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A review by accordingtoemma
Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean
4.0
4.5***
This is YA novel set in the British Isles in the 1700's, specifically on the island of Hirta, where young boys are sent across the ocean to a small rocky land populated solely by birds. Upon arrival, it is their job to hunt and capture the birds to bring back to their people and ship to the mainland to sell for food, feathers, medicine, etc. After some time passes, the flowing party begins to realize the boat that normally comes back to bring them home is long overdue. What happens after is a devastating and heart-wrenching fight for survival amid broken bodies, souls, and hope.
I adored this novel. It was so descriptive and the setting, while dreary and hopeless, was also beautiful. I felt like I was right there with the stranded boys, feeling their pain and seeing their surroundings. The boys each had their own unique personalities and growth, and they each contributed so much to the overall tone and progression. I very much enjoyed learning about the different birds, omens, and traditions of the people on Hirta. The friendship and camaraderie laced throughout the story was heartwarming and so sweet. I also really appreciated the apparent research the author did, as this is based on real events. The illustrations that came with each chapter were very cute and a nice detail. The ending was very bittersweet and emotionally moving. I thought it was executed perfectly.
The reason for the .5 lacking came from the author's prose. There were times when I found myself not following 100% because of the terms she used. I can appreciate the historical accuracy, but having it all bunched together in places was a bit too much at times. I also had a hard time connecting emotionally to the characters until about 3/4 of the way through. The writing was so bleak and detail-oriented, which isn't a bad thing, but focused much less on the emotional triggers I need to feel connected to my protagonists.
This is YA novel set in the British Isles in the 1700's, specifically on the island of Hirta, where young boys are sent across the ocean to a small rocky land populated solely by birds. Upon arrival, it is their job to hunt and capture the birds to bring back to their people and ship to the mainland to sell for food, feathers, medicine, etc. After some time passes, the flowing party begins to realize the boat that normally comes back to bring them home is long overdue. What happens after is a devastating and heart-wrenching fight for survival amid broken bodies, souls, and hope.
I adored this novel. It was so descriptive and the setting, while dreary and hopeless, was also beautiful. I felt like I was right there with the stranded boys, feeling their pain and seeing their surroundings. The boys each had their own unique personalities and growth, and they each contributed so much to the overall tone and progression. I very much enjoyed learning about the different birds, omens, and traditions of the people on Hirta. The friendship and camaraderie laced throughout the story was heartwarming and so sweet. I also really appreciated the apparent research the author did, as this is based on real events. The illustrations that came with each chapter were very cute and a nice detail. The ending was very bittersweet and emotionally moving. I thought it was executed perfectly.
The reason for the .5 lacking came from the author's prose. There were times when I found myself not following 100% because of the terms she used. I can appreciate the historical accuracy, but having it all bunched together in places was a bit too much at times. I also had a hard time connecting emotionally to the characters until about 3/4 of the way through. The writing was so bleak and detail-oriented, which isn't a bad thing, but focused much less on the emotional triggers I need to feel connected to my protagonists.