Milou, Sem, Egbert, Fenna and Lotta are the five oldest children in an orphanage in Amsterdam at the end of the nineteenth century. Declared ‘the unadoptables’ by evil Matron Gassbeek, when the matron takes drastic action to rid herself of them, the five friends seize an opportunity to escape the grim orphanage. Led by Milou, determined to find her parents, the children must find a way to fend for themselves. Fortunately, all five are talented and resourceful, but is that enough when the past catches up with them?
I read rave reviews of The Midnighters by the same author. Unfortunately, my library didn’t have that book but it had the author’s debut middle grade book, so I borrowed that instead. In case you haven’t heard, there was a huge controversary over the title. Personally I think Unadoptables is a troublesome word to use, given its connotations, and the complexities around adoption and its implications for children in care. In the book the term is used as a slur by the matron and not considered in any depth, which makes it an even more inexplicable choice. So I totally understand why people reacted badly to the title, and I am amazed the publishers went with it.
Leaving the title aside, I have mixed views on this book. Some things I really liked. The author writes well, and I enjoyed the story being set among the frozen canals of Amsterdam in 1892. I liked the children being such loyal friends and how their talents complemented one another’s. I really loved the puppet theatre, and the attempts the children made to convince the neighbours they were living with their father. I liked the character of neighbour Edda, and the mystery of what happened to Bram Poppenmaker.
What didn’t work for me so well were the ridiculous over the top villains. Perhaps a Lemony Snickett vibe was meant to continue throughout the book. If so, the author didn’t carry it off as the villainous Rotman just came across as cliched. The actions of the characters often made no sense to me. This was especially true of the reveal and the ending, and I was disappointed the author didn’t explain why any of the characters acted the way they did.
Overall, the book was an enjoyable enough read. If you love the found family trope and can overlook the plot flaws (and forgive the title), I’m sure you would enjoy this adventure. TOTP and I are sticklers for strong plots, however, so acknowledging the nice prose, we award The Unadoptables six out of ten Diamonds.
Valinora Troy 
Sorry this book wasn’t for you. Hope the next one will be better!
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It’s a shame because I think she is a very talented writer, it’s just too many things in this story didn’t make sense to me.
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Nice
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I sounds like you gave the book a fair chance and that it was entertaining in places. Good review, Valinora!
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Thanks Priscilla 🙂
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I can understand why people don’t like the title, but it is a period piece and a term that was used. So I take that perspective. It sounds like a complex novel and I appreciate you honest review. I hope the book you are waiting for is better.
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Absolutely, and there was a lot in the story too. Thanks Patricia 🙂
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Yes, that title surprised me . I do like the camaraderie among the kids and the plot sounds good. Too bad the villains were a bit much. I still might take a look at this one when time allows later this year. Thanks for featuring your post on MMGM this week.
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I’d love to hear what you think, if you get to read it, Greg. It’s really well written, but the story just didn’t work for me. Thanks for visiting!
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I like the premise of the kids who each have their own talent. An over-the-top villain can work, as in the Lemony Snicket books. But even in those books it got a little tiresome near the end of the series. Thanks for your thoughts on this one.
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Thanks, and the kids were great. The villains and the back story just didn’t work for me 🙂
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I can understand the reaction to the title, but it sounds like the characters rise above it. That’s, ultimately, a positive message. Plus, the title comes from characters we don’t like, so I don’t see it as being treated as anything other than bad here. Which is good.
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You’re totally right, the book’s message is positive, the evil character said it, so it’s a shame it overshadowed the book 😦
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The book sounds pretty good, but that title is hard to overcome. If I get some extra time, I might check it out. Thanks for telling me about it.
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I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, Rosi, if you get a chance to read it! There’s a lot to like in it!
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As an adoptive mom, this book wouldn’t be for me. I think it’s hurtful to adoptive kids to have a book with a title like that. I wish there were more books that portrayed the happy parts of being adopted vs. focusing on orphans.
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I understand how you feel, and I totally agree. It’s a terrible title, and a poor decision by the publishers. I agree with you as well about the lack of stories featuring adopted kids, I’m sure there’s some but I haven’t come across any.
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