Kev2012
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Skellig: - David Almond
Official Freelance Writers United review of: -
Skellig, written by David Almond.
Review by Kevin Martin
Uplifting, inspiring, emotional and a darn-good-read are just a few of the superlatives that I can justifiably throw in the direction of this book.
It is one of the smaller books I have read in recent years, but the story is an emotional roller-coaster that takes its passengers to the zenith of mountains, the depth of pits, and on a series of strategically placed loop the loops. Ultimatly showing that size isn’t everything, thankfully!
The story is written through the eyes of the chief character, Michael, aged 10. At times Mr Almond emphasised the age of the young narrator with juvenile, descriptive phrases and terminology.
The characters throughout the book given minimal depiction with regards to looks, but what is given is done so with impressive aptitude. Some may find the limitedness of the describing leads to a lack of mental-picture building, but this minor fault is more than made up for in the way you gain a sense of the actual feelings, thoughts and future actions of the people by subtle and intelligent writing, even if you are not entirely sure what the character you are reading about looks like.
You really get into the minds of Michael, and another of the books lead characters, Mina, while reading, thus gaining extra sympathy towards them by incidents that occur throughout the story, which at times are rather deep and troublesome but do consist of several fundamental elements of humanity.
Not only does the Skellig merge beautifully the sad tale of a human’s fight for life, an emotional insight into a troubled families struggle to come to terms with torment, and at times hopeless despair, and highlight the value of true friendship, but it also contains that extra little bit of fantastical magic that makes the book what it is, a highly enjoyable, and greatly recommended read.
The advice of Kevin Martin from Freelance Writers United.
"Yes, the book has a relatively "predictable" plot, but for such a small book it certainly packs an emotional punch!"
Plot: - 12/15
Action: - 9/15
Characters: - 12/15
Originality: - 15/15
Written Dialog: - 9/10
Written Narrating: - 9/10
Enjoyment: - 19/20
Total: - 85/100
Post Edited By Kev2012, Feb/12/2007, 8:29 pm
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Jul/13/2004, 2:06 pm
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