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mat_tobin's review against another edition
5.0
A verse novel by current Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, with illustrations by Kate Milner, takes readers on a poignant and surreal journey through grief and healing. Fourteen-year-old Daphne, grappling with the loss of her father, seeks solace in the library, where she immerses herself in books to avoid confronting her pain. However, when she loses her phone, which holds the last voicemail from her father, she embarks on a Wonderlandesque quest to retrieve it. Guided by a message to "follow the nuts," Daphne enters a bewildering forest of past memories, reminiscent of the Greek myth of Daphne who transformed into a tree to escape Apollo's pursuit.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow.
booksletusescape's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
paperbackjpg's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
ellenisntcool's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
strawb3rries's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hayitsabi's review against another edition
1.0
This book just was really not to my taste. It is entirely written in poetry and although the plot is intriguing it failed to capture my interest.
kba76's review against another edition
3.0
Before the Carnegie shortlist comes out, I always try to read as many of the books up for consideration as possible. My ability to do so is dependent on getting ARCs via NetGalley and my library having the books in stock. I could not get my hands on a copy of The Girl Who Became a Tree...and I know it won’t be a popular view, but I don’t feel able to justify paying £12.99 for a book that I know so little about. However, with Shadowing underway I was finally able to dip into this.
The cover is not something I immediately felt enticed by. The colours seem dark and quite off-putting and it’s very hard to get a feel for the book when you first pick it up. I know the myth of Daphne, and I found myself wondering how this could be transferred to a modern setting. Having read the book I’m still unsure whether this was happening in her head or whether we were exploring a metaphorical transformation.
The illustrations offer some insight into the story, but I didn’t feel they developed it in the way I thought they might. Scattered throughout, they felt quite detached from the text.
I confess to still not knowing exactly what caused Daphne to feel so alone, or why the library setting was chosen. There were some poems that I found incredibly moving, and I liked the visual appeal of the way some of the poems were presented. Ultimately, though, I spent most of the book in a state of confusion and I think I have to resign myself to not being a fan.
The cover is not something I immediately felt enticed by. The colours seem dark and quite off-putting and it’s very hard to get a feel for the book when you first pick it up. I know the myth of Daphne, and I found myself wondering how this could be transferred to a modern setting. Having read the book I’m still unsure whether this was happening in her head or whether we were exploring a metaphorical transformation.
The illustrations offer some insight into the story, but I didn’t feel they developed it in the way I thought they might. Scattered throughout, they felt quite detached from the text.
I confess to still not knowing exactly what caused Daphne to feel so alone, or why the library setting was chosen. There were some poems that I found incredibly moving, and I liked the visual appeal of the way some of the poems were presented. Ultimately, though, I spent most of the book in a state of confusion and I think I have to resign myself to not being a fan.
rainbow_reader's review against another edition
4.0
It was nice when I read it but tbh it is probably one I will forget soon.
readintheclouds's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
milliehenderson05's review against another edition
4.0
enjoyed this book quite a lot! quick and easy read, based around feelings of loss and the acceptance of that loss with bits of greek mythology too so was quite interesting to read!