings in the modern world.
I love this series and read all of them that I'm offered. The brief bios are well done and some times I even learn something new. I certainly did this time around. I loved Asun Amar's colorful, contrasting illustration style. It made the story vibrant and interesting.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Zaha Hadid grew up in Bagdad. She was interested in art and design from an early age. She later studied at the University of Beirut and had unusual ideas about architectural design. She imagined some of the most unusual buildings in the modern world.
I love this series and read all of them that I'm offered. The brief bios are well done and some times I even learn something new. I certainly did this time around. I loved Asun Amar's colorful, contrasting illustration style. It made the story vibrant and interesting.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
September 19, 2019
I love this series, because not only do we learn more about women we have heard of, but we learn about women we haven't heard of.
Zaha was an architect, known for her curves and sweeping building designs. Known as the queen of curves, she designed amazing buildings all over the world.
And true to form, once I had read the book, I wanted to know more about her, and her buldings. The book had done what it was supposed to.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Zaha was an architect, known for her curves and sweeping building designs. Known as the queen of curves, she designed amazing buildings all over the world.
And true to form, once I had read the book, I wanted to know more about her, and her buldings. The book had done what it was supposed to.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 26, 2019
I simply love the Little People, Big Dreams series, and this latest addition to the series on “Zaha Hadid” was another great addition to this excellent series of books for children.
I thought that the illustrations were great and I loved the layout of the book. The story was easy to read and follow and the images helped bring it to life.
Zaha’s story is inspirational for kids and adults alike and as an adult, after reading this book I want to know more about this remarkable woman - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!
I thought that the illustrations were great and I loved the layout of the book. The story was easy to read and follow and the images helped bring it to life.
Zaha’s story is inspirational for kids and adults alike and as an adult, after reading this book I want to know more about this remarkable woman - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!
December 12, 2019
I first learned about Hadid in another picture book, The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid. It was great to see that this innovative pioneer's life is being adapted so that younger readers may learn of her life, work, and legacy.
December 14, 2019
This book is so sweet! I love it.
I didn't know the story, but I loved the way the author wrote it.
Definitely recommend it!
I didn't know the story, but I loved the way the author wrote it.
Definitely recommend it!
September 27, 2019
Another fun read from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, and this time about a person I hadn't heard about yet: architect Zaha Hadid. Her story is told in vibrant colours and I was struck by how like 60-ies and 70-ies most of the pictures felt.
Another difference I see is that I mostly read about authors in this series before, but now, as this one is about an architect, you see her work, the buildings she created, instead of having just one symbol for her achievements like Frankenstein's monster was for Mary Shelley. Also, Zaha Hadid won numerous awards which are mentioned and would make a neat entryway for more research on famous architects and their work in one would be so inclined.
Again, the story is followed by a short timeline showing the most important steps on this person's journey and we have some ideas for further reading, both about Zaha Hadid and other installments in this series.
And, again, a clear recommendation from me. Still fun, still learning things, still am entertained.
Another difference I see is that I mostly read about authors in this series before, but now, as this one is about an architect, you see her work, the buildings she created, instead of having just one symbol for her achievements like Frankenstein's monster was for Mary Shelley. Also, Zaha Hadid won numerous awards which are mentioned and would make a neat entryway for more research on famous architects and their work in one would be so inclined.
Again, the story is followed by a short timeline showing the most important steps on this person's journey and we have some ideas for further reading, both about Zaha Hadid and other installments in this series.
And, again, a clear recommendation from me. Still fun, still learning things, still am entertained.
September 26, 2019
This is the second book that I have read in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series which narrates inspirational stories to children that hopefully will give them not only an interest in the person but also in the subject that they were associated with, in this case it is architecture. With its simple but informative sentences together with the quirky but stylish illustrations the book is ideal for an entertaining but at the same time educational read.
Zaha Hadid the "Queen of the curve" is famed for liberating architectural geometry. We learn of her life in Baghdad, Iraq where even at an early age she designed her own modernist bedroom. From early dreams she went on to become one of the most outstanding architects of her generation in a male dominated field. We learn of the innovative and outstanding builders that she designed including the London 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre. An inspiring book that provides a wonderful children's read.
Zaha Hadid the "Queen of the curve" is famed for liberating architectural geometry. We learn of her life in Baghdad, Iraq where even at an early age she designed her own modernist bedroom. From early dreams she went on to become one of the most outstanding architects of her generation in a male dominated field. We learn of the innovative and outstanding builders that she designed including the London 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre. An inspiring book that provides a wonderful children's read.
October 15, 2019
"She was a planet in her own orbit."
I have finally gotten my hands on a Little People Big Dreams book! These books have always fascinated me when I passed by them at Waterstones, or when they teased me from my amazon recommended, and finally I have managed to read one! I am a sucker for a good illustrated children book about real life heroes, and Zaha Hadid just happened to be one of my favourites. I have always admired her work, and reading about her story always puts a smile on my face, and this book was no exception. The illustration were simple yet adorable, and portrayed diversity very well. The story was obvious told so a child could understand it, but I specially appreciated the last page containing a chronological timeline of her life as well as more in-depth information on Zaha Hadid.
All in all this was a really cute read that inspired me to experiment and dare a little more.
I have finally gotten my hands on a Little People Big Dreams book! These books have always fascinated me when I passed by them at Waterstones, or when they teased me from my amazon recommended, and finally I have managed to read one! I am a sucker for a good illustrated children book about real life heroes, and Zaha Hadid just happened to be one of my favourites. I have always admired her work, and reading about her story always puts a smile on my face, and this book was no exception. The illustration were simple yet adorable, and portrayed diversity very well. The story was obvious told so a child could understand it, but I specially appreciated the last page containing a chronological timeline of her life as well as more in-depth information on Zaha Hadid.
All in all this was a really cute read that inspired me to experiment and dare a little more.
September 18, 2019
This is another wonderful entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series. This book tells the story of a young Muslim girl who, when she grew up, became a respected architect. As an architect, Zaha Hadid had a unique vision which included curvilinear constructions.
Young readers will see how this imaginative child became a capable and formidable architect. Knowing about her will encourage girls to not be held back by nationality, religion or wanting to succeed in a male dominated field. Most definitely an empowering message.
The illustrations are a bit cartoon like but nevertheless appealing. There is a time line with photos at the end of the book.
Once again, many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly love this broad based series.
Young readers will see how this imaginative child became a capable and formidable architect. Knowing about her will encourage girls to not be held back by nationality, religion or wanting to succeed in a male dominated field. Most definitely an empowering message.
The illustrations are a bit cartoon like but nevertheless appealing. There is a time line with photos at the end of the book.
Once again, many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly love this broad based series.
September 19, 2019
What a cute little picture book! And such a good idea, too. It's informative and empowering for young children, especially young Muslim/Arab children, who should have and get the same role models provided for them as young, white children have - especially assigned female at birth children. I wasn't really a fan of the art style, but I think it's bright and catchy and perfect for young children. The back contained some information on Zaha Hadid for older people, so maybe the parents or the siblings helping them read this, although some of the language used in the actual picture book itself felt a little advanced for young readers. Then again, I could read long before I could talk, so it probably depends on the child! Would reccomend this. Comes out 1st October!
* I was provided this from NetGalley in the exchange of a review, review coming on my blog shortly *
* I was provided this from NetGalley in the exchange of a review, review coming on my blog shortly *
September 20, 2019
This is the 2nd book in the Little People, Big Dreams series that I have read, & I absolutely love them! I was not familiar with Zaha Hadid prior to reading this children's biography. However, I am so glad to know about her important impact on architecture and seeing a female carve her own place in a male dominated work sector. The author takes us quickly through her life as a child, onto adulthood, and packs great information into precise yet interesting pages for the reader. I think kids and adults would enjoy reading these 5 minute biographies. The illustrations are once again, beautiful. This series is absolutely a new favorite of mine!
September 23, 2019
Another great person. Another great life. Another great book.
I didn't know who Zaha Hadid was as I was starting the book and I am so glad to know a little bit more about her and her life now.
There were a few things that surprised me considering where she came from, and for that, I really have to applaud the decisions she made in life.
This series is as cute as necessary for readers (Young and Adult) . I think these books are amazing presents for children for them to know these great people.
The art work was very inspiring. Very colourful, detailed and eye catching.
Definitely another great read!
I didn't know who Zaha Hadid was as I was starting the book and I am so glad to know a little bit more about her and her life now.
There were a few things that surprised me considering where she came from, and for that, I really have to applaud the decisions she made in life.
This series is as cute as necessary for readers (Young and Adult) . I think these books are amazing presents for children for them to know these great people.
The art work was very inspiring. Very colourful, detailed and eye catching.
Definitely another great read!
September 22, 2019
A very good entry to this series, which has at times struggled with its biographies for the very young, but here we get the perfect balance of detail on one hand, and simplicity and concision on the other. The art subtly shows numbers and letters everywhere, indicating the mind of the subject just as much as does the story of her growing renown in architecture. I don't know why the script has her called "little Zaha" when she's in her sixties and looking back on her career, but there's little wrong here. Definitely worth four stars, and a place in school libraries.
September 23, 2019
I was fascinated to learn about Zaha Hadid through the "little people, BIG DREAMS" series. I had never heard about her before and really enjoyed reading about a muslim woman of color that accomplished the things she had. She was known as the "queen of curve" and became a famous architect building impossible buildings throughout her lifetime. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone wanting to teach their children about all of the amazing people throughout history that oftentimes get overlooked.
This book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2019
‘The Queen of Curves’ Zaha Hadid was a very unique architect and it is important to remember her legacy,even (and especially) amongst children,the future generation.
Another great cute book in the beautiful collection of books for small and bigger readers! I am in love with each and every one Little People,Big Dreams.
I appreciate that the curators,the writers and illustrators have decided to present figures from different backgrounds and ethnicity.Bravo!
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Another great cute book in the beautiful collection of books for small and bigger readers! I am in love with each and every one Little People,Big Dreams.
I appreciate that the curators,the writers and illustrators have decided to present figures from different backgrounds and ethnicity.Bravo!
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
September 19, 2019
Another great children’s book about an influential woman. Zaha Hadid is a fascinating woman who, if not for this book, I may not have known anything about.
The queen of curves. A creative architect who began to think outside the box and create incredible curvy buildings. Winning awards, gracing the covers of magazines, changing the way people thought about Arab women and pioneering the future of architecture.
The queen of curves. A creative architect who began to think outside the box and create incredible curvy buildings. Winning awards, gracing the covers of magazines, changing the way people thought about Arab women and pioneering the future of architecture.
September 20, 2019
Another wonderful contribution to the little people, big dreams series, I didn’t know much about Zaha myself and these are great educators for both little and big people, done in such a beautiful and positive way, how can they be anything other than inspiring
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 20, 2019
Usually when reading this series I already have some prior knowledge on who the subject is. However, I had never heard of Zaha Hadid before requesting this read! She has quite the inspiring story for a woman in such a male dominated field! Another great edition to this series!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC for an honest review!
September 20, 2019
I love reading books from this series! Every time I read a new one, I learn something new. This time I learned about a Muslim woman I had not heard of before who became a standout in the field of architecture. I love how these books are formatted so that the reader learns about a person, is inspired and encouraged and it all done in a short picture book with exceptional back matter.
September 24, 2019
Zaha Hadid is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series, and is another lovely addition. I didn't know much about Hadid before I began to read this, and feel as though I learnt quite a lot, despite not being the intended audience of the book. I found this addition particularly inspiring, and as ever, I really enjoyed the art style and use of colour throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews