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3.12 AVERAGE
3.12 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Here's a link to my blog, An Abundance of Novels, for more reviews!!
I’m in two minds about A Song for Ella Grey. On one hand, I really dislike it, on the other hand I can see how someone would really like this book. So I’ll try to keep an open mind as I write this.
Firstly, A Song for Ella Grey is a modern retelling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Now I wasn’t aware of this until about halfway through the book, and when I did find out, it didn’t really help much because I’d never heard of the original myth. I would advise that you read it before hand if you aren’t familiar with the story, because it made a lot more sense once I understood where Almond was going with it. I couldn’t believe the characters as real teenagers. They were ridiculous and nonsensical even compared to other contemporary YA teens in love, but if you consider them as characters from an epic greek poem, they actually make a lot more sense. The book is pervaded by a fairytale-like atmosphere, which is quite disorienting and confusing, but very powerful when contrasted with the gritty, contemporary setting.
In fact the language of the whole book made me feel like I was reading a really long poem. I see why the author wrote it this way, harking back to the old greek poems, but it didn’t really do anything for me. This is a completely subjective critique, if you’re into that kind of poetic, flowery, overwritten kind of language go for it , this book is for you.
The narrative of the book, stays pretty true to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, with the added character of Claire, which is where the story begins to differ. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Claire considers Ella more than a friend. She’s definitely in love with her , right? Almond never actually states this, but if he didn’t intend it, I’m not sure if he understands platonic female friendship. By the end if the story I felt really sorry for Claire, because Ella clearly didn’t reciprocate these feelings and had no idea.Ella is a kind of manic-pixie-dream girl, and seems to be vibrant and full of life compared to her dull parents, the Greys. They have a lot of hopes and dreams for her, which Ella doesn’t completely agree with, because she considers herself a bit of a fairy-child.
My favourite aspect of the book was the beautiful descriptions of the Northumberland countryside and seaside. They reminded me so much of the place I grew up in, the beautiful yet cold and harsh sea and landscape, and brought back so many good memories. The plot was also fantastic, and I couldn’t put it down it was so captivating.
While I didn’t love this book, I recognise that it is really good for what it is. It’s a quick read with an excellent plot. And if you’re into poetry, this is definitely for you.
Four Stars ****
Here's a link to my blog, An Abundance of Novels, for more reviews!!
I’m in two minds about A Song for Ella Grey. On one hand, I really dislike it, on the other hand I can see how someone would really like this book. So I’ll try to keep an open mind as I write this.
Firstly, A Song for Ella Grey is a modern retelling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Now I wasn’t aware of this until about halfway through the book, and when I did find out, it didn’t really help much because I’d never heard of the original myth. I would advise that you read it before hand if you aren’t familiar with the story, because it made a lot more sense once I understood where Almond was going with it. I couldn’t believe the characters as real teenagers. They were ridiculous and nonsensical even compared to other contemporary YA teens in love, but if you consider them as characters from an epic greek poem, they actually make a lot more sense. The book is pervaded by a fairytale-like atmosphere, which is quite disorienting and confusing, but very powerful when contrasted with the gritty, contemporary setting.
In fact the language of the whole book made me feel like I was reading a really long poem. I see why the author wrote it this way, harking back to the old greek poems, but it didn’t really do anything for me. This is a completely subjective critique, if you’re into that kind of poetic, flowery, overwritten kind of language go for it , this book is for you.
The narrative of the book, stays pretty true to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, with the added character of Claire, which is where the story begins to differ. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Claire considers Ella more than a friend. She’s definitely in love with her , right? Almond never actually states this, but if he didn’t intend it, I’m not sure if he understands platonic female friendship. By the end if the story I felt really sorry for Claire, because Ella clearly didn’t reciprocate these feelings and had no idea.Ella is a kind of manic-pixie-dream girl, and seems to be vibrant and full of life compared to her dull parents, the Greys. They have a lot of hopes and dreams for her, which Ella doesn’t completely agree with, because she considers herself a bit of a fairy-child.
My favourite aspect of the book was the beautiful descriptions of the Northumberland countryside and seaside. They reminded me so much of the place I grew up in, the beautiful yet cold and harsh sea and landscape, and brought back so many good memories. The plot was also fantastic, and I couldn’t put it down it was so captivating.
While I didn’t love this book, I recognise that it is really good for what it is. It’s a quick read with an excellent plot. And if you’re into poetry, this is definitely for you.
Four Stars ****
Here's a link to my blog, An Abundance of Novels, for more reviews!!
I wasn't expecting anything... but I wasn't expecting that!
I'll start with what I liked in this book:
- it's a fast read!
-
- Claire's relationship with Ella in a way ...
BUT:
- I also hated that relationship, mostly because it is
- Ella in general. She is the perfect dreamy girl, ethereal, the girl everyone loves and is jealous about. I couldn't bear her behaviour and what she represents.
- there's a group there, but it didn't feel like a group I would like to be a part of. They drink a lot (why do youths always drink a lot in books?), they seem arrogant - typical of teenagers you'd say - they dream and think they're different, and it just didn't feel right to me.
- I wasn't moved by the "poetry" of this novel, the writing didn't work with me and I hated the constant misspelled words like "bliddy" all over the book.
I was really disappointed, because I thought I would love an Orpheus retelling: but maybe Orpheus is just not my favorite myth to retell?
I'll start with what I liked in this book:
- it's a fast read!
-
Spoiler
the scene when Orpheus gets to Hell's gate and the creatures there being the ones Claire and Ella saw when they were little girls. I also liked the links between Ella's past and her present, with the mention of water and all.- Claire's relationship with Ella
Spoiler
the fact that, clearly, Claire seems in love with Ella, it's not just girl friends tease or something of the kindBUT:
- I also hated that relationship, mostly because it is
Spoiler
not healthy and not mutual. I hated how Ella seems to answer to Claire but doesn't really, how Claire clearly loves Ella and Ella just considers Claire her best friend, how they kiss but they don't feel the same. It didn't feel right at all. And cruel.- Ella in general. She is the perfect dreamy girl, ethereal, the girl everyone loves and is jealous about. I couldn't bear her behaviour and what she represents.
- there's a group there, but it didn't feel like a group I would like to be a part of. They drink a lot (why do youths always drink a lot in books?), they seem arrogant - typical of teenagers you'd say - they dream and think they're different, and it just didn't feel right to me.
- I wasn't moved by the "poetry" of this novel, the writing didn't work with me and I hated the constant misspelled words like "bliddy" all over the book.
I was really disappointed, because I thought I would love an Orpheus retelling: but maybe Orpheus is just not my favorite myth to retell?
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
- modern retelling of the ancient greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice
- some parts of the book were so relatable they hurt
- i really loved claire and related to her and couldn’t help but root for her and ella to be together
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
amazing, Amazing, AMAZING BOOK!!!
This was my Firts David Almond book, and IT WAS MINDBLOWINGLY BEAUTIFUL.
I am sure this book is not for everyone, and it is not supposed to be read when you want to read just another book... No you have to get into right mindset for this book. (That's the reason for such low ratings).
I could tell you what this book is about, but I would be telling you a lot more than you need to know to read this book. Just get into it. It is really beautiful, both the words and illustrations.
This is a simple story told by a great narrator and it has so much hidden meaning into it, that I cannot wait to read it again.
Best read of 2014!
This was my Firts David Almond book, and IT WAS MINDBLOWINGLY BEAUTIFUL.
I am sure this book is not for everyone, and it is not supposed to be read when you want to read just another book... No you have to get into right mindset for this book. (That's the reason for such low ratings).
I could tell you what this book is about, but I would be telling you a lot more than you need to know to read this book. Just get into it. It is really beautiful, both the words and illustrations.
This is a simple story told by a great narrator and it has so much hidden meaning into it, that I cannot wait to read it again.
Best read of 2014!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Song for Ella Grey is a book that drags you from the wilds of the frozen north to the depths of hell, all with lyrical yet hard hitting prose, breathtaking descriptions and unique formatting. It’s a book that demands to be read all at once, the story unwinding around you until it’s far too late to turn back, you’re lost in a tale of unrequited love, the glory of youth, and the tragedy of young love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Homophobia