Book Review |
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The Hundred and One Dalmatians |
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The Hundred and One Dalmatians Book is very different from the film. Having seen the films and cartoons first, the books seems odd to start with. I kept thinking that things were not "right". However, once you get used to it and stop thinking of the film, it is a thoroughly enjoyable book. In some ways, it is better than the film. The book takes more time to explain the plot and the plot and characters become richer. Cruella, for instance, is more menacing and less of a comedy figure. She is written as a crazed, psychotic figure with a passion for fur and it is easier to understand why she would do what she does. There is nothing funny about her - she is a true "nasty". The plot, for those who have never seen the film, is that a mad woman (Cruella) wants to capture dalmatians to skin them and make herself a fur coat. The story is told in the third person but it focuses on the dogs involved and their thoughts and feelings. When Cruala steals the puppies from the Dearly's household, it is up to the parent dogs to get them back. There follows a long chase through the English countryside as the parent dogs desperately try to find them. Be prepared for some major changes, Cruella is married, the 101 dalmatians are not all puppies, Purdy is called Missis though there is a rescued dog called Purdita, and there are a lot more characters involved. The book is well written and the story moves along with good pace. It is very enjoyable and Dodie Smith must be sad that most people today only know Disney's film versions of the story. Iestyn Evans April 2002 |
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