It is astounding how one nursery rhyme character can have such a lasting impact on popular culture. Humpty Dumpty, the jolly anthropomorphic egg, has become an enduring symbol of both vulnerability and resilience. The tale of Humpty Dumpty, who famously sat on a wall and had a great fall, has transcended its origins as a children's rhyme and has taken on a life of its own. The ongoing curse of Humpty Dumpty can be seen in the way his story is continually adapted and referenced in various forms of media. From literature to film and even political cartoons, Humpty Dumpty has become a shorthand for any situation in which a seemingly unbreakable entity is suddenly and drastically shattered. Although the original rhyme offers no explanation for Humpty Dumpty's tragic fall, this omission allows for interpretation and speculation, allowing his story to be tailored to fit different narratives.
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2840-3
This strains her relationship with Roe, her genderqueer love interest, just as their music career seems to be setting off on a promising trajectory and as Roe begins to embrace using they them pronouns. I can t reveal much about why without spoiling the book which I don t want to do, because there are aspects of the final pages which are so right for the story, and feature really cool magic to boot.
Although the original rhyme offers no explanation for Humpty Dumpty's tragic fall, this omission allows for interpretation and speculation, allowing his story to be tailored to fit different narratives. One interpretation of Humpty Dumpty is that he represents the fragility of human existence. In this interpretation, the fall from the wall symbolizes the vulnerability and mortality of human beings, who can be undone by a single misstep or accident.
EVERY GIFT A CURSE
A smartly plotted end to an emotionally engaging fantasy.
Magic and the bonds of friendship are put to the test in this conclusion to a trilogy set in the town of Kilbeg, Ireland.
Having figured out the evil workings of the cultlike fundamentalist Children of Brigid, Maeve, Lily, Roe, and Fiona are still uneasy with Aaron, one of the Children’s former leaders, even as first-person narrator Maeve is continually aware that she seems to be bound to him through her magic. This strains her relationship with Roe, her genderqueer love interest, just as their music career seems to be setting off on a promising trajectory (and as Roe begins to embrace using they/them pronouns). Further, Maeve’s overwhelming bouts of rage, in which she seemingly loses control of her magic, lead to problems between her, Fiona, and Lily. Readers will be swept up both by interesting magical elements, such as Fiona’s communication with her familiar, a magpie named Paolo, and the more ordinary, recognizable details of the changes experienced by a group of teens on the cusp of adulthood. This appealing blend of realism and the paranormal and the evolution of each of the characters in their own rights is as satisfying as the final reckoning with the Housekeeper, the seemingly malevolent magical entity that has plagued them from the beginning. Most main characters are White; Fiona is Filipina and White.
A smartly plotted end to an emotionally engaging fantasy. (Paranormal. 14-18)
Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2840-3
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Walker US/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
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This interpretation is reinforced by the popular image of Humpty Dumpty as an egg, a delicate object that is easily broken. Another way Humpty Dumpty's curse manifests is in the broader cultural context. The tale of Humpty Dumpty is often invoked to describe situations in which powerful individuals or organizations are suddenly and irreparably compromised. This could be seen in scandals involving politicians or corporations, where once-respected figures or institutions come crashing down due to their own mistakes or misdeeds. Ultimately, the ongoing curse of Humpty Dumpty is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. This simple nursery rhyme character has become an archetypal figure, simultaneously representing vulnerability and resilience. Whether as a cautionary tale or a symbol of a dramatic downfall, Humpty Dumpty continues to capture the imagination and remind us of our own precariousness in a fragile world..
Reviews for "The Curious Case of Humpty Dumpty: What Really Happened?"
1. Jake - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The ongoing curse of humpty dumpty". The storyline was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow and get invested in the characters. The pacing was also off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. Overall, I found it hard to connect with the story and ended up feeling underwhelmed.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I absolutely hated "The ongoing curse of humpty dumpty". The plot was convoluted and made no sense whatsoever. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it impossible for me to care about their fates. The writing style was also underwhelming, filled with cliches and predictable twists. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Matthew - 2/5 - "The ongoing curse of humpty dumpty" had an interesting concept, but it failed to deliver. The execution of the story was lackluster, with significant plot holes and inconsistencies. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard to immerse myself in the narrative. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read, despite the promising premise.
4. Sarah - 2/5 - I really wanted to enjoy "The ongoing curse of humpty dumpty" as I'm a fan of fairy tale retellings, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was all over the place, leaving me feeling bored in some parts and confused in others. The characters lacked depth and their motivations were poorly explained. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging retelling.