The Graveyard Book by Neil GaimanMy review
rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a very odd book. I did like it, but I'm also troubled by it, and I'm trying to figure out why! Neil Gaiman borrows Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book premise : an orphan wanders into an "alien" world and is raised by that world's inhabitants. I think what troubles me is the opening of the book - the villain is described as wiping his knife after murdering 3 members of a family and he is searching for the last family member, a baby. If this book is intended for kids, I'm troubled by the violent image. They are all too exposed to violence and I'm not sure it's a great idea to introduce a book with more. I guess I'd be much happier overall with this if it were marketed as a YA or adult book. Instead, it's won the Newbery for this year, and it will have a prominent place on most school library shelves. So that's what bothers me. Otherwise, as an adult, I thought it was very clever, very sly, and I did enjoy it!
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3 comments:
I don't think Gaiman's books are intended for children. They seem to be about them, but not necessarily intended for them.
Although I enjoyed Coraline, I can see where some kids would be terrified by it.
How long are these books you are reading. You have read many!!!! I am going to pick one of your books you have read. Which one is your favorite?
That's a tough question, Daisymum! I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! The Maisie Dobbs have a more serious tone than the China Bayles or Jade del Cameron series -- I guess it depends on your mood/tastes!
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