The Runaways of Haddington Hall Written by Vivian French. Reviewed by Vee, Age 8

Right away you can tell its set in the olden days because of the mangle. It is really funny when Mrs Haddington calls Minnie Mangle later on because she is the daughter of a washerwoman. My favourite character is Minnie O’Sullivan because she is so funny and clever. She is very determined and when you upset her her temper flares up.

The differences between the classes in society is unjust. There is a big difference between the luxury Lady Lavingley lives in and the poverty of Enry (who is very kind and honest despite sleeping in a stable).

Minnie goes through a big journey in this book and it is surprising who she becomes friends with and how they help each other out.

There is a big change in the plot and so many twists. I was surprised to find out who the villain was and how he’d done it before and nearly got away with it again.

Mrs Haddington is the stupidest character in this book and she got what she deserved at the end.

It was really interesting and I didn’t want to put the book down to go to school. I am so glad I get to go to school because some characters didn’t get to go to school until the end of the book.
I also got to into the book so much that I was speaking like the characters and adding S’s onto the end of everything. It’s made me think about how I can write dialogue in my schoolwork.

I loved this book and I hope there’s a sequel. I am looking forward to reading more stories by Vivian French.