Book Title: A Monster Calls (Standalone)
Author: Patrick Ness, Jim Kay (Illustrator)
Number of pages: 215
Synopsis:
T
he monster showed up after midnight. As they do.
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.
(re: Goodreads @ A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness)
Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:
– If you are interested in this book in any capacity, skip all reviews and just delve into it (the copy with the artwork specifically)
– The writing is simple and powerful; don’t be fooled at this being advertised as kid-lit
– Unless you’re a robot, you will likely feel all the emotions tied to the stages of loss and grief
Initial Thoughts
No, I do not think that I am on a Ness binge (but damn is he rising up the ranks in favesies).
But let’s get onto the more important issue: why is the plain-text version of this book more expensive than the one with art? At least, I’m pretty sure it’s like a buck more for zero art. Now why would anyone want to buy that?
In truth, I don’t want this review to go into thorough detail like I usually do with most books. This is something that I can’t be bothered to ramble about (even if I know I won’t be able to shut up once I start) because I am in the firm belief that the less hype and the less you’re in contact with this book, the better position you are to fully enjoy it. But continuity calls for some analysis, I guess, and maybe I’ll find some clarity on how I feel about this book (because I honestly don’t know).
Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.
Continue reading [Review] A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness →
![[Alternatives] – Movies – The Babadook](https://thoughtsandafterthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/thebabadook_promoposter_featuredimage_1038x576.jpg?w=672&h=372&crop=1)
I think the biggest realization I felt after watching The Babadook was its uncanny resemblance to how A Monster Calls (Patrick Ness) could have been under different circumstances. I’m not saying one is copying the other or vice versa. Both stories have a monster, yes. Both monsters are allegorical in nature when handling its core themes, yes. But the scope in narrative delivery is completely separated; through a different perspective if you will, and the joy in revelation is that the meaning is incredibly interpretative.
thoughts and afterthoughts. 