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58th out of 248 books
—
385 voters
Which Witch
by
Eva Ibbotson
Arriman the Awful, feared Wizard of the North, has decided to marry. But his wife must be a witch of the darkest powers . . .
A sorcery competition is held to discover which witch is the most potent and fiendish, and glamorous Madame Olympia conjures up a thousand plague-bearing rats Belladonna, the white witch, desperately wants to be a wicked enchantress, but her magic pr...more
A sorcery competition is held to discover which witch is the most potent and fiendish, and glamorous Madame Olympia conjures up a thousand plague-bearing rats Belladonna, the white witch, desperately wants to be a wicked enchantress, but her magic pr...more
Paperback, 186 pages
Published
October 12th 2001
by Pan MacMillan
(first published 1979)
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To the reviewers who complain about the wishy-washyness about why the pretty white witch is good, whether dark magic is evil, whether the blackest of all the witches should win the dark magic contest, let me just say this. Real life is full of contradictions, exceptions, gray areas, and people who have trouble figuring out what they truly want. Good books reflect that. This is a good book.
The interior illustrations are much more fitting and interesting than this jacket. The yuck factor exists, b...more
The interior illustrations are much more fitting and interesting than this jacket. The yuck factor exists, b...more
This was just a ton of fun. Ibbotson is like a tamer Roald Dahl, with a twist of Monty Python. The part about the rats, though? That was pure Stephen King. *shudder*
6 likes · like · see review
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I was pleasantly surprised by this quick read. My daughter told me I HAD to read it, after she had read and enjoyed it herself. So I took it along on a long train trip, and read it in one sitting. While Ibbotson will never win any awards for character development, she does have a way with both words and plot; her turns of phrase continually gave me pleasure, and her silly plot made me laugh out loud several times, drawing bemused looks from my fellow train passengers. A good book for younger mid...more
6 likes · like · see review
If you haven't yet discovered Eva Ibbotson, this is a great place to start. This is one of the charming, intriguing, hilarious, and outright pleasurable books I have ever read!
It's about Arriman the Aweful, a wizard famous for both his power and his good looks has decided to marry a witch. From a long list of candidates the winner must be: the fairest of them all the most evil of them all. Belladonna is is determined to win the competition but the problem is she is a distressingly good witc...more
It's about Arriman the Aweful, a wizard famous for both his power and his good looks has decided to marry a witch. From a long list of candidates the winner must be:
This is one of my all time favourite books, both as a young reader, a teenager and as an adult, I think I must have read it at least 50 times over the years. It was a regular check out for me while at school from the library but, bizarrely, I never owned my own copy.
The book focusses on the white which Belladonna, who is secretly in love with the dark and broodingly handsome Arriman the Awful, the most feared and fierce wizard of the North. He had decided he must marry as he needs an heir to pas...more
The book focusses on the white which Belladonna, who is secretly in love with the dark and broodingly handsome Arriman the Awful, the most feared and fierce wizard of the North. He had decided he must marry as he needs an heir to pas...more
In elementary school, I read so voraciously that I regularly picked out books from the library based just on their cover art or title or alluring book jacket. One such book that I borrowed from my elementary school's library had a plot that stayed with me, but I hadn't been able to remember the title until one day in the paperback section of the children's library of the main Chicago Public Library branch when, quite by chance, I found the book. It was called Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson and I i...more
Jan 29, 2011
Kathryn McCary
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-s-fantasy,
magical-fantastic
I read a blog post by a children's librarian about the books of the late Eva Ibbotson, which made them sound like a lot of fun, so I thought I'd try them. And I can see how they could be a lot of fun, if the reader is able to accept the initial premise; so far, in both I've read, I've found that impossible.
Which Witch depends on the unexplained premise that it is important to maintain the existence of blackness and evil, and a corollary assumption that you can be responsible for that maintenance...more
Which Witch depends on the unexplained premise that it is important to maintain the existence of blackness and evil, and a corollary assumption that you can be responsible for that maintenance...more
What I think.......
Which Witch was very very good, there was a lot of mystery, witches and wizards. I love that there are wizards because I love Harry potter and on the front of the book it said " Perfect for fans of Harry Potter" I LOVE HARRY POTTER! I think that if you like Harry Potter you NEED to read this book. If you haven't read neither...You should READ both!
This is a really, really, good book. The author did a great job telling the story. I love the characters, the way Eva Ibbotson wro...more
Which Witch was very very good, there was a lot of mystery, witches and wizards. I love that there are wizards because I love Harry potter and on the front of the book it said " Perfect for fans of Harry Potter" I LOVE HARRY POTTER! I think that if you like Harry Potter you NEED to read this book. If you haven't read neither...You should READ both!
This is a really, really, good book. The author did a great job telling the story. I love the characters, the way Eva Ibbotson wro...more
This was an odd one. Honestly.
Being a good witch equals curse. Good witch falls in love with evil wizard on sight. Evil wizard will only marry her if, out of a line-up, she manages to do the evillest thing of all. Good witch longs to be evil. Good witch learns to do evil things, while still remaining... good? Rest of plot shall remain unknown so I don't have to mark this post for spoilers, but come on--what do you think the ending will be?
This book disappointed me for its wishywashiness. And I'...more
Being a good witch equals curse. Good witch falls in love with evil wizard on sight. Evil wizard will only marry her if, out of a line-up, she manages to do the evillest thing of all. Good witch longs to be evil. Good witch learns to do evil things, while still remaining... good? Rest of plot shall remain unknown so I don't have to mark this post for spoilers, but come on--what do you think the ending will be?
This book disappointed me for its wishywashiness. And I'...more
I was inspired in re-visiting this book by my cute little sisters playing witches in our backyard. There they were strutting around the grass sneering disdain and blurting out curses on "unwanted visitors" commenting on how annoyingly good so-and-so was. And I just sat there and smiled, smart little creatures' I thought who at their young age already understood the beauty of a good-old bad guy.Then I remembered this book. I remember reading this when I was about 9 not really understanding half...more
Apr 26, 2009
PurplyCookie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childrens-books,
witchcraft
Arriman the Awful, the Wizard of the North, decides he must marry in order to have an heir. But he can't just marry anyone -as a wizard he must marry a witch. So he sets up a competition for local witches. He will marry the witch who produces the blackest magic -- what he deems as a fitting qualification for his bride-to-be -- after all, as his servants reason, he must uphold his legacy.
The magic has some surprising results and there are questions about the power of a familiar. Is Belladonna a b...more
The magic has some surprising results and there are questions about the power of a familiar. Is Belladonna a b...more
1 like · like · see review
This is... this is the jewel of my childhood!
My mum was just telling me the other day how, when I was younger (about 5 or 6, I think), there was a book I used to love. I would always read and reread and reread it again... constantly, apparently.
Though I haven't read this book in years and YEARS, I recently found it in a box in the attic and thought "OMG this is the book mum keeps telling I used to love!" and decided to read it again.
Unsurprisingly enough, I still love it! It brought back many...more
My mum was just telling me the other day how, when I was younger (about 5 or 6, I think), there was a book I used to love. I would always read and reread and reread it again... constantly, apparently.
Though I haven't read this book in years and YEARS, I recently found it in a box in the attic and thought "OMG this is the book mum keeps telling I used to love!" and decided to read it again.
Unsurprisingly enough, I still love it! It brought back many...more
Arriman the Awful is ready to retire from being the Dark Wizard of the North, but no one has come along to take his place. He decides he must marry to produce his heir and holds a contest among the local witches. Unfortunately they are all warty, fly-ridden hags, not very appealing to Arriman. There is one attractive one, but she can't do dark magic. What will he do?
(view spoiler)...more
(view spoiler)...more
3.5 stars
Just refound this! Oh I just adored this book when I was young! I was reading a piece on Eva Ibbotson today and the writer of this piece was saying that very few people knew Eva Ibbotson work. So I decided to browse GR and see if I could find something interesting and that I did! I found out I had already read something by her! And something I found funny and agreeable! A very cute children/early teen book!
You can check the piece I was talking about here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cul...more
Just refound this! Oh I just adored this book when I was young! I was reading a piece on Eva Ibbotson today and the writer of this piece was saying that very few people knew Eva Ibbotson work. So I decided to browse GR and see if I could find something interesting and that I did! I found out I had already read something by her! And something I found funny and agreeable! A very cute children/early teen book!
You can check the piece I was talking about here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cul...more
A funny twist on wizards and witches, with dry humor. However, slightly contradictory when the wizard does "dark" magic, says thats what he wants in a wife, and yet really he & everyone else in the book want the "white" witch - it seemed like there was a difference between "dark" and actual evil. The "dark" magic in this book was more like the fuel for the humor, and the "oh, this is what's expected of me." It was annoying at times, though - make up your mind, wizard, do you really want a da...more
This is, as Ibbotson would say, one of her "rompy" books. You've got a wizard who spends his days smiting and blighting but feels he ought to marry and produce an heir, so naturally he holds a contest to find the blackest, most evil witch around. Unfortunately, the pickings are slim and include the sweetest, whitest witch you've ever met. Throw in an orphan, an earthworm acting as a witch's familiar, a baby Kraken, assorted ogres and you've got a deliciously rompy story that manages to be funny,...more
Arriman the awful, Grand Poobah of all things nasty and mighty dark wizard of the North has had many happy years of blighting, smiting and wrecking a great deal of havoc. But there comes a time when even the darkest of wizards gets tired of the "monotony" and wants to pass on the mantle to a more sinister and deserving wizard.
The great hunt begins and Arriman creates a kindly, three-headed monster called the "Wizard Watcher" for the task. But with not even the faintest squeak of a dark wizard fr...more
The great hunt begins and Arriman creates a kindly, three-headed monster called the "Wizard Watcher" for the task. But with not even the faintest squeak of a dark wizard fr...more
Mengeluarkan kodok dari mulut seseorang adalah sihir termudah bagi penyihir hitam. Namun tidak demikian dengan Belladonna. Mengubah mentimun hijau pucat menjadi pudding hitam agak berlemak pun tak bisa dilakukannya. Tak heran, karena dia adalah penyihir putih sejak ia masih bayi. Bahkan waktu bayi, ia telah menggunakan gigi geliginya hanya untuk menggigit tutup botol-botol susu supaya burung-burung bluetit bisa memakan krimnya. Walau jauh di dalam hatinya, ia ingin menjadi penyihir hitam yang pa...more
This is one of my favorite books. I read it first a long time ago and I was happy to be able to read it again. This is a fantasy novel about Arriman the Awful and his search for a witch which he can marry. There is an orphan in one of the main character slots so, once again, it carries the classic Ibbotson themes of missing parents with aunt-like figures which guide the orphan through his adventures. It's also a touching story about finding your true self and being happy the way you are.
kisah tentang seorang penyihir kejam yg mencari istri. penyihir wanita yang bisa menampilkan sihir paling hitamlah yang akan menang dan menjadi istrinya.
penggambaran yg ga jelas dan kabur tentang hitam-putih, baik-buruk. penulis sebenernya mau k arah hitam atau putih sih? ga jelas. tapi justru disitulah kelucuan terjadi.
satu hal yg bisa dipetik. ternyata penyihir bisa jatuh cinta juga ya. kirain gw aja ^^.
ini beneran cerita buat anak2? *geleng2 kepala*
ps: tq for tinkerbell atas kiriman bukunya...more
penggambaran yg ga jelas dan kabur tentang hitam-putih, baik-buruk. penulis sebenernya mau k arah hitam atau putih sih? ga jelas. tapi justru disitulah kelucuan terjadi.
satu hal yg bisa dipetik. ternyata penyihir bisa jatuh cinta juga ya. kirain gw aja ^^.
ini beneran cerita buat anak2? *geleng2 kepala*
ps: tq for tinkerbell atas kiriman bukunya...more
A lovely, funny, warmfeeling read. About a wizard (and wizards are always evil, everyone knows that...) looking for a bride, because he feels tired of performing spells and wants to retire. A contest between witches will decide who is to be his wife.
It is a book for kids of about 9 and up. For adults who lik these kind of stories and who are in need of some light reading, this is well worth reading. In spite of the evil, the tone of the book is warm and loving. I don't think the sense of humor w...more
It is a book for kids of about 9 and up. For adults who lik these kind of stories and who are in need of some light reading, this is well worth reading. In spite of the evil, the tone of the book is warm and loving. I don't think the sense of humor w...more
Nov 22, 2012
Biondy
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-book,
fantasy
Udah lama. Lamaaaaaaaa banget ngeliat buku ini diiklankan di majalah. Seingat saya pernah baca artikel tentang buku ini di majalah Bobo (waktu masih langganan majalah ini dulu di rumah). Yang kalau dipikir-pikir, itu sudah hampir 10 tahun yang lalu. Glek.
Jujur saya juga gak ngeh kenapa buku ini membekas di kepala saya, padahal saya cuma baca pembahasan soal buku ini dulu. Artikelnya sendiri saya sudah nggak ingat, tapi saya ingat gambar kover dan judulnya.
Gak nyangka akhirnya di tahun 2012 ini b...more
Jujur saya juga gak ngeh kenapa buku ini membekas di kepala saya, padahal saya cuma baca pembahasan soal buku ini dulu. Artikelnya sendiri saya sudah nggak ingat, tapi saya ingat gambar kover dan judulnya.
Gak nyangka akhirnya di tahun 2012 ini b...more
I really like this book because, well...it's funny, fun, and it kinda draws you in with "magic." ☺ No, really. it's really cool, yet fun. The book gives an influence of a game, as well as a lesson. Well, sort of. Think about it. A sense of belonging feels good, yet if a person doesn't have that sense, well, it feels as if you are alone in the world. So,READ, REREAD, and HAVE FUN! Also, think about its depth. ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺
Another adorable story by Eva Ibbotson. It was a little hard to get used to the passive female protagonist, Belladonna, at first. But bear in mind this story was one of Ibbotson's first books, and written over thirty years ago. It's still by turns hysterical, gruesome, and tender. The pacing is just right, the characters quirky, and the ending satisfying. A refreshing, silly, and devilish change from the traditional.
Despite the quote on top of the book, I did not find this book much like the Harry Potter series. The only similarity was that the wizards and witches lived in a world with regular humans.
I thought that the author, who has also written [Book: The Secret of Platform 13] (one of my favorite books), made very easy-to-recognize charactors and problems. I liked the concept of "Dark Witches and White Witches"
Apr 07, 2013
Alegna
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
children, fantasy, magic
Shelves:
childrens-classics,
books-i-ve-reviewed
Harry Potter + Cinderella = a book for children and people of all ages!
"Which Witch?" tells the tales of a wizard seeking a wife in order to have a new dark wizard to raise, about a white witch trying to do black magic and about a little boy who never had a family but finds one in the most oddest of circumstances. I recommend this book for children, young teens or for anyone interested in fun and magical read.
"Which Witch?" tells the tales of a wizard seeking a wife in order to have a new dark wizard to raise, about a white witch trying to do black magic and about a little boy who never had a family but finds one in the most oddest of circumstances. I recommend this book for children, young teens or for anyone interested in fun and magical read.
Eva Ibbotson is a brilliant author, not only with the ability to enchant the kids who are her target audience, but also with the humor to engage the parents as well. What better premise than a dark wizard who wishes to find a wife who has a contest to see which witch can cast the most terrible spell, with the twist that one of the witches is good, but wishes she could be evil... plot twists about and fun ensues.
I was amazed that how simple the title is. In fact, the title reflects all that the story is about. Arriman the Awful has dreamed to be the best wizard ever since he was little. Now that he's grown, it is time for him to find the perfect witch for a wife. It is very fantastical how Ibbotson portrays the ghostly lives so realistically. I was able to experience something out of the ordinary while reading this book.
Good fun childrens book with dark witches and wizards told in light funny way.
Set in the run up to Halloween with lots of magic and a good witch who desperately wants to be able to do dark magic to fit in and win the heart of the evil wizard (even if he is evil in a fun way thanks to the way in which Eva Ibbotson writes).
I'll definately look to read more of Eva Ibbotson's books and will probably read this one again in the future.
Set in the run up to Halloween with lots of magic and a good witch who desperately wants to be able to do dark magic to fit in and win the heart of the evil wizard (even if he is evil in a fun way thanks to the way in which Eva Ibbotson writes).
I'll definately look to read more of Eva Ibbotson's books and will probably read this one again in the future.
Vocabulary love:
blighting
wuthering
wraith - she's just a wraith
hattock - hattock away
chilblain - chilblain on is left toe
shoal - a shoal of stinging jellyfish appeared
widdershins - it's widdersins we should be going
sozzled - sozzled with the stuff
crucibles
thuribles
offing - a prince or two in the offing
frogged - frogged with gold
rheumy - their rheumy eyes
plashing - plashing sound of Sir Simon
quirt - sieved sea quirt
caliph - nastiest caliph
judder - the handbag gave a kind of judder
denizen - nothing...more
blighting
wuthering
wraith - she's just a wraith
hattock - hattock away
chilblain - chilblain on is left toe
shoal - a shoal of stinging jellyfish appeared
widdershins - it's widdersins we should be going
sozzled - sozzled with the stuff
crucibles
thuribles
offing - a prince or two in the offing
frogged - frogged with gold
rheumy - their rheumy eyes
plashing - plashing sound of Sir Simon
quirt - sieved sea quirt
caliph - nastiest caliph
judder - the handbag gave a kind of judder
denizen - nothing...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's The Name o...: Middle Grade book about a female witch who is super good but apparently is the bad one in the end. [s] | 5 | 71 | Nov 14, 2011 06:40pm | |
| wich witch | 1 | 25 | Feb 12, 2009 01:19pm |
Eva Ibbotson (born Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner, 1925, Vienna, Austria) was a British novelist specializing in romance and children's fantasy. Eva Ibbotson was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1925. When Hitler came into power, Ibbotson's family moved to England. She attended Bedford College, graduating in 1945; Cambridge University from 1946-47; and the University of Durham, from which she graduat...more
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“But of course he knew, all of them knew. There is only one kind of a person a wizard can marry, and that is a witch.”
—
4 people liked it
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