Reminds me of The Story Sisters and The Probable Future mixed together. If I read this before those perhaps I'd like it better. ( )

This book was immensely enjoyable. This is the story of two girls and their friendship and their family spanning the course of many years. Their life is not without hardship, especially Gretel's life. This story is told without being maudlin and has flashes of magical realism. Life is not all roses for Gretel and Jill but I was drawn into their story, always rooting for Gretel but realizing that no one's life is perfect and you need to make what you can with what you are dealt. I will try to read more of Alice Hoffman's books. ( )

I very much liked this book. The voice is perfect, and the swapping from first person sections to third person sections made very good sense as the narrative unfolded, and enabled the reader to get different and deeper understandings of Gretel.
I picked up this book from the pile my sister left for me, not for first choice (the cover didn't really grab me), but because I had an appointment to go to by public transport. (I prefer a physical book for the train/tram/bus scenario as it's safer - i won't miss a bell clanging while i have headphones in!). And it's a slim volume, eminently portable.
It delivered so much more than I expected. I had to put all my other books aside to finish reading it. Brilliant.
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Alice Hoffman has never really disappointed me with a book... Until now. I thought this book was lacking. Lacking the character development I'm used to from her. Lacking the magic I'm accustomed to. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it didn't have the amazing quality all her other books have shared... ( )

http://www.monniblog.com/2008/08/local-girls/ ( )