- Paperback
- Publisher: Harper Collins USA (Oct 2011)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0062107399
- ISBN-13: 978-0062107398
- Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 13.8 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,371,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Liesl and Po
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Product Description
Review
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group . . . there are some exquisitely drawn characters . . . it's books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life.' (Seven, Sunday Telegraph Books for Christmas )
'An absolute delight . . . The story is packed with mystery, murder, adventure, humour and magic, but above all it is a beautiful evocation of loss, tempered by the gradual blossoming of friendship, trust and hope. Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep.' (Daily Mail )
'A gorgeous story--timeless and magical.' (Rebecca Stead, Newbery winner for When You Reach Me )
'A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. An irresistible read: this book sings.' (Kirkus )
'Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.' (Publishers Weekly )
'This original fairy tale, told by a wise and humorous omniscient narrator and peopled with broadly drawn but instantly recognizable characters, avoids sentimentality to show the magic of accepting loss without letting go and finding joy in the lives left behind.' (Booklist )
'A beautifully written book about loss, family, friendship and discovery - and the illustrations add a touch of magic too.' (Press Association )
'Liesl & Po was the best middle grade novel I've read in ages, and also one of the best novels overall that I've read in a good while! It's a magical, compelling, humorous and original book - highly recommended!' (booksterreviews-cliona.blogspot.co.uk ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
'An absolute delight . . . The story is packed with mystery, murder, adventure, humour and magic, but above all it is a beautiful evocation of loss, tempered by the gradual blossoming of friendship, trust and hope. Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep.' (Daily Mail )
'A gorgeous story--timeless and magical.' (Rebecca Stead, Newbery winner for When You Reach Me )
'A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. An irresistible read: this book sings.' (Kirkus )
'Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.' (Publishers Weekly )
'This original fairy tale, told by a wise and humorous omniscient narrator and peopled with broadly drawn but instantly recognizable characters, avoids sentimentality to show the magic of accepting loss without letting go and finding joy in the lives left behind.' (Booklist )
'A beautifully written book about loss, family, friendship and discovery - and the illustrations add a touch of magic too.' (Press Association )
'Liesl & Po was the best middle grade novel I've read in ages, and also one of the best novels overall that I've read in a good while! It's a magical, compelling, humorous and original book - highly recommended!' (booksterreviews-cliona.blogspot.co.uk ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Product Description
'On the third night after the day her father died, Liesl saw the ghost.'
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice - until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable. Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice - until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable. Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The beginning of this book starts with a personal note from Lauren Oliver that touched my heart and made me personally invested in the book, it was just such a beautiful and individual thing to do.
I also have to mention how amazing the illustrations are within this book; Kei Acedera really captured the identity of the characters and their interactions. The illustrations really added that something extra to the book making it something to treasure and pass onto future generations.
Written in 3rd person narrative, yet focalized from the alternating perspectives of the 3 main characters; Liesl, Po and Will. The third person narration allows for an omniscient presence within the narrative enabling the reader (ME) to witness the inner thoughts and actions of all the characters and how they relate to each other as well as the story itself. It amazed me how the threads of the story and the separate events of these characters wove together to create such a rich tapestry of a story.
For me there was a fairytale feel to the prose, re-enforced with the wicked Stepmother figure in Augusta alongside the imagery of Liesl being locked away. I especially liked how Lauren Oliver was able to entwine Liesl's and Will's dreams/imagination while keeping the fairytale parallels, a very, very clever piece of writing. Although the setting felt historical in nature with the carriages and steam trains, it also felt timeless; if that makes any sense.
Lauren Oliver really captured the way in which children are able to see things differently from adults; yet in some respects the way in which they view things can be clearer than the adults. I think 'ineffable' is now one of my favourite words. The way in which self confidence is diminished in children by adults was poignantly depicted.
On a personal note I did find some of the story quite upsetting with the idea that Liesl's father couldn't rest in peace until he was in the right location. For my sister and myself; my mother isn't in the right place but my brother overruled us [ : ' ] (You know what I say - Reading is Subjective - how can it not be) So I can completely relate to the reasons Liesl undertook the journey to lay her fathers ashes in the right place.
The other side brings to mind images of limbo/purgatory - can you imagine spending eternity in a place where there is no colours, where everything blurs - no sense of time or gender and you lose your memories. How awful would that be yet the way in which Po describes being a part of everything; having a connection to the universe does make it have a positive side.
As I said earlier the way in which all of the threads from each character culminate in a complete rounded ending was quite staggering. The minute details that may not have been picked up on while reading came together just brilliantly. I love, love, loved the ending it was just so heart warming. I want desperately to spill the beans but I shall hold myself back.
Such a beautiful book; death and bereavement dealt with in such a heart warming, touching manner I am sure this one will be a classic passed down from generation to generation.
I also have to mention how amazing the illustrations are within this book; Kei Acedera really captured the identity of the characters and their interactions. The illustrations really added that something extra to the book making it something to treasure and pass onto future generations.
Written in 3rd person narrative, yet focalized from the alternating perspectives of the 3 main characters; Liesl, Po and Will. The third person narration allows for an omniscient presence within the narrative enabling the reader (ME) to witness the inner thoughts and actions of all the characters and how they relate to each other as well as the story itself. It amazed me how the threads of the story and the separate events of these characters wove together to create such a rich tapestry of a story.
For me there was a fairytale feel to the prose, re-enforced with the wicked Stepmother figure in Augusta alongside the imagery of Liesl being locked away. I especially liked how Lauren Oliver was able to entwine Liesl's and Will's dreams/imagination while keeping the fairytale parallels, a very, very clever piece of writing. Although the setting felt historical in nature with the carriages and steam trains, it also felt timeless; if that makes any sense.
Lauren Oliver really captured the way in which children are able to see things differently from adults; yet in some respects the way in which they view things can be clearer than the adults. I think 'ineffable' is now one of my favourite words. The way in which self confidence is diminished in children by adults was poignantly depicted.
On a personal note I did find some of the story quite upsetting with the idea that Liesl's father couldn't rest in peace until he was in the right location. For my sister and myself; my mother isn't in the right place but my brother overruled us [ : ' ] (You know what I say - Reading is Subjective - how can it not be) So I can completely relate to the reasons Liesl undertook the journey to lay her fathers ashes in the right place.
The other side brings to mind images of limbo/purgatory - can you imagine spending eternity in a place where there is no colours, where everything blurs - no sense of time or gender and you lose your memories. How awful would that be yet the way in which Po describes being a part of everything; having a connection to the universe does make it have a positive side.
As I said earlier the way in which all of the threads from each character culminate in a complete rounded ending was quite staggering. The minute details that may not have been picked up on while reading came together just brilliantly. I love, love, loved the ending it was just so heart warming. I want desperately to spill the beans but I shall hold myself back.
Such a beautiful book; death and bereavement dealt with in such a heart warming, touching manner I am sure this one will be a classic passed down from generation to generation.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is an achingly beautiful book with an incredibly hard and personal story behind it. Lauren Oliver, quite possibly the most talented YA writer of her generation, lost a very close friend and wrote Liesl and Po as a kind of catharsis. She did not write the book for future publication which could well be its strength. It is as honest as any book I have read in many years and seems to be written for any reader, not just a person who likes young adult fiction. It is a book that anyone who has suffered loss could take comfort in.
Anyone who has lost a close friend will recognise the world inhabited by Liesl who is imprisoned in her room in a world from which the sun disappeared some years previously. She finds hope and comfort from Po the ghost and his ghostly pet Bundle. The story of Will, a young boy who has become obsessed with Liesl as she looks out of her attic window, initially runs parallel to Liesl's then crosses into its path.
The plot and characters, whilst interesting and enjoyable, play second fiddle to a book that is all about atmosphere. As with A Christmas Carol. my favourite book, it is the language that wraps you in its spell and draws you into an atmosphere of fear, melancholy, understanding and finally renewed hope. I feel certain that this book will be around as long as there are ways of reading great stories and I just hope that it finds the widest possible audience. It is quite simply a work of heartbreaking genius that I felt privileged to share with my daughters.
Anyone who has lost a close friend will recognise the world inhabited by Liesl who is imprisoned in her room in a world from which the sun disappeared some years previously. She finds hope and comfort from Po the ghost and his ghostly pet Bundle. The story of Will, a young boy who has become obsessed with Liesl as she looks out of her attic window, initially runs parallel to Liesl's then crosses into its path.
The plot and characters, whilst interesting and enjoyable, play second fiddle to a book that is all about atmosphere. As with A Christmas Carol. my favourite book, it is the language that wraps you in its spell and draws you into an atmosphere of fear, melancholy, understanding and finally renewed hope. I feel certain that this book will be around as long as there are ways of reading great stories and I just hope that it finds the widest possible audience. It is quite simply a work of heartbreaking genius that I felt privileged to share with my daughters.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
About four years ago, the sun simply stopped shining. Liesl has been locked in her attic by her step-mother ever since her father died, over a year ago. One day, a ghost appears, and her world is tipped upside down.
It's a simple fairy story, with simple (and somewhat two-dimensional) secondary characters - evil step-mother, doting (and dead) father, and an assortment of other good or evil characters that assist or obstruct the girl's mission to return her father's ashes to his desired resting place. Liesl herself is a fairly bland little girl - which is not to say she is unlikeable or boring, simply predictable.
Po is, for me, by far the stand-out character in the cast. Its forays from The Other Side to the living world and back again are fascinating for me, and its initial reluctance to assist Liesl is overcome (and friendship is achieved) in a very natural and organic way.
Although not hugely original - the greatest magic of them all, of course, turns out to be something all of us have experienced - it's a sweet, easily read book, with just enough scares. A boy, a girl, two ghosts, an adventure - what more could you possibly want?
It's a simple fairy story, with simple (and somewhat two-dimensional) secondary characters - evil step-mother, doting (and dead) father, and an assortment of other good or evil characters that assist or obstruct the girl's mission to return her father's ashes to his desired resting place. Liesl herself is a fairly bland little girl - which is not to say she is unlikeable or boring, simply predictable.
Po is, for me, by far the stand-out character in the cast. Its forays from The Other Side to the living world and back again are fascinating for me, and its initial reluctance to assist Liesl is overcome (and friendship is achieved) in a very natural and organic way.
Although not hugely original - the greatest magic of them all, of course, turns out to be something all of us have experienced - it's a sweet, easily read book, with just enough scares. A boy, a girl, two ghosts, an adventure - what more could you possibly want?
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Beautiful book, both inside and out
Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver is such a beautiful and sweet book. I'm not surprised - Lauren Oliver has quickly become one of my favourite authors after falling hard in love with... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Michelle Cardozo
Classic and Warming
Like a good soup, Liesl and Po is a classic, warming tale.
Ghosts who get a bit blurry and humans who have sharp corners populate a world where magic can happen even to... Read more
Ghosts who get a bit blurry and humans who have sharp corners populate a world where magic can happen even to... Read more
Published 4 months ago by ReaderWriter
A well written entertaining Fantasy for 7+ children
My one complaint would be that this book should be called Liesl, Po and Will, as he is just as important a character. Read more
Published 4 months ago by JoMaynard
Magic without much magic
"The girls went to work in the Cloverstown factories, sewing day in and day out,
stitching cheap linens and hat linings until they eyes gave out and they went
blind, or... Read more
stitching cheap linens and hat linings until they eyes gave out and they went
blind, or... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Pam Tee
Magical
This is a gorgeous little story of Liesl, who's father has died and moved on to the other side, and Po, a not-boy, not-girl from the other side, who is drawn to Liesl's light and... Read more
Published 5 months ago by bluecougar25
3.5 Stars
Reading the authors note probably earned this the extra half a star, just because I found it to be moving to know that this book helped her through the sudden death of her best... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Stepping Out of the Page
I wish I could have read this book as a child...
Brilliant, magical and inspiring.
Lauren Oliver is one of the only authors in which I truly love each and every one of her books. (Alongside J.K Rowling). Read more
Lauren Oliver is one of the only authors in which I truly love each and every one of her books. (Alongside J.K Rowling). Read more
Published 6 months ago by Britishwotsit
Strange yet Beautiful
A strange and yet beautiful story for the younger reader that takes them on an adventure with a cast of wonderfully weird and eccentric characters as our heroine takes on a quest... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Gareth Wilson - Falcata Times Blog
I enjoyed it, my daughter didn't
Liesl starts the story off by grieving for her dead father.She is locked in her bedroom with no friends - this makes the beginning of the book very sad. Read more
Published 7 months ago by lilysmum
'Strange and miraculous things happened'
This magical, delightful book was a very personal journey for the author, as she writes in her introduction to the story. It is charmingly illustrated. Read more
Published 7 months ago by L. H. Healy
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