MADAME DOUBTFIRE by ANNE FINE.Lydia, Christopher and Natalie Hilliard are used to domestic turmoil and have been torn between their warring parents ever since the divorce. All that changes when their mother takes on a most unusual cleaning lady. But, as the Hilliard children soon discover, there's more to Madame Doubtfire than domestic talents.
...... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): All the way up the stairs, the children fought not to carry the envelope.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 63): A couple of weeks later, Madame Doubtfire was leaning on the bannister of the upstairs landing, scratching a hairy leg and smoking a cheroot.
MY THOUGHTS: The inspiration behind the film Mrs Doubtfire starring Robin Williams, though fundamentally the same, without saying too much, I found this to be much deeper and, a contradiction in terms I know, both darker and yet on occasion more frothy.
Predominantly the story of a fathers struggle to see more of his children after divorce, whilst undoubtedly funny Madame Doubtfire concentrates less on the cross-dressing antics of the film and instead deals with some very real issues in a way that is both sensitive and realistic.
Though written for children I would suggest that due to some of the arguably understandable destructive behaviour of the adults (I found one or two incidents deeply shocking) this is not suitable for less mature readers.
KEEP IT OR NOT?: Ex-library stock, this is definitely one for the shelves.
13 comments:
Nice review! Never knew Mrs Doubtfire was based on a book, and I like that it focuses less on the cross-dressing than the movie. Sounds like aother good read!
Interesting that there are a couple of passages not suitable for younger readers. I saw the movie when our kids were young but that was years ago. I'll make a point to watch again if I come across it on television.
Ha. I'm with Alexia, I never new the movie was based on a book either. Great to hear! :D Thank you!
Seems like a good read since you have written its one for your shelves! Books are always a lot more deeper then films as the author can slowly describe the scenes but the movie has to end in about 70-90 minutes!
Lovely review, have a fantastic day :)
I really liked the movie. I'll have to search for this.
I didn't know the movie was based on a book either! How interesting. I'm glad to hear this is a keeper. :)
-Lauren
I'm like a lot of people here, I didn't know the movie was based on a book, but it does make sense. Interesting.
Add me to those who had no idea there was a book before there was a movie. It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember enjoying it.
Interesting, I didn't know there was a book.
how interesting! i didn't know the film was based on a book...great to hear!
xx
Hello PW, stopping by to say hello..Everytime I make up my mind to be regular in the blogosphere something upsets my schedule.This time it it was a viral attack..for my son..
Well this book sounds fascinating! I hadn't thought about the book behind the movie- but I look forward to checking this book out. Great review!
~Jess
Well snickies! I never knew that movie was book inspired. How cool. *adds to wish list*
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