Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 33 votes)
5 stars
13(39%)
4 stars
9(27%)
3 stars
11(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
33 reviews
July 14,2025
... Show More
AWESOME ILLUSTRATIONS!


The story moves along at a really fast pace, which is great as it offers a nice and quick catch-up with this timeless classic. It's quite remarkable how I'd completely forgotten about all those other places that he'd journeyed to aside from Lilliput and the land of giants. There were so many more adventures and destinations that added to the richness and excitement of the overall narrative. The illustrations truly bring these forgotten places to life, making it a visual treat as well. It's as if I'm rediscovering this classic all over again, with new eyes and a fresh perspective. The combination of the fast-paced story and the amazing illustrations makes for an engaging and enjoyable reading experience.

July 14,2025
... Show More
The art work that I witnessed was truly amazing.

Every stroke, every color, and every detail seemed to be carefully crafted and thought out.

The artist had managed to bring the piece to life in a way that was both captivating and inspiring.

It was as if the art work was telling a story, and I was completely immersed in it.

The use of light and shadow added depth and dimension to the piece, making it seem almost three-dimensional.

I found myself standing in front of the art work for a long time, just taking it all in and marvelling at the talent and creativity of the artist.

It was an experience that I will never forget, and it has left me with a newfound appreciation for the power of art.

Overall, the art work was a masterpiece, and I feel privileged to have been able to see it.
July 14,2025
... Show More

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver Retold by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Chris Riddell - I simply loved this adaptation.
My son and I read this together over the past few months. It has been an absolute delight.
Often in the book, I was surprised by what I read aloud. The story is so full of奇妙的想象 and engaging情节.
Martin Jenkins has done a wonderful job of retelling Swift's classic in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for both children and adults.
The illustrations by Chris Riddell are truly amazing. They bring the story to life and add an extra layer of depth and detail.
My son was particularly fascinated by the different worlds that Gulliver visits and the strange creatures he encounters.
We had many interesting discussions about the themes and messages in the book.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story. It is a great way to introduce children to the works of Jonathan Swift and to spark their imagination.

July 14,2025
... Show More
It is simply marvelous!

This statement truly encapsulates the essence of something truly remarkable.

When we encounter something that is described as marvelous, it often leaves us in a state of awe and wonder.

It could be a beautiful work of art, a breathtaking natural景观, or an outstanding achievement by someone.

The feeling of marvel is like a burst of excitement and admiration that fills our hearts.

It makes us stop and take notice, and appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Marvelous things have the power to inspire us, to make us dream bigger, and to believe that anything is possible.

They add color and meaning to our lives, and make us realize that there is so much more to discover and experience.

So, the next time you come across something that is simply marvelous, take a moment to soak it in and let it fill you with joy and inspiration.

July 14,2025
... Show More
In April or May, I was reading this to the kids.

I had long wanted to read Gulliver, and I thought this illustrated and simplified story for kids might be interesting.

However, as I read further in the book, I didn't like the illustrations.

Moreover, I didn't particularly care about the story either.

So, I decided that instead of reading this version of Gulliver, we might read about real travels.

I believed that this would be a better option for the kids.

Real travel stories could offer them more practical knowledge and inspiration.

They could learn about different cultures, places, and people.

And perhaps, this would spark their curiosity and interest in exploring the world around them.

In this way, we could have a more meaningful and engaging reading experience together.

July 14,2025
... Show More
Reading to my son is always a special time, and this adaptation truly stands out.

The illustrations in it are simply amazing. They bring the story to life in the most vivid way, captivating my son's imagination.

Moreover, it reads aloud extremely well. The flow of the words is smooth and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

My son is completely enthralled by the story and the beautiful illustrations. It has become one of our favorite bedtime reads.

I highly recommend this adaptation to anyone looking for a wonderful book to share with their children.

The combination of great illustrations and excellent readability makes it a must-have for any family's bookshelf.

July 14,2025
... Show More
Gulliver visits many different countries, not just Lilliput.

He embarks on a series of extraordinary voyages that take him to strange and wonderful lands. In each country, he encounters unique cultures, people, and challenges.

After leaving Lilliput, Gulliver finds himself in Brobdingnag, where the people are giants. Here, he experiences life on a much larger scale and has to adapt to their ways.

His adventures continue as he visits other countries such as Laputa, a floating island, and the land of the Houyhnhnms, where horses are the intelligent beings and humans are considered wild and inferior.

These diverse experiences shape Gulliver's perspective and teach him valuable lessons about different ways of life and the nature of humanity.

Overall, Gulliver's travels are a remarkable journey of discovery and self-reflection.
July 14,2025
... Show More
I've never read the original Gulliver's Travels.

I had the stereotypical image of this story: Gulliver, lying on a beach, tied up by the diminutive Lilliputians. So I was surprised to find that his travels went far beyond Lilliput, and that he experienced a number of distinctive cultures.

I doubt I would have understood all the themes and deeper meanings behind the encounters had I not read about that online. I don't think this abridged/retold beautifully-illustrated version was to blame, though. I've never been very good at literary analysis. (Placing out of English 101 might have been a bad thing in the long run!) But at the same time, I doubt I would have read the original. It was the illustrations (and probably a more modern writing style) that kept me going. Don't get me wrong, this is not a picture book by any means, but the illustrations really add a lot to the story. I thought it was funny how, on his last voyage, you see him carrying a duffel bag made of the various fabrics he's worn in the various locations.

In conclusion, I am much more culturally literate than before, having now digested one version of this classic literary tale. I wonder if, having read this as a teen or tween, a reader would better understand the original upon encountering it in later life?

Perhaps they would have a better foundation and be able to pick up on the subtleties and hidden meanings more easily. It makes me think about how important it is to introduce children and young adults to classic literature in an accessible way. This version of Gulliver's Travels has definitely opened my eyes to the possibilities.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Incredibly fun illustrated kid's version of Gulliver's Travels!

This classic story has been brought to life in a whole new way for young readers. The vivid illustrations add a magical touch, making it easier for kids to imagine the wonderful and strange worlds that Gulliver visits.

The story follows Gulliver on his adventures, where he encounters tiny people in Lilliput, giant beings in Brobdingnag, and many other奇特的 creatures and places. Through his experiences, kids can learn about different cultures, values, and the importance of kindness and respect.

The kid's version of Gulliver's Travels is not only entertaining but also educational. It helps to spark children's imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them. Whether read aloud by a parent or enjoyed independently by a child, this illustrated version is sure to become a favorite.

So, grab a copy and let the adventure begin!
July 14,2025
... Show More

It truly feels very much like the original, adult version. In fact, it is indeed rather adult in nature. However, the satire within it shines gloriously. Surprisingly, the kids are able to understand a great deal of it and they enjoy the inversions. It's quite remarkable how this particular piece manages to have such an impact on both adults and children alike. The way the satire is presented is engaging and thought-provoking. It makes one stop and think about various aspects of life. Loved it.

July 14,2025
... Show More
I truly wish that the version I had read in Brit Lit had been accompanied by these graphic illustrations. It would have added a whole new dimension to the reading experience.

Caoimhe is completely hooked on this story, and I find myself patiently waiting for her to pose the question of whether the Lilliputians and the Munchkins were related. I have a strong hunch that this question is bound to come up.

It's fascinating to observe her intense interest and curiosity. I can almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she delves deeper into the narrative.

I wonder what her thoughts and interpretations will be once she formulates that question. Will she draw parallels between the two groups of tiny characters? Or will she come up with a completely unique perspective?

Either way, I'm excited to engage in a discussion with her and explore the possibilities together. It's moments like these that make reading and sharing literature truly special.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver – retold by Martin Jenkins illustrated by Chris Riddell

A birthday gift. A beautiful book. In some ways, we are familiar with Gulliver from children’s stories. However, the real book by Swift is far from a children’s tale.


I recall a lecturer asking, what does it say about our culture that we transform a text critical of our values, a satirical piece, into a children’s story? As a student, I was also struck by the importance of context. European audiences in Swift’s time read travel descriptions, and the contemporary responses to Gulliver’s Travels focused on its truthfulness. This may sound absurd to us now, but contextually, our understanding of the world outside our experience is shaped by how it is presented to us.


Of course, this is a retelling. The content lends itself well to storytelling and the fantastical genre. The original style is so firmly rooted in the old travel writing style that it can seem drawn out. Nowadays, satire is more commonly presented in the performing arts. However, I am truly impressed by this retelling. It is not an innocent one. It retains a sense of satire and critical engagement, making fun of the narrator himself through both the tone of the retelling and the illustrations. I felt that the ‘utopian’ Houyhnhnms, or at least their influence on Gulliver, was even more strongly associated with what we would call fascism or simplistic racism in this retelling than in the original. Certainly, it is more so than in my memory of children’s stories, which may be incomplete. As a child reading a picture book, one does not fully understand satire.


But I do want to emphasize that this retelling is a beautiful book, with a wonderful harmony between the illustrations and the writing. The engaging story is there, as is the tone of sardonic criticism of our own values.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.