Rating: 
Summary: No dragon, no fire, decent story.
Review: I didn't find any of the characters in this story really came to life. L'Engle told us what they were like, but didn't really show us, it seemed to me, so they remained undeveloped. The basic plot is interesting, though as developed it tends to morander and jump, meander and jump. A young teenage boy, an orphan who lives with his old grandmother, is taken by a long-lost cousin on a voyage to Venezuala, where his ancestor lived with a mysterious tribe of healers, and his Indian lover. L'Engle manages to combine the "noble savage" tradition with a bit of "capitalist exploitation," without stereotyping too much on either side. One of L'Engle's strengths is her interest in science and the ecology of village life. The story goes at cruise-ship velocity at sea -- slowly, I mean -- and it would be helpful if the characters all wore name-cards, to keep them straight. All the elements for a good story are present, but fail somehow through lack of vivifying detail. Still, L'Engle does tend to see things differently, and that makes the story fairly interesting.
Rating: 
Summary: One of L'Engles best!
Review: I loved the adventures of Simon, Polly, Charles, and all of the characters. Suspenseful, and Excellent. Great for all people big and small! Entrancing, and Fun!
Rating: 
Summary: Dragons?
Review: I was pretty disappionted when I realized that their weren't any dragons in this book, but that dissapiontment soon vanished. I found the book to be thick with suspense and description. All the characters were so real, I'm sad to see that Simon doesn't re-enter any other books, and to see how happy Poly was as a child, it was a shock to read The Arm of a Starfish. A wonderful Book.
Rating:
Summary: This Kid goes on a trip.
Review: It was little hard to follow at first, such as the charcters. But at the end it was supenseful.
Rating:
Summary: A little help??
Review: No, i didn't read this book but i'd love to...if i understood the back a little more!! :) If anyone could write something however you want to do it and tell me (this may sound rediculis) if the O'Keef family is speaking of Meg and Calvin and all of them?? I want to read this if i just knew a little more...
Rating:
Summary: Not so hot
Review: Not one of L'Engle's best, but a well-writen mystery. Poly andCharles O'Keefe are traveling with their father on a trip to asouthern country when they meet up with Simon Boliver. A friendship is soon developed. It all explodes from there. A murder, a kidnaping, a stolen painting, and everyone on board is suspect if not in danger. If you like mysteries, this one's for you!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic, Mysterious, and Thoughtful, but not Fantastical
Review: Quite different than most of the books in the O'Keefe-Murray realm... But intriguing none theless.
A great mystery, and something that I couldn't put down.
It's geared towards younger readers, but I still appreciated it alot.
There's some beautiful wording in there, that only L'Engle can manage.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!!
Review: This book showed you how it felt to be betrayed by someone who you felt close to, but it was also about new beginings. Simon's search for "home" finally led him to the villiage of his ancestor. I was deeply touched at his attachment to his aunt; this shows that once he gets used to his new environment he will definatly be comfortable there (as he is at Aunt Leonis'). One of her best novels
Rating:
Summary: A Great Mystery
Review: This book was very good. The plot could be followed easily and the characters were peculiar but great to get to know. I would recomend this book to many readers. A great mystery.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book for readers of all ages!
Review: This is a wonderful book. The characters are realistic, and the plot is exciting. Although it is sometimes hard to follow, it is a rewarding book to read. I also like the way the plot is twisted. It doesen't end as you would expect it to. This is my first Madeleine L'Engle book, and I now hope to read more of her books. I love her imagination and style of writing. I would recomend this book to readers who enjoy mysteries and suspense books. I fell in love with the characters and really liked the plot. I hope other readers who are interested in buying the book will too.
| 
