Published By: Macmillan Two Hoots
Pages: 120
Released On: 12/09/2023
Age Range: 12+
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.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Two Hoots for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Maybe I hadn’t fully processed what this book’s synopsis was, but it was a lot more moving and tender than I thought. I don’t know what I thought it would be to be quite honest. Maybe a nice little children’s book. But it deals with serious topics, mainly death, loss and grief. It’s done in a sensitive, clear, but age-appropriate way.
The illustrations created by Emily Gravett are gorgeous. I’m not sure if they’re screen printed or created by carving an image into a stamp and printing them, or whether they are hand drawn, but either way, they’re really lovely. Simple but very effective.
It’s short and very quick to read. I wasn’t sure at first about how I felt marketing this book to children, as it seemed too dark at times. But it’s important that children learn about death and grief and how it’s a normal part of life, and I think this is a good way to introduce it.
I enjoy reading fictional books that contain scenes in the afterlife. Obviously we can never know what it’s like until we’re there. But I like seeing how different authors interpret it, and Frances has created a very simple but joyful version.
I have not read any of Frances’ books before and so I have no comparison, but it’s a strong narrative with a lot of heart and soul. Especially when it comes to finding your place in your family and in the world.
I mean, it’s not targeted at my age group which is probably why I found it a bit simplistic, but I have 7 children in my family aged 11 and under, and I can see how it would appeal to them. It would make a good stepping stone to discussing death and whatnot. All in all, a short, sensitive, beautifully created story.
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