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kwims's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ismemestar's review against another edition
3.0
Mostly sugar with little substance, as it has fun elements that don't seem to be entirely thought through. However, there are some good lines and messages in here as well. You can see some attempts at early feminism (the men are exhausted by having to take on "feminine" tasks of taking care of the home and the children, etc, proving that being a homemaker is hard work that goes underappreciated, for instance), but overall it is very much a product of the sexist culture of its time. But surprise! There's also a trans storyline (ish) that, while I wouldn't write it the same way today, is still shockingly progressive for 1904!
theresazel's review against another edition
3.0
A classic sequel. Definitely a product of its time; my 21st century gender politics chafed against parts of the plot, but the gentle humor and fun fantasy soothed.
aligeorge's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Jack Pumpkinhead might be Frank L. Baum’s Jar Jar Binks, but this is a fun enough follow up to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It’s unapologetically violent, at times delightfully nonsensical, and occasionally really quite sexist - although I suppose benefit of the doubt for the period in which it was written. At least the male characters are equally as daft/flawed.
sillyschraff's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The second installment of the Oz series was a fascinating read since everything was new and unknown. I liked the new cast of characters as well as the developments in the old returning ones. For instance, the Woggle-Bug truly is a silly fellow, and I enjoyed his puns greatly. Jack Pumpkinhead touches on the anxious feelings we experience living in the world. The Tin Woodman has become vain with his new power and riches, I wonder if this shall develop further. Looking forward to book number 3!
jmroberts91's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sapphiremarie's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
elfflame's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cmknotts's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
ahbmacgregor's review against another edition
3.5
This isn't necessarily the strongest entry in the Oz books, but it is still a solid Oz book. It strangely manages to both show its age and be pretty progressive for its time regarding how it treats women. Jinjur's army of women are said to be gossipy, scared of mice, and motivated to conquer the Emerald City so they could use the gems in necklaces and to buy dresses — but, also, shows a man shocked at how hard the work typically considered "women's work" at the time (managing a household, raising children) actually is once he's forced to perform it. Probably the reality of reading most books that are over a century old.