Review Detail

I like the way that Conor's personal crisis is connected to the old stories the monster tells. These stories each have a lesson and raise provoking questions for Conor that will also make readers think – the morals are never quite what readers expect.

Though it includes the supernatural, this book is realistic and portrays school life particularly well. The characters are well crafted and each have a part to play in the story. Their conversations are real, they react to the situation just as people in their position would. Because of this, readers become very involved with the story.

This book is heartrending and will make grief and loss real even for those who have never lost someone in their life. The inevitable ending is always at the back of readers' minds but when it comes it is sadder than ever. This poignant and moving story will make readers sad long after they have read the final page. This book had me on the verge of tears.