Terrible Times

Rating:
Summary: AN ATTENTION-GETTING READING
Review: Philip Ardagh is one author who knows precisely how to grab the attention of young readers and never let it go. He's wry, humorous, and incomparable. Attesting to his winning ways is the popularity of the first two books in his Eddie Dickens Trilogy: "A House Called Awful End" and "Dreadful Acts."

Now comes "Terrible Times" read by the immensely talented Martin Rayner.

Expressing surprise at the success of these books Mr. Ardagh relates that their genesis is found in letters that he wrote to a nephew at boarding school. Whatever the case, they're gems and, in this reviewer's estimation will be enjoyed by generations of young people.

North America is the destination of Eddie, the young protagonist, in "Terrible Times." He finds himself aboard a sailing ship carrying an unlikely cargo - countless left shoes. The unforgettable Dog's Bone Diamond has also booked passage, along with a gaggle of shipmates who should be forced to walk planks.

As if that weren't enough, of course, there's a stowaway.

Before long the hapless Eddie is set adrift in a leaky rowboat. Chances are slim that he can backstroke all the way to America. What's to become of him now?

Rating:
Summary: AN ATTENTION-GETTING READING
Review: Philip Ardagh is one author who knows precisely how to grab the attention of young readers and never let it go. He's wry, humorous, and incomparable. Attesting to his winning ways is the popularity of the first two books in his Eddie Dickens Trilogy: "A House Called Awful End" and "Dreadful Acts."

Now comes "Terrible Times" read by the immensely talented Martin Rayner.

Expressing surprise at the success of these books Mr. Ardagh relates that their genesis is found in letters that he wrote to a nephew at boarding school. Whatever the case, they're gems and, in this reviewer's estimation will be enjoyed by generations of young people.

North America is the destination of Eddie, the young protagonist, in "Terrible Times." He finds himself aboard a sailing ship carrying an unlikely cargo - countless left shoes. The unforgettable Dog's Bone Diamond has also booked passage, along with a gaggle of shipmates who should be forced to walk planks.

As if that weren't enough, of course, there's a stowaway.

Before long the hapless Eddie is set adrift in a leaky rowboat. Chances are slim that he can backstroke all the way to America. What's to become of him now?

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: Zany misfortunes and disreputable traveling companions
Review: Terrible Times is Book 3 of the 'Eddie Dickens Trilogy' and requires familiarity with the past plots, but will nonetheless delight fans who have enjoyed the story of hero Eddie, who now finds himself en route to North America aboard the sail ship The Pompous Pig. Zany misfortunes and disreputable traveling companions abound with mystery and an involving, lively plot.