Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

I love reading spooky books during the Halloween season. To get in the spirit, I reviewed A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Here is the back cover:

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting - he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd - whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself - Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.



The idea of A Monster Calls was conceived by Siobhan Dowd who did not finish it before dying of cancer. However, the idea was so brilliant it was offered to Patrick Ness who weaves a stunningly relatable, fairytale-like novel that will wrench your heart and give you goosebumps.

The novel explores healing and loss, highlighting truths we all forget. The topics covered are real, raw, and true to human nature, showing the power and wildness of stories with beautiful prose.

The main character Conor is sympathetic and his attitude gives him a distinct voice. I kept reading to see the monster, who creates an interesting element of magical realism. Moreover, there are no plot holes and the story contains many twists while still staying simple and entertaining.

The mood sets the novel apart, making it the perfect Halloween read. It is creepy, especially if you buy the hardcover; the ink drawings will chill you to the bone. Yet the atmosphere is magical and reminiscent of a children’s book through the stories the monster tells. Though cancer is a serious issue discussed in the book, Ness lightens the mood with some occasional and fitting dark humor.

With honest themes, a relatable protagonist, and a dream-like monster, Patrick Ness has crafted a story that will draw tears from your eyes and send shivers down your spine. A Monster Calls is whimsically haunting and highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5
Recommendation: Elementary +

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