Published by Walker Books Review by Olly
This book is magnificent, truly magnificent. Everything about it, from the writing style to the feel of the pages (Walker Books Edition) is fantastic.
A Monster Calls makes you think, not just of the story, but of things in real life. It allows you to imagine in detail, some very real happenings in some peoples very real life.
Books are like portals, they take you to different worlds, some purely fictional like Narnia but some only part-fictional. This book’s portal isn’t like any other; it’s a portal to our own world around us. Just in another person’s life.
The book starts with a boy called Conor, who is 12. His mother has a very serious illness, cancer. In Conor’s mind, it is pure evil. He feels trapped, trapped because everyone treats him differently, with sympathy.
In his head his mother will get better, but her tablets aren’t working and her chances are very slim. Then the Monster came. He arrived shortly after midnight, as they do… and forces Conor to confront some uncomfortable truths.
The story won the 2012 Cilip Carnegie award, alongside countless others. I cannot praise this book enough; it will make you feel every emotion as strong as they come, as the characters are displayed vividly in your mind. 12:07, it’s time for monsters; it’s time for reading…
For more reviews by student Olly, visit www.theollybookblog.com