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49th out of 201 books
—
72 voters
Father's Arcane Daughter
POOR LITTLE RICH BOY Winston Carmichael has it all: a big house, servants, vacations in Palm Beach and a fancy private school. But with over protective parents and a sense of responsibility for his younger sister, Heidi, Winston sometimes feels more as if he's living in a prison than a dream.
Then, one day, a woman appears at the front door claiming to be Caroline -- Winsto...more
Then, one day, a woman appears at the front door claiming to be Caroline -- Winsto...more
Paperback, 128 pages
Published
June 1st 1999
by Aladdin Paperbacks
(first published 1976)
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Not going to lie, I discovered this through the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Caroline?" which was based on this book. I had seen the movie years ago when it first aired and I was young. And the mysterious story had stuck with me through the years. So I recently re-watched the movie and enjoyed it again. In the credits, I saw it was based on this book written by E.L. Konigsburg. So I read the book. And surprisingly, the book and the movie do not differ much. The book is better, because the writin...more
I’d never heard of this book until someone on a blog somewhere listed the first line as being one of their favorites ever:
Later—much, much later—when we both knew what we had bought and what it had cost, she said that I should tell it.
And while I adore EL Konigsburg with the pieces of my broken heart, this is a bizarre story. I understand why I’d never heard of it—and why it has subsequently gone out of print. Not that it necessarily should be out of print, but I spent the whole time going, “Wha...more
Later—much, much later—when we both knew what we had bought and what it had cost, she said that I should tell it.
And while I adore EL Konigsburg with the pieces of my broken heart, this is a bizarre story. I understand why I’d never heard of it—and why it has subsequently gone out of print. Not that it necessarily should be out of print, but I spent the whole time going, “Wha...more
5 likes · like · see review
I always feel like I'm eating a rich, savory dish with some lovely, complicated sauce when I read Konigsburg. There is a sense of balance to the words, the thoughts, and the plot and characters don't assault the senses. You have to eat slowly, even though its a short book.
In this story, Winston's tightly regulated and privileged world is unwound when his half-sister suddenly appears after years. Caroline is a breath of fresh air, though, and both Winston and his younger sister, Hillary (aka Heid...more
In this story, Winston's tightly regulated and privileged world is unwound when his half-sister suddenly appears after years. Caroline is a breath of fresh air, though, and both Winston and his younger sister, Hillary (aka Heid...more
ISBN 0440424968 - For ages 10-14, Father's Arcane Daughter seems a little more adult than even that age group. It's a pity the book wasn't written as the full, grown-up novel that it should have been, but since it wasn't... read this one!
Twice upon a time, Winston got a new sister. The first time it happened, his parents brought home from the hospital a "creature". Heidi is handicapped and Winston, made to be responsible for her, builds a vocabulary just to describe her - none of the words are p...more
Twice upon a time, Winston got a new sister. The first time it happened, his parents brought home from the hospital a "creature". Heidi is handicapped and Winston, made to be responsible for her, builds a vocabulary just to describe her - none of the words are p...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
A gem of a book about a family that's wonderful on the surface, and deeply flawed within. Their shallow, pretty lives will never be the same when Caroline, their father's daughter from his previous marriage, shows up years after being kidnapped and declared dead. Is she Caroline, or is she an imposter after the family fortune? What she mostly seems interested in is helping her two half-siblings break free of their mother's smothering influence. Lovely, funny, sad and full of twists.
Like "Silent to the Bone" and "George, this is one of her books that are more about the twist than the quirk. When Winston's long-lost, presumed to be dead, half sister shows up at their front door, life will never be the same.
This books plays with your head. Is she legit? Is she who she claims to be? As she befriends her siblings and begins to change their lives, the reader bites their lip in nervousness a bit because it could be so good or so bad in the long run.
The twist at the end is not en...more
This books plays with your head. Is she legit? Is she who she claims to be? As she befriends her siblings and begins to change their lives, the reader bites their lip in nervousness a bit because it could be so good or so bad in the long run.
The twist at the end is not en...more
I remember seeing the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie based on this book and that I always wanted to read it. Stephanie Zimbalist played Caroline. I didn't really remember the details or that it took place in Pittsburgh. I was very familiar with the landmarks/locales in the story which always adds appeal. I was glad i took the time to read it finally. I won't spoil it by revealing the twist but I did recall the main idea of it. I was interested to see what the reasoning behid it was and what the out...more
Oct 22, 2007
Maria
added it
You know, I did read this, but I have no recollection whatsoever.
1 like · like · see review
I gave this a very high rating awhile back and did not bother to explain myself. It remains one of my favorite books of all time because the arcane daughter explains to the brother that he will not be able to reach his his highest goal if his disabled sister is not enabled to reach hers. The sister appears to be partially disabled by birth:hearing an, speech and coordination issues, but her condition is exacerbated by neglect. The "arcane daughter" appears and has her assessed by a specialist, a...more
The word "arcane" from the title means "known or understood by very few; mysterious"
The way that this story unfolds is interesting. It takes the word "arcane" and runs with it. As you read you find yourself wondering what exactly is going on with this family because rather than telling you many of the details it just gives little hints through the first 90% of the book then bigger hints and finally pretty full explainations.
I enjoyed it, but it is not my favorite by this accomplished author
The way that this story unfolds is interesting. It takes the word "arcane" and runs with it. As you read you find yourself wondering what exactly is going on with this family because rather than telling you many of the details it just gives little hints through the first 90% of the book then bigger hints and finally pretty full explainations.
I enjoyed it, but it is not my favorite by this accomplished author
A wow book - like Konigburg's View from Saturday, it takes a little while for this book to fall into place but when it does oh my my! Tackling issues as diverse as class privilege and ability, Konigsburg's story of the complicated relationships between brothers and sisters is stunning. And how can you not adore a writer who uses the classic French film, Secret Games, in a book for pre-teen readers - this book was a real surprise - and a wonderfully insightful one at that!
Jan 13, 2013
Amy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
middle school and older
Shelves:
joseph-s-chapter-books,
kiddie-lit
Joseph is reading for his "mystery" book assignment. I read this years ago and enjoyed it even more this time than the first time. I finished it and started flipping forward again to locate more of the clues.
Joseph is enjoying it and trying to guess whether or not Caroline is the original and authentic kidnapped
daughter, now returned at age 35.
Some wonderful, ethical questions arise and I look forward to some decent discussion after my son finishes the book, too.
Joseph is enjoying it and trying to guess whether or not Caroline is the original and authentic kidnapped
daughter, now returned at age 35.
Some wonderful, ethical questions arise and I look forward to some decent discussion after my son finishes the book, too.
I first read this when I was very young and am not sure I understood it but it stayed with me all these years as one of my favorites. I bought a copy several years ago and just reread it last night. Great story and the effect of having a conversation that's taking place in the future at the start of each chapter was really engrossing. This author has a great twist on everything she writes. This would be a good/quick book club read and would generate some discussion.
My favorite things about this book: The copy I read is old and kind of ugly - but something I know I would have gravitated to in our neighborhood bookmobile. I felt nostalgic about it from the beginning. It is by E.L. Konigsburg and I hadn't read it yet. The main character is laugh aloud funny. Full of wonderful language gems and well plotted twists. This would make a really interesting movie if you kept to the time period and fleshed it out a little.
This book reminded me oddly of The Westing Game.
I enjoyed this book, but it felt rushed. The story would have been better served had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel. (On the other hand, I might not have read it had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel.)
I enjoyed this book, but it felt rushed. The story would have been better served had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel. (On the other hand, I might not have read it had it not been squished into a 115-page young adult novel.)
This was a very intriguing book, with a nice (but not overly surprising) twist. Konigsburg likes to tackle these kind of unusual and heavy topics (kidnapping, overprotected children, special needs). It was well written and nicely handled. I enjoyed reading it very much.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
May 27, 2012
Stacy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-in-2011,
youngadultkids
For some reason, this YA novel by E.L. Konigsburg was totally unknown to me until my husband sent me a link with some of the more interesting pieces written for kids over the years.
Winston Carmichael is the younger brother of the long lost Caroline Carmichael, who reappears years after being kidnapped. Is she the real Caroline or an imposter? Regardless of her story or whether or not she is who she says she is, Caroline becomes a lifeline and system of support to Winston and his younger sister,...more
Winston Carmichael is the younger brother of the long lost Caroline Carmichael, who reappears years after being kidnapped. Is she the real Caroline or an imposter? Regardless of her story or whether or not she is who she says she is, Caroline becomes a lifeline and system of support to Winston and his younger sister,...more
While, this isn't my favorite Konigsburg book, it's the only one I've read so far in this little exercise that gave me a little thrill of excitement when I reached the ending. It takes a strange turn in the last 30 pages or so, which I think keeps it from achieving the greatness of Konigsburg's more famous novels, but it was still quite good. I also think, even though the book is dated, kids might be more accepting of it, because it is intended to take place during a very specific year, which is...more
Discovered through this NPR Three Books post. Makes me want to hit up the Konigsburg shelf of the library and see what other hidden gems are there.
A "young adult" book written in a wonderfully sophisticated style. My favorite simile: "sweating like a pitcher of iced tea in July". A curious story with an unexpected message.
Makes you wonder if you have a hidden family member that is just waiting to take the stage from you. (In other words kill you)
My son continues to read through E. L. Konigsburg. Interesting story of a brother's relationship with his sisters.
I'm not sure this was as good as Mixed Up Files, but it was still very good and fascinating. Love Kingsburg's writing.
The e-book was hard to read. I had to guess at some words, i.e. "h" for "b" was common and also "die" foe "the."
How did I miss this book? It is over 30 years old! Very enjoyable and interesting read.
If I could write with the skill of this author I would be extremely happy.
Fantastic, thought-provoking book. Great for discussion with kids about SO MANY topics: identity, siblings, the meaning of wealth, the importance of honesty... There is good reason EL Konigsburg has called this her favorite book.
See my reviews at www.jenysbookreview.com
See my reviews at www.jenysbookreview.com
Interesting and a little strange...I think I enjoyed it, though.
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Elaine Lobl Konigsburg was an American author and illustrator of children's books and young adult fiction. She was the only author to win the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor in the same year (1968), with her second and first books respectively: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth. Kongisburg won a second Newbery...more
More about E.L. Konigsburg...
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Nov 28, 2012 11:53am