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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I think enjoyment of this book probably depends a lot on the kind of fantasy that appeals to you. If you like low-fantasy, even magical realism, novels where the fantasy reflects and explains the emotional undercurrent of the story, I think this could be a very impactful book (especially if you read it as a child). As a jaded adult with a preference for fantastical works, though, I found it at least somewhat wanting.
I like the dichotomy Arnold sets up between the mundanely earthy Skellig - a creature who complains of arthritis and demands aspirin and Chinese food - and the mysterious, almost dreamlike way in which he affects the world of Michael, the protagonist, and his friend Mina. What appeals to me far less is the language that implies an almost psychic link between Michael and his baby sister, who is born with a heart condition (a Chekhov's gun if ever I've met one). How Skellig's arrival impacts this situation threatens to send the book into "spiritual woo-woo" territory several times. Arnold tries to throttle any overt religiosity by bringing evolution into it, but it honestly just muddies the water even further. Is Skellig really there? Apparently so - Mina can see him, too. Is he what he appears to be? Probably. Why did he show up in Michael's life at this precise moment? Er...
The whole book ends up in an emotional soup that combines despair, faith, and awakening all at the same time. Some readers may (and obviously do) find this cathartic, but to my mind, it's too pat; several logical loose ends are simply covered over with a brief bit of handwaving. We really never know much about Skellig, who he is, or how he grows strong again. It just happens - in the space of a few lines - because his recovery is required by the emotional climax. While Michael's own emotional catharsis makes sense in the context of the information he is given, because the book is told in first-person, we never know more than he does. Our awareness remains at the level of a ten-year-old - and a relatively passive ten-year-old, at that.
There are some obvious similarities between this book and Patrick Ness' A Monster Calls, and I think the Ness book pulls it off somewhat better, in part because its climax, while similarly telegraphed, doesn't pull any punch. That book faces up to the anger that comes with grief, and importantly, its fantasy elements spring naturally from the real-life conflict (and would not exist without that conflict). Skellig, on the other hand, works fantasy elements into position to underscore and solve conflict - which is a different approach, and to my mind, less effective
I like the dichotomy Arnold sets up between the mundanely earthy Skellig - a creature who complains of arthritis and demands aspirin and Chinese food - and the mysterious, almost dreamlike way in which he affects the world of Michael, the protagonist, and his friend Mina. What appeals to me far less is the language that implies an almost psychic link between Michael and his baby sister, who is born with a heart condition (a Chekhov's gun if ever I've met one). How Skellig's arrival impacts this situation threatens to send the book into "spiritual woo-woo" territory several times. Arnold tries to throttle any overt religiosity by bringing evolution into it, but it honestly just muddies the water even further. Is Skellig really there? Apparently so - Mina can see him, too. Is he what he appears to be? Probably. Why did he show up in Michael's life at this precise moment? Er...
The whole book ends up in an emotional soup that combines despair, faith, and awakening all at the same time. Some readers may (and obviously do) find this cathartic, but to my mind, it's too pat; several logical loose ends are simply covered over with a brief bit of handwaving. We really never know much about Skellig, who he is, or how he grows strong again. It just happens - in the space of a few lines - because his recovery is required by the emotional climax. While Michael's own emotional catharsis makes sense in the context of the information he is given, because the book is told in first-person, we never know more than he does. Our awareness remains at the level of a ten-year-old - and a relatively passive ten-year-old, at that.
There are some obvious similarities between this book and Patrick Ness' A Monster Calls, and I think the Ness book pulls it off somewhat better, in part because its climax, while similarly telegraphed, doesn't pull any punch. That book faces up to the anger that comes with grief, and importantly, its fantasy elements spring naturally from the real-life conflict (and would not exist without that conflict). Skellig, on the other hand, works fantasy elements into position to underscore and solve conflict - which is a different approach, and to my mind, less effective
Some children's books are written so well and so beautifully that they provide equal if not greater entertainment for adults. After reading the reviews, I thought this might be one. It was not. It was good, but it was not truly great.
The imagery is vivid. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of birds in this book, particularly the owls. The children's relationships with their parents is honest and accurate. There are beautiful sections.
I'm not sure what it was. It was compelling, but it didn't grab me the way I thought it might.
The imagery is vivid. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of birds in this book, particularly the owls. The children's relationships with their parents is honest and accurate. There are beautiful sections.
I'm not sure what it was. It was compelling, but it didn't grab me the way I thought it might.
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did! Almond has a real skill for crafting language and the world he creates is gritty and haunting. I was intrigued by the characters from the beginning and really liked how much Michael grew in confidence (and in acknowledging and expressing his emotions) over the course of the narrative.
Upper KS2 students would get a lot out of this book. Skellig is such an unusual character and a lot could be drawn from how he is described and framed. The plot overall would also elicit conversations about identity, family, friendship, anxiety and hope. Many children may recognise the struggles of dealing with illness within the family and relate to Michael's worries about his sister and parents.
The motif of birds and evolution also fits wonderfully with the Year 6 science topic on the theory of evolution. Though the novel is not entirely scientifically accurate, Mina's fascination with the environment may illuminate work focussing on animals and habitats. Mina herself is also an interesting point of discussion in her individual approach to education and knowledge. I am looking forward to reading Skellig's prequel, "My Name is Mina", in due course.
Upper KS2 students would get a lot out of this book. Skellig is such an unusual character and a lot could be drawn from how he is described and framed. The plot overall would also elicit conversations about identity, family, friendship, anxiety and hope. Many children may recognise the struggles of dealing with illness within the family and relate to Michael's worries about his sister and parents.
The motif of birds and evolution also fits wonderfully with the Year 6 science topic on the theory of evolution. Though the novel is not entirely scientifically accurate, Mina's fascination with the environment may illuminate work focussing on animals and habitats. Mina herself is also an interesting point of discussion in her individual approach to education and knowledge. I am looking forward to reading Skellig's prequel, "My Name is Mina", in due course.
Remembered I read this because my sister picked up a copy in a charity shop. It was on the year (8/9?) syllabus that we both experienced at the same school. Reading this in class was one of the first times that I had read an entire novel and worked with people to try to pick it apart. I remember nothing, now, except a fallen angel who eats some takeaway food.
This is the best YA magical realism. What a great, fast read. Fantastic and understandable introduction to the genre with a compelling plot and even more compelling characters. I’d start with this before “Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” at any level. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I still find it too creepy to be awesome or wonderful
But then, my basic expectations of things of that nature, preclude some of the details involved, here.
Spoiler
Maybe they were trying to do an Aragorn thing, looks foul, feels fair, but that only works for me for people. For supernatural, if there's anything foul, it's not divine. Doesn't mean it can't be humble and disguised, but there were too many details that felt off. So it's a weird story, that wasn't worth the time invested for me.
But then, my basic expectations of things of that nature, preclude some of the details involved, here.
Spoiler
Maybe they were trying to do an Aragorn thing, looks foul, feels fair, but that only works for me for people. For supernatural, if there's anything foul, it's not divine. Doesn't mean it can't be humble and disguised, but there were too many details that felt off. So it's a weird story, that wasn't worth the time invested for me.
What a magical and marvelous book. Love that the creature is both identifiable and not.
Love Mina, the homeschooled, tree-climbing best friend. So excited to hear that it is both a PLAY and an OOPERA. Now to get a local playhouse to perform it for the county!
Love Mina, the homeschooled, tree-climbing best friend. So excited to hear that it is both a PLAY and an OOPERA. Now to get a local playhouse to perform it for the county!
This was a really good book. I like the development of the characters, I love Mina! I feel that Skellig himself could have had more of a back story but I get that I would take away from the fantasy of what an enigma he is.
" It's the best children's book I have read recently." - J.K. Rowling - and she's right. After finishing the H.P series, reading this was an enchanting treat.. loved it!!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You remember growing up in the late 00’s watching Sky 1 you saw advertisements for a movie starring Rumpelstiltskin with wings, turns out it’s based on a book.