The average Goodreads rating, at this time, for "The Abominables" is 3.75/5 stars. I think that's exactly right. I don't have much to say about it, except that it was cute but a little slow in some places. It's very clearly not American, as there's mention of whiskey and drinking and all sorts of things that the Puritanical United States would never allow in a Children's book. At the same time, there's an underlying theme that's almost evangelical -- the importance of "civilizing" the Other (teaching them hymns to sing and the importance of confession and penance; it's a little weird. The author does seem to respect different religious traditions, however, though one is dominant). I loved the illustrations and am eager to look into Fiona Robinson's other books (especially after finding out that she's really an author/illustrator). The characters of the yetis themselves (Ambrose, Lucy, Clarence, Uncle Otto, Grandma, Father, and Hubert the Yak) were charming. I did have some difficulty reconciling the fact that Father stole Lady Agatha from her biological, human Father in the first place, and that that never seemed to be a moral problem. The cleverest thing was Ibbotson's explanation for why Yetis are so difficult to track in the wild. Ibbotson seems like she was an interesting person. You can see in the text that she has a real problem with wealth, an interest in different styles of education, and was a champion for environmentalism. I'd like to see how this was reflected, biographically, in her life. Jag älskade Eva Ibbotsons böcker när jag var liten. Läste alla jag kom över, därför blev jag småsugen på att läsa ännu en när jag såg dem i hyllan på biblioteket. Lotten föll på den sista boken som publicerades skriven av Ibbotson. Boken är en söt berättelse om fem yetier som inte har något ont alls i sig. Boken är en lågstadiebok och det märks på språket och handlingen. Det är inte så mycket mer än en söt bok.
What do You think about Abominables (2013)?
Sharply pointed humor. Highly imaginative fun with a bit of an animal rights agenda.
—Jasmine
Get this book and read it with your kid. So great.
—harunpatel
Started awesomely strong, I lost enthusiasm.
—hungergames
