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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I really felt like I spent a sizzling hot summer in a sleapy village in italy.
I had to read this twice because every time they said Owly at the end I kept thinking about Baby Owl. Blame it on me multitasking. This wasn't my favorite story but the illustrations are cute and Baby Owl is adorable holding onto Owly. I think the author has an awesome author picture.
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A violent tale through the eyes of a young boy.
Set in Calabria in the summer of 1978, the story follows a young boy in a small village community as his life is changed forever when he accidentally discovers a criminal secret that his family and close neighbours harbour. For Ammaniti however, having a child as a narrator is no excuse to overanalyse or explain everything in detail with annoying naivety. The narrative is not only gripping from the very first pages but also a masterclass in exposing an adult world that is harsh and brutal as well as often incomprehensible to a child. Published in 2003, it made my reading list by chance as I wanted to read a story set in Italy but I cannot recommend it enough!
Set in Calabria in the summer of 1978, the story follows a young boy in a small village community as his life is changed forever when he accidentally discovers a criminal secret that his family and close neighbours harbour. For Ammaniti however, having a child as a narrator is no excuse to overanalyse or explain everything in detail with annoying naivety. The narrative is not only gripping from the very first pages but also a masterclass in exposing an adult world that is harsh and brutal as well as often incomprehensible to a child. Published in 2003, it made my reading list by chance as I wanted to read a story set in Italy but I cannot recommend it enough!
This unique thriller is told from the perspective of a 9-year-old boy, who inadvertently uncovers a dark secret he is too young to fully comprehend but is nevertheless forced to confront the truth and act in accordance with his own moral compass. The innocence imbibed within the pages of this novella, and the child-like narration, add to the horror of the central story as we, the reader, slowly come to understand what Michele has unearthed and who around him is implicated in this shocking crime.
Whilst I loved the gradual unfurling of the story, and felt a strong connection to the main character, I was disappointed that the novel ended so abruptly and felt passages of the book could have been more fleshed out.
Whilst I loved the gradual unfurling of the story, and felt a strong connection to the main character, I was disappointed that the novel ended so abruptly and felt passages of the book could have been more fleshed out.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Little owl is clearly an obstinate and headstrong child. I think it's probably time for some pow-pows and time alone in your tree and maybe next time you'll think about it before you raise your voice to the adults like that!