Review : A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Pages : 215
Genre : Middle Grade, Horror
Stand alone
My Rating :5/5
From the back of the book :
But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…
This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.
It wants the truth.
My Thoughts :
This won’t be a typical review; this can’t be a typical review.
A Monster Calls was one of the most powerful things I have read in the last couple years. I reached the end knowing what would happen, and yet I cried, with real tears and snotty nose and all that pretty stuff. I didn’t care, though; I was mostly too surprised by my own reaction, too amazed by Patrick Ness’ very evocative writing.
The book presents itself as a middle grade horror story, but it is so much more. It’s a story about love, and loss, and the failures of being human, the complexity of grief and life. The horror is very real, more than the monster, and Jim Kay’s dark and compelling illustrations complement the sorrowful atmosphere of the book.
I can’t say anything negative or even too positive about a book that made me feel such powerful emotions, that made me feel so strongly alive. All I can say is : read it.
I must read this one. I keep waiting for the right mood though.
Yes, it certainly needs a special kind of mood, but then it’s oh so good! 🙂
This is such a gorgeous, emotional read isn’t it? I’m glad this one struck a chord with you. Wonderful review!
It was, it really was! It was hard to put my thoughts in words after, too. It’s a book I’ll cherish and reread, for sure!
I don’t know why I love these types of books either. I guess because they make you feel and empathize with others. I’ve always loved them though. This sounds amazing!