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msmisrule's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in two big gulps—I wish it had just been one! I’m sure it’s not an original thought to say it put me in mind of Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, and even Lincoln in the Bardo, as well as some of Diana Wynne Jones fantasy novels for young people that drew on ancient British folklore. You’ll even recognise some good old BBC crime drama tropes in there. But it is, of course, also simply its own creation. I loved the overlapping voices, the occasional rude intrusion of startlingly modern vernacular and concepts into Dead Papa Toothwort’s ancient England. But that’s the point, really; the ground beneath us, wherever we live, carries its ancient gods in its rocks and roots and humus, land made up of the light and spirit and carrion and detritus of the humans who have walked it and lived and died on and in and under it for millennia.
As an old woman interviewed in Ireland once said, I dinna believe in the faery, but I can show you where they live if you like.
This is a book for people who enjoy a playful but skillful warp and weft of language, and stories that do not recognise the barrier between worlds and times. It’s a book of great compassion but little sentimentality. Highly recommended.
As an old woman interviewed in Ireland once said, I dinna believe in the faery, but I can show you where they live if you like.
This is a book for people who enjoy a playful but skillful warp and weft of language, and stories that do not recognise the barrier between worlds and times. It’s a book of great compassion but little sentimentality. Highly recommended.
angeladawn's review against another edition
4.0
The four stars are not because I liked the book, but for the author's story telling skill and ability to create atmosphere with words. Somehow the story felt like something Ray Bradbury might have written, but more modern and more raw. It's not something I would choose to read again.
juliemowat's review against another edition
2.0
Ooh I really really didn't like this book. I respect the writing and creativity but just not for me. The magic and fantasy and ending... not for me. Read it for bookclub-not sure if I will attend..
mhwriter2024's review against another edition
5.0
Porter's writing skills make this novel shine; be forewarned that some of the words wander on the page, in quite literal fashion. A rather unique blend of fantasy, UK forest mythology, and the fears and biases of the local townsfolk. The little boy who loves to draw, his mother and father, and a once notorious artist from London (think Damien Hirst-type)... who have now all settled in this somewhat remote and mysterious village are the primary human characters. (4.7-4.9/5.0 stars).
gianfortune's review against another edition
5.0
The audiobook is definitely the way to go for this one. The production value and different narrators set an amazing tone for Toothwart and the other characters.
theforestlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Upea, hämmentävä. Vähän tekstiä, paljon kerroksia.
byoung1997's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nataliekilgo's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
4.0
A weird little book. I really liked Lanny.
savanna_reads's review against another edition
4.0
A mythical forest creature wreaks havoc on a community where a too good for this world little boy frolics. I have never read anything else like this !!