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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Already a classic!, 14 Mar 2008
This review is from: Nevermore (Hardcover)
From the first page of 'Nevermore' the reader knows they are in for a treat. We meet 11-year old Tizzie and her cantankerous mother Morag on their way to yet another temporary home to start another temporary job. They arrive, in the rain, in the village of Sleet looking for Roven Mere, the mansion where Morag has been appointed cook.
Roven Mere is a house full of secrets and mystery. Ever cold and unhelpful, Morag leaves it up to her daughter to unearth answers as to why Lord Rupert, the owner of Roven Mere, always seems to be coming but never actually arrives. Tizzie becomes obsessed with Greta, Lord Rupert's daughter, desperate for her to appear so they can become friends. It's all gripping stuff that makes you want to read on.
Nevermore has that timeless, ethereal quality about its writing; it could have been written and set in 1908, not 2008. Only when Newbery jolts the reader by using contemporary dialogue and mentions laptops and the internet alongside boat houses and and wishing wells does one remember it is set in the present. It makes the book all the more credible because of it. Beautifully written. I'll watch out for it on all the short-lists.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Charming Read.., 9 Feb 2009
This review is from: Nevermore (Hardcover)
Nevermore is a charming story, that doesn't fail to intrigue. Its non offensive content is a breath of fresh air. I particularly liked the fact that it maintains an 'air' of fantasy, although not full on and certainly not 'fear-inducing' as some books for children can be these days.
I thought the relationship between Tizzie and her mother had been cleverly crafted. Not at all stereotypical for a book like this, and very current for our time.
I felt it could have gone into more depth in places though, having a touch more 'formal english' writing style. Think Roald Dahl, C.S Lewis etc. But overall a nicely written book.
I read Nevermore before giving to the children, as I like to screen before exposed to things, and I've decided to keep the copy for myself and buy them one of their own. I enjoyed it, and I'm sure they will too!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read and re-read, 30 Mar 2011
Beautifully written story with a modern setting - in this case an English country house, Roven Mere, which holds a mystery at its heart. When Tizzie arrives here in high summer, along with her mum, newly appointed as housekeeper, she imagines she might find a playmate in Greta, the daughter of the house. Yet Greta is strangely absent and soon, befriending the faithful steward, Finnegan, Tizzie begins to unravel the secrets of this house and its occupants. Lovely echoes of such classics as the Green Knowe stories and Tom's Midnight Garden, managing to be both contemporary with a subtle fairy tale atmosphere, enhanced by the exquisite cameo illustrations by Ian P. Benfold Haywood. A book to treasure.
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