The book:
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle by Zach Chopchinski
Published 2015
123 pages
My version: Free review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
The blurb:
A young Gabrielle is driven by her will to explore and see new things. She cannot stop or rest until all within her reach has been experienced and explored. Driven by an astounding will and lack of common fear, she finds herself able to face things most adults might fall before. Yet has there been a journey that has been meant specifically for her all along? Is there a path that has been created just for her to travel?
Follow Gabrielle as she ventures through the lives of many with the experience of only her own. What will happen as she discovers the lives—and tragedies—of the souls who choose her to see their story? It’s a journey through history, life, and love unlike anything that could be imagined—except perhaps by a young girl.
My thoughts…
I loved the start of this book, with our heroine Gabrielle exploring her town and entering a mysterious yet fascinating antiques shop full of curiosities and treasures on her 13th birthday. There is a lot of detail given by the author, so you can really imagine the shop, and really relate to Gabrielle’s excitement as she browsed all the lovely old items that she can’t help but touch. But the item that really catches Gabrielle’s eye is an old silver bangle covered in ornate designs. She can’t resist and goes to put the bangle on – and it is here that Gabrielle’s adventures really begin…
It is very hard not to like Gabrielle! She is brave and adventurous, and is very independently minded despite her young age. Her room is full of books and her thirst for knowledge and adventure are evident as the book progresses. She, for me, was really the main strength of this novel, as her spirited character makes you want to read on and share her journey with her.
Overall this is a very enjoyable and easy to read book, which I would perhaps recommend to 12-14 year olds. It has a fun and adventurous feel to it, and I think this age group would enjoy reading about Gabrielle and would want to hear all about her quite magical adventures!
My rating: 7 out of 10
ahouseofbooks 