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A review by emilynied
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"A Monster Calls" is a low fantasy book written by Patrick Ness. The idea came from Siobhan Dowd, who passed away from cancer in 2007 - I highly recommend you read this article which includes an interview with Dowd's sister, Denise (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/dec/10/monster-calls-film-mum-friend-siobhan-dowd-boy-talking-tree-book). The book tells the story of Conor, who is experiencing nightmares with a "monster" as his mother's health deteriorates. It's only about 230 pages but man, it packs a punch. I had read reviews depicting devastated readers and lots of tears, but I did not anticipate how much I would be affected by this story.
Ness is perfectly able to capture Conor's innermost thoughts and feelings in a nuanced and forceful way, and the plot moves along so fluently as the small accounts from Conor's days at school, with his grandmother and his father began to meld together into his life that felt complete as a reader. Conor's mother is a warm and tender character that shines through and acts as a metaphor for all parental figures I think.
The monster was a mighty choice to represent what it did and I think the revelation at the end of the book was compelling and devastating all at the same time. Ness weaves this story so beautifully, and by the end, I was crying too as I turned the last page. This book speaks to the reader so strongly about love and loss and the power of parental relationships. In the past year, I've watched a family member fight cancer and I think that made this story particularly poignant for me.
I highly recommend the illustrated version with Jim Kay. Please read this book :)
Ness is perfectly able to capture Conor's innermost thoughts and feelings in a nuanced and forceful way, and the plot moves along so fluently as the small accounts from Conor's days at school, with his grandmother and his father began to meld together into his life that felt complete as a reader. Conor's mother is a warm and tender character that shines through and acts as a metaphor for all parental figures I think.
The monster was a mighty choice to represent what it did and I think the revelation at the end of the book was compelling and devastating all at the same time. Ness weaves this story so beautifully, and by the end, I was crying too as I turned the last page. This book speaks to the reader so strongly about love and loss and the power of parental relationships. In the past year, I've watched a family member fight cancer and I think that made this story particularly poignant for me.
I highly recommend the illustrated version with Jim Kay. Please read this book :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Terminal illness, and Death of parent