Dial Books for Young Readers
2011
361p.
In the early twentieth century in Swampsea, seventeen-year-old Briony, who can see the spirits that haunt the marshes around their town, feels responsible for her twin sister's horrible injury until a young man enters their lives and exposes secrets that even Briony does not know about.
Beautiful writing, haunting story, strong protagonist but probably more Printz Award than Newbery. Creepy too, if you like creepy.
ReplyDeleteI felt Billingsley was trying too hard with the writing, like she wasn't writing for children but for other adults to appreciate her writing style. It reminded me of The Magician's Elephant in that sense.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of Wicked for a while but I found I really enjoyed her use of words and her description of the swamp world. It is certainly one of a growing number in this style, but it appealed to me.
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