Weave Posted April 21, 2007 Posted April 21, 2007 (edited) Title of Book: The Book Of Lost Things Name of Author: John Connolly Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Hodder Paperback (5 April 2007) ISBN-10: 0340899484 ISBN-13: 978-0340899489 The Blurb: 'Once upon a time, there was a boy who lost his mother'. As twelve-year-old David takes refuge from his grief in the myths and fairytales so beloved of his dead mother, he finds the real world and the fantasy world begin to blend. That is when bad things start to happen. That is when the Crooked Man comes. And David is violently propelled into a land populated by heroes, wolves and monsters, his quest to find the legendary Book of Lost Things. Review: When I was young I was not a fan of fairy tales, to me, the idea of a Prince saving me, did not appeal, I always found I could sort things out better by myself and that includes escaping moments of minor peril. So it was with some concern I decided to read 'The Book Of Lost Things', what sold me was the words at the back of the book, 'The Crooked Man'. I can now say that I enjoyed every part of this book. 'The Book Of Lost Things' tells the story of twelve year old David, a boy living in London during the Second War World, whose world changes following the death of his mother. David's father marries Rose, who gives birth to Georgie, their son and David's half brother. Life is not what David expects, he is miserable and alone, then David begins to dream of The Crooked Man. With 'The Book Of Lost Things', John Connolly writes a fairy tale for adults, there are tales you will recognise but with a twist. The book is very poignant and aspects of the book will be familiar to the reader. The only downside for me was that David (at times) was pretty annoying but then again he is only twelve years old. All in all an excellent read, I recommend it highly. Rating: 9/10 Edited March 16, 2009 by Weave Quote
Liz Posted April 22, 2007 Posted April 22, 2007 They had this book in a 3 for 2 offer, so I ended up buying it without knowing too much about it. Looks like I may have picked up a good 'un. Sounds like it's a good book - looking forward to giving it a go. Thanks for the review, Gyre. Quote
Ronny Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 I loved The Book of Lost Things, I had picked it up on a whim at the library (I liked the title) and enjoyed it so much I wish I'd bought it. I liked the way the story and characters were so familiar but not quite the same as my childhood faves (I loved fairy tales growing up). Quote
Michelle Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 This is sitting upstairs.. I think I may have to get to it soon! Quote
happyanddandy Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 Sounds like a good read - will pick up at the shops soon - thanks for review:D Quote
Lilywhite Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 I bought this one today, O's has been after it for a while and I will be reading it shortly. Quote
Weave Posted April 23, 2007 Author Posted April 23, 2007 I bought this one today, O's has been after it for a while and I will be reading it shortly. I hope you enjoy it Lily, I really liked it, it had a sort of different spin on fairy tales, which was cool x Quote
Michelle Posted May 27, 2007 Posted May 27, 2007 I loved this book too.. there are some funny parts, but also many creepy and gruesome ones. I knew where the story was going, but enjoyed the journey nevertheless.. and the ending was just right. B) Highly recommended. Quote
Essexgirl Posted May 27, 2007 Posted May 27, 2007 I finished this yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The new, scary take on faiy tales we knew and grew up with is good, and the ending is just right. Highly recommeded Quote
Weave Posted May 28, 2007 Author Posted May 28, 2007 Glad to hear you all enjoyed it everyone x Quote
Louiseog Posted May 30, 2007 Posted May 30, 2007 Paula, think you must be my book guru, everything you recommend I love, and I loved BOLT. Funny, terrifying and just great...... Quote
Weave Posted May 30, 2007 Author Posted May 30, 2007 Thanks Louise, I have never been called a guru before! I am really glad you enjoyed BOLT, I really liked the ending too, it fitted nicely didn't it. x Quote
Weave Posted May 30, 2007 Author Posted May 30, 2007 Very poignant without being mushy Very poignant, it was a sort of nice but sad ending. x Quote
Polka Dot Rock Posted May 31, 2007 Posted May 31, 2007 I'm planning on reading this as my next book after the one I'm starting after the one I'm currently reading... Erm. That didn't make a whole lot of sense (i.e. Finish Crimson Petal tonight, then read Arlington Park, then get onto BOLT). That's my plan Have to say, I basically bought this book because of your review Paula! You are a Guru! Quote
Weave Posted June 1, 2007 Author Posted June 1, 2007 I hope you enjoy it too PDR, it really is one of what I like to call, a hidden treasure x Quote
kitty_kitty Posted June 2, 2007 Posted June 2, 2007 I really want to read this but i will have to wait until i join the library or see it cheap in tesco - i am being good from now on Quote
maclsj Posted June 30, 2007 Posted June 30, 2007 This was an absolutely wonderful book! I would very much recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Greek myths and legends and Grimm's fairytales as a child. A different and interesting take on these classic tales. Quote
nicx27 Posted July 13, 2007 Posted July 13, 2007 I was a bit disappointed by this book, but I'm not a great fan of fantasy. I did go to hear the author talk at Waterstones though and he was fab. He's really charismatic, and funny, and he signed loads of stuff after his talk. Quote
Renniemist Posted August 21, 2007 Posted August 21, 2007 I have just finished The Book of Lost Things. It had such a sad start that it drew me in right away despite my misgivings about it being fantasy. It was a very easy read and I agree the ending was just right. I enjoyed it. Thanks for the review Gyre and for recommending it. Quote
slywaka1 Posted June 13, 2008 Posted June 13, 2008 I just started this book on the Tube on the way to work this morning. I was very tempted to 'miss' my stop so I could continue reading! I was imediately drawn to the front cover (the version with the red cover with the windy tree branches and the boy lying on one of them reading, in case there are different versions) and the title so bought it without knowing anything about it. I have been saving it for months and finally started it today. I can't wait to get further in to it! Anna Quote
Weave Posted June 13, 2008 Author Posted June 13, 2008 Rennie, I am so glad you liked it, it is a really lovely book (the ending got me when David was a old man) Anna, looking forward to hearing your thoughts, I liked the cover too. Quote
supergran71 Posted June 13, 2008 Posted June 13, 2008 I have just read your review of this book Gyre and have put it on my wish list. Sounds a lovely story. Quote
happyanddandy Posted June 13, 2008 Posted June 13, 2008 I have just read your review of this book Gyre and have put it on my wish list. Sounds a lovely story. I have a copy SG Quote
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