LoveReading4Kids Says
Pairing for the first time the mesmeric, imaginative storytelling of Costa Award-winning author Frances Hardinge, with illustrations by Emily Gravett, two-time winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal and here obviously relishing illustrating a book for much older readers, has produced a book to treasure.
Much shorter than a normal Hardinge novel, there is not a wasted word, and an utterly compelling coming of age story with themes of death and grieving, is told in its 121 pages. Set on the strange small island of Merlank, where, for generations, a single family has produced a Ferryman. Their vital task is to carry the ghosts of the dead, when the mere sight of them can kill you, to another island and the ruined tower, which is the gateway for the dead to move on. Milo, our hero and the youngest son, is too imaginative and empathetic to be considered for the role, but the sudden death of his father forces the job upon him, and now he must escort his own father safely onwards. Untrained and pursued by the lord of the isle, who wants to bring his daughter back from the dead with the help of two evil magicians, his journey into perilous and uncharted seas threatens to overwhelm him. But perhaps his empathy will be an asset and he can find a new way to fulfil the age-old obligation?
This is a marvellous story of true resilience and courage and, above all, kindness. “To be kind in this unkind world is walking through a battlefield without armour or sword. It takes courage and strength to be kind.” The sophisticated black, white and blue tinged illustrations throughout, repay careful study, adding another level of depth to the extraordinarily atmospheric writing. The production values, with a beautiful, foiled cover adorned with shining silver moths, do justice to the delights within. A book to treasure and one to read aloud with relish.
Joy Court
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Island of Whispers Synopsis
The award-winning, bestselling Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett unite for the first time to conjure up a thrilling fairy tale of ghosts and magic, highly illustrated throughout with a luscious blue ink.
On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father's sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.
Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?
From the Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, with spectacular illustrations from double Kate Greenaway Medal winner Emily Gravett, this riveting coming-of-age tale will sweep you away on an unforgettable journey.
Island of Whispers is a beautiful book that makes the most exquisite gift for anybody who loves mysterious fantasy worlds, and for fans of Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Katherine Rundell.
About This Edition
ISBN: |
9781529088083 |
Publication date: |
19th September 2024 |
Author: |
Frances Hardinge |
Illustrator: |
Emily Gravett |
Publisher: |
Two Hoots an imprint of Pan Macmillan |
Format: |
Paperback |
Pagination: |
120 pages |
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About Frances Hardinge
Frances Hardinge spent a large part of her childhood in a huge old house that inspired her to write strange stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University, then got a job at a software company. However, a few years later a persistent friend finally managed to bully Frances into sending a few chapters of Fly By Night, her first children's novel, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer. The book went on to publish to huge critical acclaim and win the Branford Boase First Novel Award. She has since written many highly acclaimed children's novels including, Fly By Night's sequel, Twilight Robbery, as well as the Carnegie shortlisted Cuckoo Song and the Costa Book of the Year winner, The Lie Tree.
Author photo © David Levenson
More About Frances Hardinge