A Monster Calls
by Patrick Ness
Published 2011
Goodreads: See here
Pages: 216
YOUNG ADULT / FANTASY.
Plot at a Glance:
At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting – he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd – whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself – Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.
Reviewed:
I had to take a few days after reading this book just to compose myself enough that I felt comfortable reviewing it. Lets be clear: everything you’ve heard about this book is true. A Monster Calls weaves metaphor, vivid imagery and complex relationship dynamics together to create a tapestry full of emotional heart that I won’t soon forget.
I don’t know why I torture myself with these sad books, but I’m hooked on them all the same.
I was lucky enough to come across the fully illustrated version of the book, which is proliferated with page upon page of glorious dark ink sketches that breathe a unique second life into the story.
The artwork by Jim Kay is absolutely beautiful, and fits the tone of the story perfectly. The titular monster that comes walking to haunt Conor is given a second presence through full paged illustrations that accompany his appearances. If you have the opportunity to get your hands on this book, this is the edition you should look for. It costs a bit more, but the glossy pages and artwork alone make the cost worth it.
Per my usual, in the interest of avoiding spoilers I don’t want to touch on the real thematic elements that this book moves into except to say that while it’s not exactly revolutionary or difficult to see coming, it’s still likely to wreck you. This is an emotional and heavy read, but it’s also incredibly important, especially for young children like Conor who might be having difficulties with similar monsters in their real lives.
I kept going back and forth between 4 and 5 stars, and I think I’m more content sticking with 4 simply because I wasn’t surprised by much of it. It’s classed in the Young Adult genre, but I actually think it reads a little low on that spectrum. This is a book you can easily read in a the span of an hour or two.
A great and moving story with important messages all the same and I’m happy it has a home in my collection.
🌟🌟🌟🌟= 4.5/5 stars
What did you think of this book? Have you seen the movie? Does it live up to the book?
xoxo
Such a moving review! I sobbed when I read this one. It was obviously predictable, but still so well written and I loved the illustrations!
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Thank you!! 🙂 I definitely shed tears reading this, even though I knew where it was headed from quite early on. I think it’s probably because the content is so easy to relate to, unfortunate as that is! 😦
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I like how easy it was to understand though because it felt like the story was focused more on the metaphorical aspect of the monster and coming to terms with feelings. I definitely don’t think it is a kids book like a lot of people are labeling it.
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I think you’re right that it’s not exactly a kids book. I think the lessons in it though are important for teens especially to be introduced to, because that’s typically when childhood innocence ends up getting shattered by things like elderly family members getting older, sick etc.
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I definitely agree with that! It’s such a great book to have a discussion like this over!
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I haven’t taken a chance on this book yet. I really want to get the illustrated version of it so until I do this will probably be sitting on my TBR 😣
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The illustrated version is an absolute must imo. I think it lends so much to the story. I hope you find an opportunity to get a copy soon Cam! 🙂
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I’ve read only good things about this boo, and yet I haven’t really planned to read it myself yet. I might have to change that soon!
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Briana, I’d definitely give it a go. It’s length is so short that you can read it on a rainy afternoon with no problem. 🙂
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I have the audio book for this narrated by Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and I hear great things about the book. Love your reviews as always 🙂 do you plan on seeing the movie soon?
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Ooh, that audio book sounds like it would be awesome! And as for the movie, I do! I just noticed my cable provider has it listed On Demand, so I plan on checking it out this weekend.
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Cool. I’m curious about your thoughts on the movie
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I read this in 2014. I bought the hardback, but later discovered there was an illustrated version, so I feel like I missed out a little.
Anyway, I loved the book and it made me cry. I watched the film recently and loved that too 😊
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Great to hear that you loved the film Jules! I need to check it out soon. The nice thing about this book is really that its story is so strong. The illustrations only add to it, but the story is still lovely and sad and challenging without it.
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Reblogged this on The Biblioanthropologist.
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This is one book that I can actually say made cry, very ugly tears, but I loved this book. So many feels, I’m glad you enjoyed it as well.
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I’ve been told a number of times by friends that I MUST read this book; I’ve heard nothing but praises, even though it’s apparently a very heart-wrenching read. I’m super excited to check this out. Great review 🙂
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You MUST check it out jenna! It’s a very quick read too, but so worth it. I hope you manage to find a copy soon! 🙂
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Me too!! I’ll keep an eye out. It looks so gooooooood.
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