The reviewer appreciates Jacqueline Wilson's detailed portrayal of ordinary life and historical events, but finds the protagonist Elsie unlikable due to her excessive storytelling. The book provides a unique historical perspective on tuberculosis and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, but the reviewer feels the character development could be improved.
The reviewer is a fan of Jacqueline Wilson's work, particularly for its rich details of ordinary life and historical events. In 'Queenie,' Wilson provides a unique perspective on tuberculosis and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, which the reviewer finds valuable. However, the protagonist Elsie is portrayed as unlikable due to her excessive storytelling, which the reviewer finds tedious. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the detailed portrayal of the disease, but feels that the character development could be improved to make Elsie more relatable. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a valuable addition to historical fiction, but with some weaknesses in character development.
Quick quotes
Finally, a fiction book to go with the great Jim Murphy title, [Invincible Microbe]! The details about both the lung and joint versions of the disease are great, most of the nurses are wonderful villains, and the information about Elizabeth's coronation make this an unusual slice of history.
The nurses think that Elsie is unpleasant and a bit soft because of all her story telling, and after the twenty page aside where Elsie is describing birthday parties, I was about ready to agree.
This is a common theme in Wilson's work (children who want to write), but I didn't care much for Elsie personally.