I haven’t seen the film, but a number of my book blogging buddies have recommended this one, so I bought it. Would I enjoy reading it?
The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming… This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.
Oh yes, this book gripped me from the first page and wouldn’t let me go until the final page and I was weeping by the end. For starters, the writing is beautiful. The prose is perfectly judged between lyrically balanced descriptions, pin-sharp characterisation and a very good grasp of just how children behave when confronted with extreme stress over a long period of time. As an ex-primary school teacher, I thought the depiction of both Conor’s reaction and some of his classmates was realistic and apt.
The monster’s appearance is marvellous and I loved the interaction between Conor and his monster – and the stories he tells. For starters, Conor wasn’t the only one confounded at the stories the monster tells – and his reactions to the outcome. Having heard one or three folk/fairy tales in my time, I had a sense that I knew where the first story was going – and was completely wrong-footed by the monster’s judgement at the conclusion. Meanwhile, Conor’s mother is still struggling with a latest treatment – and he then has to contend with his grandma. She isn’t the cuddly, white-haired lady so popular in modern imagination – she wears tailored suits, is hopeless at cooking and works full-time. She also is clearly adrift when dealing with Conor as she hasn’t spent much time with him. I enjoyed the fact that as the story is told from Conor’s viewpoint, any adult reading the story will appreciate that she is under enormous stress, but most children – and certainly Conor – will probably miss the signs. Until a disastrous visit by the monster…
So do I have any quibbles? Well, given the mention of mobiles and other contemporary details, I don’t think this story is set in the past – and so my problem with this tale is that most schools these days would be far better equipped to deal with Conor’s situation. Nowadays there would be trained help available for teaching staff and all adults dealing with Conor and it’s highly likely the school would have a specific policy to deal with children undergoing a major family trauma – it happens more often than you might think. Conor would have some sort of counselling, probably be put in touch with other children coping with similar situations and have some time out of the classroom. He would also be asked how he would like to be treated. However, that isn’t a dealbreaker – there is so much about this story that blew me away and I very much recommend this one.
9/10
Hi Sarah! Aaah, this book…. I’ve been meaning to read it for months now. It’s been on my monthly reads for three months and on the endless TBR list for years. Really want to read it. Your review is beautiful. Hope I get to read this one real soon.
Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you so much, Mareli for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the review – the book really is a delight. I look forward to hearing what you make of this one.
Your review was excellent, and 9 out of 10 bodes a good read, but the cover really turns me off.
There is a much better cover – but this is the one for the Kindle edition. Fortunately, I don’t bother with those as my Kindle is so elderly it doesn’t feature any covers – just the title.
Such a wonderful review for a book I very much enjoyed. I also loved all the doodles and illustrations. I read the print book and they just enchanted me. I hope to see the movie too.
I didn’t have that pleasure, as I read the Kindle version – but I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations along with the wonderful writing, even though it was depicted in a very limted fashion.
I’ve heard only wonderful things about this one, but I have had terrible luck with Ness’s work. I want to read it, but I really don’t want to be disappointed. Thanks for the review! 🙂
I understand – I have a particular author I feel the same way about…
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I haven’t seen the movie yet. I’m really scared, too!! I don’t know if I can handle this book coming to life. Eventually, maybe.
I have absolutely NO plans to watch the film…
Woah! I saw this movie a while back , didn’t know it was a book , I loved the movie , your review makes me want to buy the book .
I think the book is beautiful. It certainly exceeded my expectations.
This reminds me a little about The Ocean At The End Of The Lane, except that one has magic in it, cause it’s Gaiman we’re talking about. Have you read that one? I’ve just finished it.
Yes… you’re right – The Ocean does have a similar feel. But while I absolutely loved the book, I found the ending somewhat disappointing.
Well that happens sometimes. Maybe I should read it sooner, to carry on with the vibe. And now that you’ve told me about the ending, I won’t expect anything too amazing 🙂
This is a very touching story isn’t it. I think you have to be in the right mood because it is quite an emotional number but I thought it was really well done and the illustrations were fantastic.
Lynn 😀
It is a lovely read – but you’re right. There were several times when I was poised to read it and then passed because I simply didn’t want to cope with the emotion. Glad I finally went for it, though…
I saw the trailer for the movie (didn’t get around to watching it yet), and it got my attention. It seems that I should first get the hold of the book. 🙂
Oh, I think you should. I’ve never encountered his writing before and it blew me away. But wait until you’re in the mood for a good cry…