Call number
JF AIK
Collection
Genres
Publication
Yearling (1987), Edition: Reprint, 192 pages
Description
Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. HTML:Wicked wolves and a grim governess threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie's parents leave Willoughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are dismissed, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are sent to a prison-like orphan school. It seems as if the endless hours of drudgery will never cease. With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his flock, they escape. But how will they ever get Willoughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?
Subjects
User reviews
LibraryThing member jnwelch
"Sylvia, secretly, began to be a little anxious. They seemed to have come a very long way, the house was nearly out of sight across the rolling parkland, and when they rounded the curve of the river they saw that Miss Slighcarp had cut across another ridge and was almost as far from them as ever.
'Just around the next bend,' Bonnie encouraged her, 'and then we must meet her. If not, I do not know what we can do - we shall have reached the park boundary and moreover, the river runs into the woods here, and the ice is treacherous and full of broken branches.'"
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken is an old-fashioned charmer, apparently first published in 1962. Bonnie and Sylvia are little girls. Bonnie is the daughter of wealthy parents living at Willoughby Chase. She is strong-minded and righteously impetuous, dashing a jug full of water into the face of a misbehaving adult early in the book. Sylvia lovingly takes care of an impoverished Aunt Jane, but ends up being called to Willoughby Chase to be a companion to the excited Bonnie. Once Bonnie's parents leave on a sea voyage, Miss Slighcarp turns out to be as nasty as her Dickensian name, and much of the book revolves around her nefarious deeds and the girls' brave attempts to unravel her. They're assisted by servants in the house and a gypsy boy named Simon who lives in a cave on the estate.
Will Miss Slighcarp's uppance come? Will the girls overcome their travails? It's fun to find out, and I can see why this book remains a favorite among so many.
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Sylvia's legs and back, unused to this form of exercise, began to feel tired and to ache, but she valiantly strove to keep up with the sturdier Bonnie.'Just around the next bend,' Bonnie encouraged her, 'and then we must meet her. If not, I do not know what we can do - we shall have reached the park boundary and moreover, the river runs into the woods here, and the ice is treacherous and full of broken branches.'"
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken is an old-fashioned charmer, apparently first published in 1962. Bonnie and Sylvia are little girls. Bonnie is the daughter of wealthy parents living at Willoughby Chase. She is strong-minded and righteously impetuous, dashing a jug full of water into the face of a misbehaving adult early in the book. Sylvia lovingly takes care of an impoverished Aunt Jane, but ends up being called to Willoughby Chase to be a companion to the excited Bonnie. Once Bonnie's parents leave on a sea voyage, Miss Slighcarp turns out to be as nasty as her Dickensian name, and much of the book revolves around her nefarious deeds and the girls' brave attempts to unravel her. They're assisted by servants in the house and a gypsy boy named Simon who lives in a cave on the estate.
Will Miss Slighcarp's uppance come? Will the girls overcome their travails? It's fun to find out, and I can see why this book remains a favorite among so many.
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LibraryThing member atimco
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken is a fairly straightforward story of children dealing with powerful and abusive adults, with everything coming right in the end. But the lovely Gothic undertones, perfect prose, and fun characters combine to make this conventional story a more memorable
Bonnie, daughter of the house at the wealthy manor Willoughby Chase, is excited when her cousin Sylvia comes to stay with her. But Bonnie's parents are leaving for a long trip and the governess they employ, Miss Slighcarp, soon proves to be a cruel woman intent on plundering Willoughby Chase for all it's worth. The girls are sent to a terrible school reminiscent of Charlotte Brontë's Lowood and Charles Dickens' Dotheboys Hall. They eventually make their escape, aided by a friendly country boy (who reminded me of Frances Hodgson Burnett's Dickon). From there they make their way to London, where they are just in time to save their Aunt Jane from starvation and get the family lawyer on the case to see justice done and provide a happy ending all around.
The story pits children against adults, but at least the villainous grownups are balanced by the good ones—even if some of the good ones, like Mr Willoughby, are so kind as to be utterly blind. Aiken does a lovely job with her two leading characters, Bonnie and Sylvia. I especially liked her description of Sylvia's life with Aunt Jane, her journey to Willoughby Chase, and her emotions as she adjusted to her new life. Maybe because Sylvia reminds me a little of myself.
One thing I didn't quite understand was the wolves. They are so ravenous that they will attack stopped trains and devour anyone foolish enough to step outside without a weapon. But beyond scaring Sylvia and creating a vague atmosphere of tension very much in the background of the story, they don't do much. Maybe that's just what Aiken intended, though, for the wolves to represent the vague danger of the outside world for children, a hostility all the more ominous for being on the outskirts. I understand there are more books set in this world; perhaps the wolves play a more important role in later stories.
I didn't find this a very humorous book, as one of the back-cover blurbs seems to think it was, but I do agree with that same blurb that the language is "so fantastically right." It's not exactly Austenian, but that is probably the closest comparison I can come up with. Every now and then I'd get whiffs of that delicate phrasing and spare narrative that so distinguish Austen. I think I read somewhere that Aiken is quite the Austen fan, and it doesn't surprise me at all.
Overall I enjoyed this story and will be looking for the rest of Aiken's books.
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read than its plot might suggest. Bonnie, daughter of the house at the wealthy manor Willoughby Chase, is excited when her cousin Sylvia comes to stay with her. But Bonnie's parents are leaving for a long trip and the governess they employ, Miss Slighcarp, soon proves to be a cruel woman intent on plundering Willoughby Chase for all it's worth. The girls are sent to a terrible school reminiscent of Charlotte Brontë's Lowood and Charles Dickens' Dotheboys Hall. They eventually make their escape, aided by a friendly country boy (who reminded me of Frances Hodgson Burnett's Dickon). From there they make their way to London, where they are just in time to save their Aunt Jane from starvation and get the family lawyer on the case to see justice done and provide a happy ending all around.
The story pits children against adults, but at least the villainous grownups are balanced by the good ones—even if some of the good ones, like Mr Willoughby, are so kind as to be utterly blind. Aiken does a lovely job with her two leading characters, Bonnie and Sylvia. I especially liked her description of Sylvia's life with Aunt Jane, her journey to Willoughby Chase, and her emotions as she adjusted to her new life. Maybe because Sylvia reminds me a little of myself.
One thing I didn't quite understand was the wolves. They are so ravenous that they will attack stopped trains and devour anyone foolish enough to step outside without a weapon. But beyond scaring Sylvia and creating a vague atmosphere of tension very much in the background of the story, they don't do much. Maybe that's just what Aiken intended, though, for the wolves to represent the vague danger of the outside world for children, a hostility all the more ominous for being on the outskirts. I understand there are more books set in this world; perhaps the wolves play a more important role in later stories.
I didn't find this a very humorous book, as one of the back-cover blurbs seems to think it was, but I do agree with that same blurb that the language is "so fantastically right." It's not exactly Austenian, but that is probably the closest comparison I can come up with. Every now and then I'd get whiffs of that delicate phrasing and spare narrative that so distinguish Austen. I think I read somewhere that Aiken is quite the Austen fan, and it doesn't surprise me at all.
Overall I enjoyed this story and will be looking for the rest of Aiken's books.
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LibraryThing member Smiler69
On this particular day sometime in the 19th century, little Bonnie, who lives in a grand English house called Willoughby Chase, is both terribly sad about her parents leaving on an extended sea voyage and terribly excited about the fact that her cousin Sylvia is on her way from London to live with
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her. When a coach arrives at the front door, she rushes down to greet her cousin in her usual energetic and spontaneous style, only to crash into a very disgruntled Miss Slighcarp, a distant relative come to be the girls' governess and look over the estate while Bonnie's parents are away. There are great big packs of wolves who roam about outside from dusk to dawn looking to devour anyone they meet, but the dangers within prove to be just as scary, with Miss Slighcarp hell-bent on doing things in her own, unscrupulous ways. Apparently, with Willoughby Chase, Joan Aiken set out to write a stand-alone book which was meant as a pastiche of the gothic novels she had devoured as a child, but her formula was so successful that she went on to write ten more instalments in the Wolves Chronicles, which is a lucky thing, because her unique kind of fairytale was quickly gotten though and over much, much too soon. Show Less
LibraryThing member humouress
Having read this book, 'Black Hearts in Battersea' and a couple of others in the series in my childhood, I came across this while browsing through a children's bookshop in search of books for my own kids (start 'em early, I say). They made an impression at the time, and I never did find out what
'The Wolves of Willoughby Chase' is a well written adventure story about two courageous little girls in a version of 19th century England, who are helped in an impossible situation by their equally kind and courageous friends. The action moves along quite smartly, the descriptions are vivid, and the characterisation, though written for children, makes you want to cheer for the heroines (and heroes), and boo the villains. It's great fun; and I'll be getting 'Black Hearts in Battersea' soon ...
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happened to Simon and Dido, so I decided to re-read them.'The Wolves of Willoughby Chase' is a well written adventure story about two courageous little girls in a version of 19th century England, who are helped in an impossible situation by their equally kind and courageous friends. The action moves along quite smartly, the descriptions are vivid, and the characterisation, though written for children, makes you want to cheer for the heroines (and heroes), and boo the villains. It's great fun; and I'll be getting 'Black Hearts in Battersea' soon ...
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LibraryThing member whitreidtan
I can't imagine how Joan Aiken escaped me when I was growing up. Her books have just the right amount of gothic to have fired my childhood imagination. And yet somehow she never hit my radar until I was an adult. So I was more than pleased to see one of her books included in Shelf Discovery, giving
Bonnie's parents are leaving in order to try and strengthen her mother, who is frail and ill, and have found a shirt-tail relative to act as Bonnie's governess while they are gone. This personage strides into the book nasty and parsimonious and prune-faced. She's a puppy kicker of the first degree. Shortly after her arrival, Bonnie's cousin Sylvia arrives as well, having come by train and braved the terrifying, ravening wolves that live and prey on things near Willoughby Chase. With her is a man who has been struck unconscious on the train. As in the best gothic traditions, he will turn out to be not as he appeared on the train and will add to the menace of horrible Miss Slighcarp. Need I mention that somehow the terrible Miss Slighcarp arrived without having to face the awfully frightening wolves?
Once Bonnie's parents have gone, things go from bad to worse for forthright Bonnie and shy Sylvia. All the servants, except for those who are untrustworthy anyway, are turned off. The lowly governess takes to wearing Lady Willoughby's clothing. And finally, Miss Slighcarp informs them that Bonnie's parents have died when their ship went down, sending them off to a hideous school that is more a children's workhouse than anything resembling a school. The girls must escape to survive. Relying on the kindness of the goose boy and former servants, they manage to evade capture and head off to foil the dastardly plans of Miss Slighcarp and her compatriots in crime.
I love that there is no Disney Dead Mom syndrome here. Yes, Bonnie's parents must disappear for the girls to have their scary adventure but we aren't faced with the plucky orphan syndrome that pervades so much of children's literature and film these days. Aiken has created a delightfully gothic world that won't be too terrifying for children but she maintains the important conventions like having the weather and the natural world reflect the plot. Her wolves are scary and the visual of the girls slogging through an initially grey, winter world on the way to London and redemption in the colorful spring pays homage to the best of gothic writing. Bonnie and Sylvia are charming characters, if Sylvia's tendency to weakness and all around goodness is a tad irritating. The secondary characters are not intrusive but help move the little girls along in their quest, providing the warmth that counteracts the nastiness of the adults ostensibly in charge. I can't say how this would hold up as a re-read but as a first read, even as an adult, it's a delight. Good is rewarded and evil punished but there's no heavy handed moralizing here. I do think middle grade readers will eat it up, given half a chance and adults who appreciate middle grade books will find much to appreciate as well.
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me the perfect excuse to read it. (As if I needed the excuse! The book was already sitting on my own children's bookshelves unappreciated and untouched so it was only a matter of time before I snagged it and tried to entice them with it anyway.)Bonnie's parents are leaving in order to try and strengthen her mother, who is frail and ill, and have found a shirt-tail relative to act as Bonnie's governess while they are gone. This personage strides into the book nasty and parsimonious and prune-faced. She's a puppy kicker of the first degree. Shortly after her arrival, Bonnie's cousin Sylvia arrives as well, having come by train and braved the terrifying, ravening wolves that live and prey on things near Willoughby Chase. With her is a man who has been struck unconscious on the train. As in the best gothic traditions, he will turn out to be not as he appeared on the train and will add to the menace of horrible Miss Slighcarp. Need I mention that somehow the terrible Miss Slighcarp arrived without having to face the awfully frightening wolves?
Once Bonnie's parents have gone, things go from bad to worse for forthright Bonnie and shy Sylvia. All the servants, except for those who are untrustworthy anyway, are turned off. The lowly governess takes to wearing Lady Willoughby's clothing. And finally, Miss Slighcarp informs them that Bonnie's parents have died when their ship went down, sending them off to a hideous school that is more a children's workhouse than anything resembling a school. The girls must escape to survive. Relying on the kindness of the goose boy and former servants, they manage to evade capture and head off to foil the dastardly plans of Miss Slighcarp and her compatriots in crime.
I love that there is no Disney Dead Mom syndrome here. Yes, Bonnie's parents must disappear for the girls to have their scary adventure but we aren't faced with the plucky orphan syndrome that pervades so much of children's literature and film these days. Aiken has created a delightfully gothic world that won't be too terrifying for children but she maintains the important conventions like having the weather and the natural world reflect the plot. Her wolves are scary and the visual of the girls slogging through an initially grey, winter world on the way to London and redemption in the colorful spring pays homage to the best of gothic writing. Bonnie and Sylvia are charming characters, if Sylvia's tendency to weakness and all around goodness is a tad irritating. The secondary characters are not intrusive but help move the little girls along in their quest, providing the warmth that counteracts the nastiness of the adults ostensibly in charge. I can't say how this would hold up as a re-read but as a first read, even as an adult, it's a delight. Good is rewarded and evil punished but there's no heavy handed moralizing here. I do think middle grade readers will eat it up, given half a chance and adults who appreciate middle grade books will find much to appreciate as well.
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LibraryThing member ctpress
Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia are left alone with the suspicious governess Miss Slighcarp, when Bonnie’s parents are leaving for a sea voyage. Miss Slighcarp have plans to take possession of the Willoughby Chase estate. And she sends the children to an orphanage run by Mrs. Brisket who must be in
At the same time wolves are threatening the children at every turn. A Dickens-like YA-tale from victorian times - scary, fast-paced and very entertaining.
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some relation to Fagin. At the same time wolves are threatening the children at every turn. A Dickens-like YA-tale from victorian times - scary, fast-paced and very entertaining.
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LibraryThing member kiparsky
Quite a good adventure for kids. Scary, yes, but not overly so. Anglophile, yes. Full of big words they won't know, but they'll figure 'em out - your kids are smart. And the cover art is by Edward Gorey, what more could you want?
LibraryThing member ChazziFrazz
Set in Victorian times in England. The parents of Bonnie Willoughby have sent for her cousin to come stay with her while the parents go on a trip. Bonnie's mother, Lady Green, has been ill and it is recommended that a voyage will help her to get better. Sir Willoughby has a poor cousin, Bonnie's
The family lives in the country on a large estate. The story starts in winter with heavy snows and numbers of wolves that have come down from the north scavenging for food. It is a dark setting outside, but inside all is good with the full compliment of servants and the good life.
Things start to get dark when Miss Slighcarp shows up. She is Bonnie's fourth cousin once removed, and has arrived to be her governess while the parents are gone. She is tall, thin, wears glasses and of a strict and severe personality. I did not like her from the beginning and figured she would not be a good 'un. She expects to have her own maid and set of rooms and be treated as one of the titled and not as an employee.
On the way to Willoughby Chase, Sylvia meets a man on the train, Mr. Grimshaw, who tries to befriend her. Her Aunt Jane has taught her not to trust strangers, but when something serious happens she does let her guard down. When the train arrives at the station, it stops suddenly and Mr. Grimshaw's portmanteau falls from the overhead rack and knocks him out. Due to his injury and Sylvia's concern he is taken to Willoughby Chase to recuperate. He also proves to not be a good 'un.
Once the parents are gone, Miss Slighcarp takes over the estate. She fires all the loyal servants and keeps only the shady ones. She determines the girls have been spoiled rotten and need discipline to show that they are not so privileged. She also takes to wearing Lady Green's elegant wardrobe and proceeds to get rid of the girls' wardrobes, the house furniture and anything else she can. Bread, water and gruel are the diet for the girls while Miss Slighcarp dines on only the best.
James, a loyal servant, manages to keep his post while posing as they type of servant Miss Slighcarp wants. He figures he can keep an eye on the girls and be helpful in getting them food. But Slighcarp decides to ship the girls off to a girls' school that is actually a work house.
There are also illustrations by Pat Marriott that also add to the dark, Victorian style. The tale has lots of action and adventure. The girls turn out to learn to be resourceful in getting out of the situation they find themselves in. Much they learn while dealing with life in the workhouse and also from their friend Simon, a young boy who lives in a cave on the Willoughby Chase estate. He raises geese and is very self-sufficient.
Though listed as a children's book, adults can enjoy it too. The characters and situations along with the writing keep you interested.
I found that Joan Aiken has received various prestigious awards for her writing and has 100 or so books to her credit. Definitely will be keeping my eye out for more by her.
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Aunt Jane, who has been raising her orphaned niece Sylvia. Sir Willoughby feels that Sylvia would be good company for Bonnie while he and Lady Green are gone.The family lives in the country on a large estate. The story starts in winter with heavy snows and numbers of wolves that have come down from the north scavenging for food. It is a dark setting outside, but inside all is good with the full compliment of servants and the good life.
Things start to get dark when Miss Slighcarp shows up. She is Bonnie's fourth cousin once removed, and has arrived to be her governess while the parents are gone. She is tall, thin, wears glasses and of a strict and severe personality. I did not like her from the beginning and figured she would not be a good 'un. She expects to have her own maid and set of rooms and be treated as one of the titled and not as an employee.
On the way to Willoughby Chase, Sylvia meets a man on the train, Mr. Grimshaw, who tries to befriend her. Her Aunt Jane has taught her not to trust strangers, but when something serious happens she does let her guard down. When the train arrives at the station, it stops suddenly and Mr. Grimshaw's portmanteau falls from the overhead rack and knocks him out. Due to his injury and Sylvia's concern he is taken to Willoughby Chase to recuperate. He also proves to not be a good 'un.
Once the parents are gone, Miss Slighcarp takes over the estate. She fires all the loyal servants and keeps only the shady ones. She determines the girls have been spoiled rotten and need discipline to show that they are not so privileged. She also takes to wearing Lady Green's elegant wardrobe and proceeds to get rid of the girls' wardrobes, the house furniture and anything else she can. Bread, water and gruel are the diet for the girls while Miss Slighcarp dines on only the best.
James, a loyal servant, manages to keep his post while posing as they type of servant Miss Slighcarp wants. He figures he can keep an eye on the girls and be helpful in getting them food. But Slighcarp decides to ship the girls off to a girls' school that is actually a work house.
There are also illustrations by Pat Marriott that also add to the dark, Victorian style. The tale has lots of action and adventure. The girls turn out to learn to be resourceful in getting out of the situation they find themselves in. Much they learn while dealing with life in the workhouse and also from their friend Simon, a young boy who lives in a cave on the Willoughby Chase estate. He raises geese and is very self-sufficient.
Though listed as a children's book, adults can enjoy it too. The characters and situations along with the writing keep you interested.
I found that Joan Aiken has received various prestigious awards for her writing and has 100 or so books to her credit. Definitely will be keeping my eye out for more by her.
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LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Cousins Bonnie and Sylvia Green find themselves in danger when Bonnie's parents must leave the country, entrusting the girls to the care of their wicked governess, Miss Slighcarp. But whether they are confronting the eponymous wolves of Willoughby Chase or enduring the drudgery of a charity school,
The first in what is sometimes called the Wolves Chronicles, a loosely-connected series of children's books, mainly considered fantasy because they occur in an alternate nineteenth-century England. In this alternative time-line, the Hanoverian line never comes to power in England, and the country has remained largely undeveloped, despite the advent of the Industrial Revolution.
This tongue-in-cheek Victorian melodrama, packed with non-stop action and adventure, set the standard for many children's books to follow, not the least of which is A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. An exciting and entertaining read on its own, it also introduces the character of Simon the goose-boy, who will play such a large part in the books to come...
While the cover illustrations by Edward Gorey are justly beloved, this book would not be the same without Pat Marriott's interior illustrations.
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our two young heroines never lose sight of their goal: to expose the machinations of their enemy, and regain their home...The first in what is sometimes called the Wolves Chronicles, a loosely-connected series of children's books, mainly considered fantasy because they occur in an alternate nineteenth-century England. In this alternative time-line, the Hanoverian line never comes to power in England, and the country has remained largely undeveloped, despite the advent of the Industrial Revolution.
This tongue-in-cheek Victorian melodrama, packed with non-stop action and adventure, set the standard for many children's books to follow, not the least of which is A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. An exciting and entertaining read on its own, it also introduces the character of Simon the goose-boy, who will play such a large part in the books to come...
While the cover illustrations by Edward Gorey are justly beloved, this book would not be the same without Pat Marriott's interior illustrations.
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LibraryThing member cbl_tn
Young Bonnie Green of Willoughby Chase has a new governess. Her mother, Lady Green, is very ill, so Sir Willoughby is taking her on a journey to recover her health. While they are away, Sir Willoughby’s distant cousin, Miss Slighcarp, will do double duty as governess and caretaker of Willoughby
This story shares many characteristics with the fairy tales I loved as a child, as well as a few things from the mystery and adventure stories I loved. If I had read it in my childhood, it’s likely to have been a favorite. The audio version I listened to was read by the author’s daughter, who also wrote the introduction for this version. The daughter’s memories of her mother as author and of being one of the first to hear this book made me appreciate it even more.
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Chase. Bonnie’s cousin, Sylvia, is coming from London to be a playmate for Bonnie while her parents are away. As soon as Sir Willoughby and Lady Green are gone, Miss Slighcarp reveals her true character. With the assistance of some faithful friends, Bonnie and Sylvia must escape from Miss Slighcarp and her cronies and prevent her from stealing Sir Willoughby’s home and his fortune.This story shares many characteristics with the fairy tales I loved as a child, as well as a few things from the mystery and adventure stories I loved. If I had read it in my childhood, it’s likely to have been a favorite. The audio version I listened to was read by the author’s daughter, who also wrote the introduction for this version. The daughter’s memories of her mother as author and of being one of the first to hear this book made me appreciate it even more.
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LibraryThing member themulhern
This book is short, clever, imaginative, and delightful. The wolves in the title are both a metaphor and a plot device.
The book is set in an imaginary and very cold Victorian England where the inconveniences of train travel include the occasionally lethal attacks of wolves on disembarking
In subsequent books, including "Blackhearts in Battersea" which is nearly as good, it is revealed that the current British monarch is a descendant of the Stuarts. I never understood the significance of this alternate history, but it is enjoyable to have a British King who seems to speak in Lowland Scots. This, of course, means that there is no Queen Victoria, so there is not really any Victorian England.
This was a wonderful start to a series that is occasionally middling. The book was not intended as part of a series originally; it stands very well on its own.
The book is set in an imaginary and very cold Victorian England where the inconveniences of train travel include the occasionally lethal attacks of wolves on disembarking
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passengers.In subsequent books, including "Blackhearts in Battersea" which is nearly as good, it is revealed that the current British monarch is a descendant of the Stuarts. I never understood the significance of this alternate history, but it is enjoyable to have a British King who seems to speak in Lowland Scots. This, of course, means that there is no Queen Victoria, so there is not really any Victorian England.
This was a wonderful start to a series that is occasionally middling. The book was not intended as part of a series originally; it stands very well on its own.
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LibraryThing member sszkutak
Background: Bonnie Green is a well off little girl, she lives with her mom and dad in Willoughby Chase. Sylvia Green is her cousin who is an orphan and she is moving in with the Greens. All of this seems very normal, but when Mr. and Mrs. Green must depart on an overseas voyage, the girls are left
Review: If/When I have children I will be reading them this book. It is a whimsical tale of adventure and charity from others. The girls are very different, Bonnie – brave, determined, and resilient, and Sylvia -- shy, reserved and polite; but they work together to make it through rough patches in their lives. The girls experience poverty, cruelty, and friendship through it all and it was adorable. I really enjoyed the plot within this book, learning about the girls and slowly moving through the cruel Miss Slighcarp’s plans—she is so evil, a spot-on villain. I think you and your children (if you have any) will absolutely love this read.
The audiobook was beautifully read by Lizza Aiken, the daughter of the author, Joan Aiken. It had a heartfelt, sentimental introduction that made me love the story even more. Lizza was a magnificent reader of this tale, her experience with the story is noticeable and her voice is soothing.
Recommended for middle grade readers and adults alike. I believe it would be great for family reading.
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with a governess named Miss Slighcarp who is not as she seems. Soon the girls are left at an orphanage and Miss Slighcarp is taking over the Chase all for herself.Review: If/When I have children I will be reading them this book. It is a whimsical tale of adventure and charity from others. The girls are very different, Bonnie – brave, determined, and resilient, and Sylvia -- shy, reserved and polite; but they work together to make it through rough patches in their lives. The girls experience poverty, cruelty, and friendship through it all and it was adorable. I really enjoyed the plot within this book, learning about the girls and slowly moving through the cruel Miss Slighcarp’s plans—she is so evil, a spot-on villain. I think you and your children (if you have any) will absolutely love this read.
The audiobook was beautifully read by Lizza Aiken, the daughter of the author, Joan Aiken. It had a heartfelt, sentimental introduction that made me love the story even more. Lizza was a magnificent reader of this tale, her experience with the story is noticeable and her voice is soothing.
Recommended for middle grade readers and adults alike. I believe it would be great for family reading.
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LibraryThing member Marse
I read this book as a child and the only thing I could remember about it was the title, and that I liked it. When I came across a used copy I bought it, ostensibly for my daughter, but actually because I was curious as to why I liked this book, but could not remember the characters, the plot, or
The story concerns cousins Bonnie, who lives at Willoughby Chase, and Sylvia who comes to live with her on the eve of Bonnie's parents departure on a sea voyage. A Miss Slighcarp is engaged to take care of the girls, but turns out to be a very sinister person bent on taking over the Willoughby property while disposing of the girls at a school/workhouse. It is the first book in a series and is probably one of the inspirations for Lemony Snickett's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" without the snide narrator. It was an interesting enough story to keep a fourth grader's interest, though I could see why I wouldn't remember much of it. The events, except for a scene with wolves attacking the train near the beginning of the story, are not particularly memorable. The characters are either good or evil and everything is resolved very quickly in the end. I might read the next book, also a great title, "Black Hearts at Battersea", if only to see how the girls are imperiled this time.
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any single thing that happens in the book. It was as though I had fallen in love with the title, but never read the story! And the title is great, it rolls off the tongue wonderfully, it evokes danger and mystery. The story concerns cousins Bonnie, who lives at Willoughby Chase, and Sylvia who comes to live with her on the eve of Bonnie's parents departure on a sea voyage. A Miss Slighcarp is engaged to take care of the girls, but turns out to be a very sinister person bent on taking over the Willoughby property while disposing of the girls at a school/workhouse. It is the first book in a series and is probably one of the inspirations for Lemony Snickett's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" without the snide narrator. It was an interesting enough story to keep a fourth grader's interest, though I could see why I wouldn't remember much of it. The events, except for a scene with wolves attacking the train near the beginning of the story, are not particularly memorable. The characters are either good or evil and everything is resolved very quickly in the end. I might read the next book, also a great title, "Black Hearts at Battersea", if only to see how the girls are imperiled this time.
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LibraryThing member PollyMoore3
I first read this aged 10 when it was serialised in my lovely children's comic "Princess", a beautifully illustrated paper of really good stories.The plot is full of holes, and the wolves are just there for an added shudder; they aren't even in league with Miss Slighcarp. But the story is told with
I have a nice memory of watching the 1989 film with Stephanie Beacham and Mel Smith on TV with my sons when they were little. They called fizzy pop "wolf-whizz" for quite a while after.
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such gusto and has such an atmosphere, cosy yet sinister, that it doesn't matter one bit.I have a nice memory of watching the 1989 film with Stephanie Beacham and Mel Smith on TV with my sons when they were little. They called fizzy pop "wolf-whizz" for quite a while after.
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LibraryThing member paperloverevolution
Though this book kicks off a much longer series, it can be read as a satisfying stand-alone novel, which is, in itself, sort of refreshing these days. It's a perfectly child-sized epic, hitting on all the nebulous things that scare kids the most - unreliable and possibly hostile adults, injustice,
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abandonment, and, of course, ravenous and impossibly crafty packs of wolves - as well as all the little details that make a story really and truly alive for young readers. I remember as a child being mesmerized by the descriptions of the kids' clothes, the meals, the downy geese, the flowers in the lanes, the chill of the frozen river. Accomplishing all of this in less than 200 pages makes Wolves a model of economy. As an adult reader, I found myself admiring Aiken's world - an alternate England where the industrial revolution never really took hold - and her craftsmanship, things I hadn't noticed as a kid, as well as enjoying the story all over again. There's a reason it's a classic: it remains a satisfying story for readers of any age. I look forward to re-reading the rest. Show Less
LibraryThing member satyridae
I hate Gothic melodrama, as a rule. This, on the other hand, was fun most likely because it was readily apparent that Aiken's tongue was quite firmly in her cheek. The characters are all stock melodrama personae, and the plot is also pretty hoary but Aiken drew me in and made me enjoy this frothy
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bit of alternative Victoriana. I just wish the wolves could have eaten the bad guys. Show Less
LibraryThing member debnance
Whew. Wolves attacking railway cars. Wolves attacking people. Wolves everywhere.
But that’s just one plot point and it’s not the main one. The main story concerns a rich girl and her poor cousin. The parents of the rich girl head off on a voyage, determined to help the mother heal from her
And then there are those wolves….
But that’s just one plot point and it’s not the main one. The main story concerns a rich girl and her poor cousin. The parents of the rich girl head off on a voyage, determined to help the mother heal from her
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illness. The girls are left in the hands of their governess. But, oh, what a wicked governess she is! The governess fires all the servants, sells off the girls’ beautiful toys and clothes, and proceeds to take over the home, sending the girls into a school for the destitute. And then there are those wolves….
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LibraryThing member foggidawn
High-spirited, slightly spoiled Bonnie Green is full of excitement at the prospect of her cousin Sylvia's arrival. Even though Bonnie's parents are about to leave on a long journey and Bonnie and Sylvia will be left in the care of a new governess who looks strict and cold, Bonnie knows that she and
This is a great, old-fashioned read with lots of adventure. I enjoyed it tremendously, and can't believe I waited so long to read it! This is is just the sort of book that I would have loved as a child.
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Sylvia will become close friends. The reality is much different than the two girls could possibly have expected, though: as soon as Bonnie's parents are away, the erstwhile governess takes control of the manor, turning away all but the worst of the servants, rooting through the papers in the library, and sending Bonnie and Sylvia off to a cruel orphan school that is no better than a workhouse. With the help of a goose boy who lives in a cave on the grounds of Willoughby Chase and a few loyal servants, Bonnie and Sylvia must find a way to escape. Even if they do, where will they go? What has become of Bonnie's parents -- have they fallen victims to foul play? Can anyone bring order back to Willoughby Chase?This is a great, old-fashioned read with lots of adventure. I enjoyed it tremendously, and can't believe I waited so long to read it! This is is just the sort of book that I would have loved as a child.
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LibraryThing member sszkutak
Background: Bonnie Green is a well off little girl, she lives with her mom and dad in Willoughby Chase. Sylvia Green is her cousin who is an orphan and she is moving in with the Greens. All of this seems very normal, but when Mr. and Mrs. Green must depart on an overseas voyage, the girls are left
Review: If/When I have children I will be reading them this book. It is a whimsical tale of adventure and charity from others. The girls are very different, Bonnie – brave, determined, and resilient, and Sylvia -- shy, reserved and polite; but they work together to make it through rough patches in their lives. The girls experience poverty, cruelty, and friendship through it all and it was adorable. I really enjoyed the plot within this book, learning about the girls and slowly moving through the cruel Miss Slighcarp’s plans—she is so evil, a spot-on villain. I think you and your children (if you have any) will absolutely love this read.
The audiobook was beautifully read by Lizza Aiken, the daughter of the author, Joan Aiken. It had a heartfelt, sentimental introduction that made me love the story even more. Lizza was a magnificent reader of this tale, her experience with the story is noticeable and her voice is soothing.
Recommended for middle grade readers and adults alike. I believe it would be great for family reading.
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with a governess named Miss Slighcarp who is not as she seems. Soon the girls are left at an orphanage and Miss Slighcarp is taking over the Chase all for herself.Review: If/When I have children I will be reading them this book. It is a whimsical tale of adventure and charity from others. The girls are very different, Bonnie – brave, determined, and resilient, and Sylvia -- shy, reserved and polite; but they work together to make it through rough patches in their lives. The girls experience poverty, cruelty, and friendship through it all and it was adorable. I really enjoyed the plot within this book, learning about the girls and slowly moving through the cruel Miss Slighcarp’s plans—she is so evil, a spot-on villain. I think you and your children (if you have any) will absolutely love this read.
The audiobook was beautifully read by Lizza Aiken, the daughter of the author, Joan Aiken. It had a heartfelt, sentimental introduction that made me love the story even more. Lizza was a magnificent reader of this tale, her experience with the story is noticeable and her voice is soothing.
Recommended for middle grade readers and adults alike. I believe it would be great for family reading.
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LibraryThing member saroz
I finally read this - or rather, listened to the audiobook, after years and years of having Aiken's work recommended to me by a friend. The reading by her daughter was exceptional. As far as the story went, though, I felt it paled in comparison, either to a book like Frances Hodgson Burnett's A
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Little Princess (which it is surely somewhat inspired by) or to Aiken's own, rather more free-form and whimsical short stories. It's very well-written, the setup is magnificent, and fans of this kind of story will likely enjoy it a great deal. For my part, however, I became a little tired of listening to the latest indignity Bonnie and Sylvia had to undergo, and I kept waiting for something a bit more fantastical to happen. ("The wolves are running," from another likely inspiration, kept crossing my mind - and making me wish for a little magic.) In the end, I liked the book, but my favorite parts were all in Aiken's flourishes, such as her predilection for wonderfully Dickensian names. Show Less
LibraryThing member ashleytylerjohn
This is my second time reading it--my recollection of the first reading was that I liked it, but other than that there were wolves, I'd forgotten all the particulars (and the wolves came much, much earlier than in my remembrance).
It seems to me that this is likely a very influential tale that did
There's even a couple of oddities that never quite get explained to my liking, and the eccentricity of them is charming. I stop shy of 5 stars because I wasn't moved, but I was deeply enjoying it otherwise.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
It seems to me that this is likely a very influential tale that did
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all sorts of things probably quite early on that have become very common tropes since then. It's set in a Victorian Britain that's not-quite-right, and these alt-historical places are penny common now. It swings for the fences with its grand Gothic gestures--wintry landscapes, mad rushes along frozen rivers, evil governesses, hidden wills, cruel schoolteachers, orphans, geese carts, etc., at a time when (I imagine) this was out of fashion. And it works, exceedingly so. There's even a couple of oddities that never quite get explained to my liking, and the eccentricity of them is charming. I stop shy of 5 stars because I wasn't moved, but I was deeply enjoying it otherwise.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
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LibraryThing member veeshee
When I was young, I had these amazing neighbours who I loved like my own grandparents. They had no children of their own, so they quite enjoyed having me over. They always gave me the best gifts, recognizing what my likes and dislikes were quite aptly. For one birthday, they gifted me two books
Bonnie Willoughby is very excited for the arrival of her cousin Sylvia, and for her meeting with her new governess, Miss Slighcarp. While her parents prepare to leave for their sea voyage, Bonnie waits anxiously for the 2 people she hopes will keep her happy while her parents are away. While Sylvia turns out to be just as wonderful as Bonnie imagined, it soon becomes clear that Miss Slighcarp is not a kind governess. Left in her care, the girls are aghast by her cruelty. The servants are sent away, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are taken to a prison-like orphan school. Will the girls ever escape and be free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?
Reading this book brought a smile to my face. Granted, it's a story for elementary school children, but the story is cute and the characters are spunky, and it's one of those stories where everything becomes right in the world. It may not explain everything in perfect detail but it keeps the reader entertained throughout. It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories for me, and even though I'm reading it as an adult, it still seemed like a fun read! If you want to revisit the kid in you, then this is the book to go for!
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that were part of this series. And let me just tell you, those books were amazing! I loved the stories - and I still love them! Only recently did I discover that this series even existed, so now I plan on reading all of the books in order!Bonnie Willoughby is very excited for the arrival of her cousin Sylvia, and for her meeting with her new governess, Miss Slighcarp. While her parents prepare to leave for their sea voyage, Bonnie waits anxiously for the 2 people she hopes will keep her happy while her parents are away. While Sylvia turns out to be just as wonderful as Bonnie imagined, it soon becomes clear that Miss Slighcarp is not a kind governess. Left in her care, the girls are aghast by her cruelty. The servants are sent away, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are taken to a prison-like orphan school. Will the girls ever escape and be free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?
Reading this book brought a smile to my face. Granted, it's a story for elementary school children, but the story is cute and the characters are spunky, and it's one of those stories where everything becomes right in the world. It may not explain everything in perfect detail but it keeps the reader entertained throughout. It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories for me, and even though I'm reading it as an adult, it still seemed like a fun read! If you want to revisit the kid in you, then this is the book to go for!
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LibraryThing member Crowyhead
Great fun! Orphans, hyper-intelligent wolves, shipwreck, an evil governess, and a stout-hearted goose boy named Simon. This is a cracking good story, both creepy and very funny.
LibraryThing member icecreamdog
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase was a amusing, funny book. My only complaint is that I thought that there would be more wolves. Otherwise, this book was great. It is about a rich little girl, Bonnie, who's mother and poppa go on a long trip, so they hire a nanny. Bonnie's cousin Sylvia comes to stay
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while her parents are away. But the nanny is evil, and she locks Bonnie in a closet. The two girls have the help of their friends James, Patton, and Simon to escape from their nanny. This book is a must read. Show Less
LibraryThing member shojo_a
I had this book on tape as a kid, and I listened to it about a million times. I loved it so much.
Also, it definitely was the book which began my love of any book with a cross-dressing heroine.
Also, it definitely was the book which began my love of any book with a cross-dressing heroine.
Awards
Pages
192
ISBN
0440496039 / 9780440496038