In a small unaffected village outside of the city, the townsfolk of a close-knit community rarely leave and they even more rarely have any visitors. So when a young man named Adam arrives, the village is feverish in welcoming the newcomer. It’s not long before the tranquility of the halcyon settlement is disturbed with off-kilter ordeals, setting into motion a series of events affecting each dweller.
My Thoughts On A Small Quiet Village
I thoroughly enjoyed Ian Anthony Hollis first book in his Cities and Villages Sagas. In A Small Quiet Village is an excellent book for a middle schooler, and I can see my twelve-year-old niece reading it. The spark between Sabrina and Jacob was just as you would see two kids in that age group exhibit. My favorite scene where it becomes evident that they have feelings for one another is when they find out that their families are having dinner together. In fact, all the characters have their feelings expressed with adjectives and adverbs, where Hollis “shows not tells.”
The descriptions are fantastic. The title and book cover place me in a small town in Italy. I don’t know why I picture Italy, but I suppose it could be because I vacationed there not too long ago! The people themselves develop at the right pace. That statement may contradict my next point. The introduction of the villagers in the beginning is a bit overwhelming. At the same time, that is how Adam must feel being the newbie to a tight-knit town. The town welcomes him immediately and lets them in on some of their “inside jokes,” such as the reason behind the convenience store is called “the inconvenience store.”
There’s a lot of dialogue in the story. But, in a story like In A Small Quiet Village, you need a lot of conversation. You could go on and on about the lack of people that come to visit. Or, how it is a big deal to go to the city, but hearing how the characters feel makes the story come to life.
Another thing I appreciated about In a Small Quiet Village was its organization. Some books these days are all over the place. There’s nothing wrong with that, but those kinds of stories can become confusing.. Hollis does a good job at sticking to a timeline that isn’t overwhelming. Each chapter doesn’t overwhelm you with too much information. It is nice that all the villagers contribute to the story versus having the story from one strict viewpoint.
In a Small Quiet Village has an overall message of community that children need to hear. Especially in the times we’ve recently had to overcome, it is imperative that children know what togetherness is. And, one of the best ways to do so is in a fun way rather than have adults breathe it down their necks. That is another reason why adults should read In a Small Quiet Village along with their kids. To clarify any questions kiddos have about what community means.
I could see this as one of those books a parent should read along with their kid. In a Small Quiet Village has a well-written storyline where the two could talk through it just as you would in any book club with someone of your own age. Overall, I think the book is a good read, and I wish the author the best of luck in writing the rest of the series.
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