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librarymouse's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
David Almond has a gift for writing truly immersive fiction. The first time I read Skellig, I was the same age as Michael and Mina. Now in my twenties, the sense of wonder and atmosphere Almond is able to weave with the setting and characters, and the way they change, is just as easily accessible. I really enjoy how round of a character Michael is. His stillness in the face of fear conflicts with his deep desire to help himself, Skellig, and his sister. The ways he acts when he's with Coot and Leaky, versus when he's with Mina, and his frustration when his two lives collide violently give a glimpse of the depth of emotion and growth possible in seemingly simple childhood situations.
Almond's depictions of fear, anxiety, and grief in Michael and both of his parents are unique to their age groups and vividly reflect real life and real emotions. This book is more religious than I remember it being, but that's not a bad thing. I think it's a really interesting way to inject Christianity into children's literature without making it didactic.
It was wonderful to read through Skellig again, but the second time through wasn't as magical as the first.
Almond's depictions of fear, anxiety, and grief in Michael and both of his parents are unique to their age groups and vividly reflect real life and real emotions. This book is more religious than I remember it being, but that's not a bad thing. I think it's a really interesting way to inject Christianity into children's literature without making it didactic.
It was wonderful to read through Skellig again, but the second time through wasn't as magical as the first.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Grief, and Medical content
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