A truly wonderful young adult fantasy book.

It has this remarkable ability to transport you back to your teenage years, awakening those memories and emotions that were so vivid during that time.

It also reminds me of some of the classic fantasies I devoured as a teenager, with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and a world that is both magical and believable.

Today, my words seem inadequate to fully capture the essence and charm of this book.

I highly recommend that you read Amanda Kespohl or Lis Carey's reviews.

Their insights and perspectives might give you a better understanding of just how special this young adult fantasy truly is.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on this captivating journey through the pages of this remarkable book.

The story begins with teenaged Jenny being forcefully dragged to live on a farm in Dorset against her will. There, she encounters a ghost and discovers a quest that awaits her.

However, this narrative gets off to an extremely slow start. If it had been any author other than Peter Beagle, I surely would not have endured 45 pages of Jenny complaining and whining in New York. But once they reach England, the pace picks up rapidly.

The remainder of the book is mostly as excellent as I could have hoped for. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that it is a relatively dim light when compared to the magnificent The Last Unicorn.

Overall, despite the sluggish beginning, the story manages to redeem itself and provide an engaging read, although it may not quite reach the same heights as Beagle's other masterpiece.

"Tamsin" by Peter S. Beagle is a story set at the intersection of two worlds: contemporary reality and the ancient, mystical England. The main character, Jenny Gluckstein, is an American teenager who不情愿地从纽约搬到英国乡村, where her mother and stepfather discover an old property - their new home. Although initially Jenny feels alienated there and longs for her old life, over time she begins to discover that strange and unexplainable things are happening around her.

The central point of the plot is Jenny's encounter with the spirit of Tamsin Willoughby, a girl who lived three centuries ago. Tamsin, imprisoned by traumatic events from the past and dark forces that still threaten the area, asks Jenny for help. Through this unusual encounter, Jenny is drawn into a world full of ancient legends, mysterious creatures, and dangers that challenge her courage and perseverance.

The plot gradually unfolds, leading the protagonist through the twists and turns of the past and present. Jenny must learn not only to face supernatural threats but also to understand the deep bonds that connect her with her new friend-spirit. Along the way, she discovers the magic hidden in English folklore, uncovers the secrets of the old property, and engages in a battle against evil that has not been overcome for hundreds of years. As the story develops, Jenny matures, not only as a person but also as someone who gains a greater awareness of what is truly important in life: love, friendship, and sacrifice for others.

Beagle's style, full of vividness and elegance, makes the plot flow naturally, pulling the reader deeper into the descriptions of English landscapes, magical creatures, secrets, and phenomena that the author weaves into Jenny's daily life. What distinguishes "Tamsin" is its extraordinarily atmospheric narration, which effectively transports us into a gothic world full of emotions, tension, and surprises.

"Tamsin" is an exceptional story about跨越时间和空间的界限, about overcoming one's own fears in the name of loyalty to those who are close to us - regardless of which world they come from. It is a moody, full of mystery, magic, and emotions that not only provides a great read but also prompts reflection on our own lives and relationships with others. Beagle shows us in it that even in the face of great evil, the power of friendship and love can overcome everything, and the world full of mysteries can turn out to be more real than we think. If you are looking for an unconventional, well-written, and engaging book about an extraordinary friendship and跨越时间的界限, as well as your own comfort zone - be sure to reach for "Tamsin"

My sister read this book, and upon hearing her description, I thought that I would also have a great interest in it. After all, it was about ghosts, which always hold a certain allure for me.

However, when I started reading it myself, I found that I couldn't even get through more than half of it. There were several reasons for this. Maybe the writing style didn't suit me, or perhaps the plot wasn't as engaging as I had expected.

Nevertheless, I still hope to give this book another try in the future. I believe that sometimes, first impressions can be deceiving, and there might be hidden gems within the story that I haven't discovered yet. Maybe with a second attempt, I will be able to appreciate it more and change my initial review.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to explore this book again and see if it can truly capture my imagination.

Well done, Mr. Beagle!

This author has truly and precisely captured the voice and spirit of a somewhat immature 19-year-old retelling a story that took place from the ages of 13 to 15. It's truly remarkable how he achieved this. The narrator, Jenny's voice, is so well-developed that the lucky reader feels as if they are right there in the room with her, sharing a cup of tea and scones and learning about her time with Tamsin. We can't help but feel for her as she navigates the often lonely waters of middle and high school and tries to adjust to a new country. I can't think of anything I've read in recent or not-so-recent times that even comes close to this level of authenticity.

He really nails it with many of the descriptions. For example, Jenny recounts the moment when her new stepbrother hears her crying and quietly brings her his grubby toy gorilla for comfort. She tells us "and that's how I got a baby brother", and the charming little Julian becomes a huge part of her adjustment to her new home in rural England. In another passage, we get a clear understanding of her lack of self-confidence when she describes herself as a fire hydrant with bad skin (I may be paraphrasing slightly).

However, the story didn't quite draw me in as much as I had expected. Part of this is likely due to the fact that Tamsin doesn't enter the picture until nearly a third of the way in. By this point, Jenny and her family have pretty much accepted that the bizarre stuff happening in their farmhouse can only be explained by the supernatural. The fridge keeps breaking down? You need to make peace with the boggart. Oh, and those brutal storms? That's the Wild Hunt. So it's not a huge surprise when Jenny discovers they have a 300-year-old resident ghost with amnesia.

She quietly researches the history of the house and the town and learns about a sort of reign of terror that took place in southern England after a failed coup regarding the successor to the throne. Her friendship with Tamsin grows, as does her relationship with her truly kind stepfather and two stepbrothers. We follow her as she grows up (a bit) and eventually makes a living friend.

The resolution, unfortunately, came a bit abruptly. The explanation that Tamsin was forced to entertain the judge, thus delaying her elopement - though without knowing that her fiance had already been murdered by said judge - and then cursed the poor guy to the Wild Hunt seemed a bit extreme. Jenny finally got a ride on the Pooka and conveniently escapes the Wild Hunt just in time to watch Tamsin pretty much tell them to retract her oath. Um, and the Wild Hunt is like Wal-mart with accepting the return seemed a bit too convoluted. Additionally, the book was a little too long, a sort of slow burn that ended in a nuclear explosion out of nowhere.

Still, I would highly recommend this book, even if only for the spot-on narration. It really makes the story come alive and is a testament to the author's skill.

Soooooooo boring. Honestly.

I made myself plow through almost 120 pages before I just could not do it anymore.

Other reviews mentioned that the plot finally takes off around page 100. I suppose there was some glimmer of hope that something might actually happen, but I couldn't keep going based off a small glimmer.

The first 100 pages center around a girl that has to move to England due to her mom re-marrying.

Beagle includes all sorts of details that just don't matter and tries to write in a 13-year-old girl's voice (and in my opinion, fails miserably).

The story seems to drag on and on, with no real excitement or action.

The characters are not very engaging, and I found it hard to connect with them.

The writing style is also rather平淡, and it doesn't draw the reader in.

I was really disappointed with this book, especially considering all the positive reviews it had received.

I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling or engaging read.

4.5 stars for Tamsin.

It took me a while to really get into this story. At first, I was a bit hesitant, but then, as the plot shifted across the water, I found myself completely hooked.

I absolutely adored the relationship between Jenny and Mister Cat. Their bond was so unique and heartwarming.

The mythological creatures that one gets to encounter in this novel are truly wonderful. Some are terrifying, while others are utterly enthralling.

Tamsin herself and Miss Sophia Brown are extremely engaging characters. The interactions between the two girls and the two cats were just gorgeous to read about.

Judge Jeffreys, a real historical figure, is a villain who is quite terrifying in his own right.

My absolute favorite part of the book involves the girls, Judge Jeffreys, the Wild Hunt, and the Old lady of the Elder Tree. It was a thrilling and moving sequence.

Peter S Beagle has never let me down with any of his books, and this one was no exception. It was a truly moving and captivating read.

Highly recommended for those who have a passion for history, ghosts, and the power of friendship.

I don't want to give a final rating (4 or 5 stars) to this book until I have experienced Beagle's fantastic language in the original. There are good translations, but this one is definitely not among them. It is rather sloppy, with incomplete sentences that don't make sense. However, even this cannot disguise the charming world. Those who find the protagonist "annoying" are, in my opinion, rather attesting to Beagle's ability to convincingly portray a 13-year-old going through puberty. But yes, in terms of the narrative style, it is almost the opposite of "The Last Unicorn". This creativity and versatility make him such a special author.

The book has its flaws in translation, but it still manages to draw the reader in with its charming world and well-portrayed characters. Beagle's unique writing style, which can be both charming and challenging, is one of the things that makes his work so interesting. While this particular translation may not do justice to his language, it does give us a glimpse into his creative mind.

Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy and those who are interested in exploring different writing styles. Just be prepared for a bit of a rough ride in terms of the translation.

Jenny is happy living in New York. At least as happy as a troubled teenager with divorced parents can be. Well, she manages to survive. She's not pretty, not tall, and not even funny. She only has two friends and a cat named Mr. Cat.

But her life takes a radical turn when her mother announces that they are going to move to the English countryside to live in a huge mansion with her new boyfriend and his two children. Jenny, of course, flatly refuses, but there's little she can do. What she doesn't know is that the house is bewitched. And that, in addition to boggarts, Black Dogs, and goblins, there is an ancient curse whose protagonists still roam the rooms of the mansion.

Jenny's life will never be the same after meeting Tamsin. => Keep reading the review at http://www.eltemplodelasmilpuertas.com

Magic grounded in Dorset soil.

Jenny Gluckstein, now a young adult, pens her memoir about the time when her 13-year-old self unearthed a world beyond the ordinary. Back then, she was constantly angry, so petulant and obnoxious, having been uprooted from her sense of belonging. However, as time passed, the allure of the Dorchestershire land soothed her heart and led it home. When Jenny embraced the impossibilities, wonder emerged, closely followed by courage.

This novel effectively evoked in me a sense of childhood enchantment. The concept of an old world, steeped in English folklore within the rural beauty, coexisting naturally in and around the realities, appealed strongly to my imagination. It was a seamless blend of the corporeal and the supernatural, with neither detracting from the other. There was the rhythm of an actual working farm, which became so after much hard work to get the plumbing and irrigation in order, and the rhyme of a new family navigating tentative relationships and cultural differences. In the midst was Jenny, the girl who was both here and there, neither intimidated nor awed, who would rather trade barbs with a billy-blind and avoid favors from a pooka than awkwardly hold her little step-brother's hand.

The characters - humans, non-human, and feline ones! - enlivened the plot, compensating for a slow start. Each distinct presence was like a bright twinkle, and the novel shone because of it. None was more luminous than the lovely, gentle Tamsin, long-dead and wispy, a shadow of a shadow of her former self, forgetful of much and fearful of more. My investment in the story truly began when the mysterious Tamsin first appeared with her pretty, antiquated words. Tamsin and Jenny found each other 300 years apart, and with each contact, they became more real to this reader.

Without spoilers, the ending was satisfactory. Personally, I believed it could have been darker to suit an adult audience. The setup was there - obsession, malevolence, violent history - to create an unsettling feeling. As it was, author Peter Beagle focused on the positives - community, friendship, love - which made for comfortable reading for middle grade and up, with a light touch on the wild side. This is my first Beagle novel, and the reason why it's this one and not his famous classic, The Last Unicorn, is a question much like Jenny's remarkable experience. It happened serendipitously and is worthy of remembering.

[Awards:
2000 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature
2000 World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel]

This piece is truly beautiful, interesting, and well worth reading or hearing.

It has a certain allure that draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The content is captivating, filled with unique perspectives and engaging stories.

However, there is one important caveat to note. It contains a significant amount of bad language.

This may not be suitable for all audiences, especially those who are sensitive to such language.

Therefore, it is recommended for young adults and older individuals who can handle and understand the context in which the bad language is used.

Despite this drawback, the overall quality and value of the piece make it a worthwhile read or listen for those who are interested in the subject matter and can overlook the language issue.

Overall, I had a rather mixed experience with this book.

On the positive side, I truly adored the seamless blend of history and legend, along with the infusion of old Dorset dialect and superstition. It carried a distinct Dark is Rising-esque feel that always manages to draw me in. Julian was a great character, and I really took a liking to Meena as well. The twist regarding Edric was actually quite creative and well-executed, catching me completely off guard. Additionally, the sporadic incorporations of Indian myth and culture added an interesting layer to the story. Mister Cat and Miss Sophia Brown were also charming elements.

However, there were several aspects that didn't quite hit the mark for me. The main character was, overall, just okay, but for a significant portion of the book, she was really obnoxious. While I understand that this was likely an attempt to show her growth, it made the beginning of the book rather difficult to get through. Tamsin, on the other hand, felt a bit underwhelming. Her storyline seemed watered down, and it was hard for me to truly believe that she was a real person with genuine emotions. Her story was quite predictable, and even the twist didn't seem to be enough to counterbalance the numerous common tropes that the story covered.

Furthermore, the book as a whole was rather slow-paced. It wasn't until nearly 40% of the way through that we meet Tamsin, and there aren't even any ghosts until Chapter 9. A lot of the content could have been trimmed down, especially the prologue in New York where Jenny is rather unlikable towards her mom for several chapters. While I appreciate the author's attempt to imitate a teen girl's thought process, realism doesn't necessarily equate to being interesting or engaging. There was also an abundance of foreshadowing, but it was so blatant that it often just made me aware of what was about to happen.

The villain was also a bit of a letdown. Although some nuance was added, he still felt like a rather basic evil antagonist who was simply evil for the sake of being evil. I would have preferred more backstory on him and what led him to become that way, or perhaps a bit more exploration of his sympathetic side.

Finally, I'm rather on the fence about the portrayal of the Jenny/Tamsin relationship. The story seems to strongly suggest that Jenny has romantic feelings for Tamsin, but then spends a lot of time on Tamsin's former life where she's in love with a man, and the epilogue also implies that Jenny is interested in a guy in college, making her seem rather straight. It's a bit confusing for me to understand exactly what kind of feelings these are supposed to be. On one hand, I liked the idea that Jenny's feelings for Tamsin were independent of gender, but on the other hand, it also felt like maybe that wasn't the author's intention, which made it a bit immersion-breaking for me to try to relate to Jenny's supposed feelings in a completely platonic way.