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nicole3654's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Grief
izzybell's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
maireador20's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
fictionalsarah's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
fabledtoread's review
inspiring
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
michelles_book_nook's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
⚠️ TW: Domestic violence, sexual assault ⚠️
This book is such an emotional rollercoaster and really tugs at your heart strings! This book follows the story of Billy McKenna who is a young boy who runs away from a difficult home life and takes refuge in a graveyard. Whilst hiding out in the overgrowth he meets an elderly man who is preparing the graveyard for the magical and supernatural night of All Souls' Eve. This book got me so badly and I cried so much. The chapters alternate pov's between Billy and his mother in a way that weaves such an incredibly compelling, emotional and heartwarming storyline that really stays with you and it is written so well from both perspectives. Throughout the whole thing I just wanted to bundle them both in a hug! Also, it is filled with stunning black and white illustrations that really help the story come to life even more. Overall, I highly recommend this book and it is such a perfect read for spooky season!
This book is such an emotional rollercoaster and really tugs at your heart strings! This book follows the story of Billy McKenna who is a young boy who runs away from a difficult home life and takes refuge in a graveyard. Whilst hiding out in the overgrowth he meets an elderly man who is preparing the graveyard for the magical and supernatural night of All Souls' Eve. This book got me so badly and I cried so much. The chapters alternate pov's between Billy and his mother in a way that weaves such an incredibly compelling, emotional and heartwarming storyline that really stays with you and it is written so well from both perspectives. Throughout the whole thing I just wanted to bundle them both in a hug! Also, it is filled with stunning black and white illustrations that really help the story come to life even more. Overall, I highly recommend this book and it is such a perfect read for spooky season!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
orangeoverload's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Her writing is so gentle and relaxing. Even with the heavy subject matter, it feels calm and not shocking or gruesome like it could be. Very sad, but beautiful. The depictions of the graveyard and the general landscape are GORGEOUS. I find myself getting lost in her descriptions. I'm craving a quiet place filled with ivy and twigs to hide in. I think everyone needs a hideaway sometimes. I love how Billy loves his Mum, and how we are told that she has him at an early age, but has always loved and cared for him, and how she made an untidy but cosy family home together. That's all kids want really, a nice home and a loving parent. There is a comparison in the book of his Mum to something in the graveyard, and it was such clever writing that I couldn't help but smile.
So, I've just now finished. And I am crying. Wow. I haven't cried because of a book in a long time. It was BEAUTIFUL.
The ending was so satisfying, the illustrations so atmospheric and emotive. I can't explain succinctly enough how the ending made me feel. Pam Smy is a fantastic writer and illustrator, she is a double threat and I am going to read anything and everything that she puts out into the world. Her work is outstanding. Read this book!
So, I've just now finished. And I am crying. Wow. I haven't cried because of a book in a long time. It was BEAUTIFUL.
The ending was so satisfying, the illustrations so atmospheric and emotive. I can't explain succinctly enough how the ending made me feel. Pam Smy is a fantastic writer and illustrator, she is a double threat and I am going to read anything and everything that she puts out into the world. Her work is outstanding. Read this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
rb26's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Beautiful illustrations really bring this story to life, but not quite as exciting form-wise as Thornhill
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Grief
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