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Raven Summer
Liam and his friend Max are playing in their neighborhood when the call of a bird leads them out into a field beyond their town. There, they find a baby lying alone atop a pile of stones—with this note pinned to her
PLESE LOOK AFTER HER RITE. THIS IS A CHILDE OF GOD.
PLESE LOOK AFTER HER RITE. THIS IS A CHILDE OF GOD.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2009
15 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
David Almond
121 books823 followersDavid Almond is a British children's writer who has penned several novels, each one to critical acclaim. He was born and raised in Felling and Newcastle in post-industrial North East England and educated at the University of East Anglia. When he was young, he found his love of writing when some short stories of his were published in a local magazine. He started out as an author of adult fiction before finding his niche writing literature for young adults.
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
August 19, 2019
Live an adventure. Live like you’re in a story.
Liam, the main character of the story, is on the verge of a significant change. He feels he is drifting apart from his friends, Max and Nattrass, and that they have less and less in common.
One day, Liam and Max find an abandoned baby in their neighborhood. This event is the catalyst which sets events in motion in Liam’s life.
Jackdaw Summer is a coming-of-age novel, dealing with friendship, loosening the bond between friends, changing their attitudes and behaviors.
Some parts of the story seem irrelevant but they nicely balance the tension of the story, and make it consumable by relatively young readers as well. There is a mystery, but not that big, and certain things are never revealed. But what is important here is not really the plot, but some fundamental moral issues the plot and the characters support.
Issues such as the essence of good and bad, truth and lies, morality, violence, responsibility, the consequences of your decisions. The novel also deals with political themes, such as war and terrorism. Furthermore, it presents different levels of emotional intelligence of children at the same age, and their different attitude toward the ideas mentioned above. The characters are compelling in their complexity.
The most remarkable about this novel is that it’s not didactic. The unbiased approach of the author lets you develop your opinion freely about the characters, the events, and the ideas provoked by their actions and thoughts. You are allowed to decide if you agree or disagree. Almond doesn’t influence the reader at all.
Jackdaw Summer is a provocative story, written in a compact, but imaginative style. Highly recommended!
The novel is also published with the title of Raven Summer.
My favorite quotes.
August 13, 2023
کتاب قبلی که از دیوید آلموند خونده بودم، "اسم من میناست"، انقدر عالی بود که تا اسم آلموند رو روی این کتاب دیدم خریدمش. و بعد از خوندنش به این نتیجه رسیدم که قلم آلموند کلا قشنگه، داستانهاش متفاوت و مجذوب کنندهن و دلم میخوام همشون رو بخونم.
هیچ مشکلی با شخصیتها و داستان این کتاب نداشتم، ترجمهش هم قابل قبول بود، ولی خشونت خیللللی زیادی توی داستان بود که حتی من هم به عنوان یه خواننده بزرگسال تا حدی اذیت میشدم، دوست ندارم به عنوان کتاب کودک یه بچهی مثلا نه ساله دربارهی با چاقو بریدن سر، قتل عام خانواده، شلیک کردن به یه دختر بچه و اینجور چیزا بخونه. درک میکنم که این ادبیات ضدجنگ و اعتراض به خشونته و خودم هم نمیدونم روش درست روبرو کردن بچهها با این قضیهها چیه، اما احساس میکنم مستقیم خوندنش بهترین راه نباشه، نمیدونم.
هیچ مشکلی با شخصیتها و داستان این کتاب نداشتم، ترجمهش هم قابل قبول بود، ولی خشونت خیللللی زیادی توی داستان بود که حتی من هم به عنوان یه خواننده بزرگسال تا حدی اذیت میشدم، دوست ندارم به عنوان کتاب کودک یه بچهی مثلا نه ساله دربارهی با چاقو بریدن سر، قتل عام خانواده، شلیک کردن به یه دختر بچه و اینجور چیزا بخونه. درک میکنم که این ادبیات ضدجنگ و اعتراض به خشونته و خودم هم نمیدونم روش درست روبرو کردن بچهها با این قضیهها چیه، اما احساس میکنم مستقیم خوندنش بهترین راه نباشه، نمیدونم.
May 6, 2019
خیلی کتاب خشنی بود :{
کتابی نیست که به نوجوون ها توصیه کنم که بخونن!! ...
کتابی نیست که به نوجوون ها توصیه کنم که بخونن!! ...
November 15, 2019
Personal Response:
Raven Summer by David Almond is an interesting book to read. It is eye-opening to read about Oliver’s experiences in Liberia. I would never guess children like Oliver are exposed to such inhuman things on a daily basis. Also, I am glad that the author adds lots of imagery to the reading giving the book a sense of personal experience.
Plot:
One afternoon as Liam and his childhood best friend, Max, are playing in their backyard they spot a bird. Curious, Liam and Max run after the bird who leads them out into a field beyond their neighborhood. To their surprise, they find a baby girl lying alone on the floor. They look around, but spot no one which makes them come to the assumption that the baby must be lost; therefore, they agree to take the baby along with them. When they arrive home, they are bombarded with questions by their concerned parents who immediately call the police. The police arrive and quickly go in search of the baby’s parents but are unsuccessful. Left with no other option, the police decide to take the newborn to a foster family. Days after, Liam and his family start missing the baby and decide to go visit her at the foster home. There Leam meets Oliver, a foster son who asserts he was a refugee from the war in Liberia. After the visit, Liam and his family grow attached to the baby, so they choose to adopt her. At the ceremony following the adoption, Liam gets to converse more in-depth with Oliver. He discovers that Oliver’s legal situation is complicated. The government does not believe his statement of being a refugee, so there is talk of sending him back to his home country, Liberia. Oliver assures Lennie he is being truthful with his statement. He begs Liam to help him as he is sure he will be killed if he returns to Liberia. This leaves Liam pondering on whether or not he should consider helping Oliver. At the thought of all of his further troubles in life, Liam quickly dismisses the idea. That quickly changes the following day, when Liam discovers that Oliver has run away from his foster home. He knows the consequences that will come along if he goes in search of Olver, but his gut feeling tells him to go help. Liam must decide what to do before it is too late.
Characterization:
Liam is the main character of the book. He is a very uplifting character who always strives to maintain his childhood traditions, such as camping outside. By doing this he receives a lot of critiques from both his parents and childhood best friend, Max, as they believe he needs to “grow up” and start investing his energy on more “adult-like” matter. This frustrates Liam as he is not free to express his bubbly, childlike personality.
Oliver is another essential character in Raven Summer. He is portrayed as a simple-hearted individual who has a hard time fitting in. That is because his physical appearance leads people to prejudice him. Oftentimes he is confused for being a terrorist. This animosity emotionally affects Oliver.
Setting:
Raven Summer takes place within a modern era, so the characters are exposed to problems of the modern era. More specifically, Oliver faces the immigration injustices of the time period. When he attempts to find refuge in a foreign country, he is faced with several obstacles. Chances are that if the book’s happenings were occurring at a later era, Oliver would avoid several troubles in regards to his immigration status. Furthermore, the book’s happenings take place in an unspecified small town, This setting is a troubling factor to the Lennie’s mom as she is limited to work opportunities. She is often found complaining about how she cannot fully pursue her artic career in the small town they are in.
Thematic Connection:
The main theme of this book illustrates that every individual has a dark side to them. This can be seen through the character of Oliver as he describes his horrifying childhood. Oliver explains that despite his child-like innocents, he took the life of a young girl while he was under an extremely stressful situation. This emphasizes the idea that in the end, any person has the capability of doing evil actions, especially while exposed to stressful situations.
Recommendations:
It would be best if individuals reading this book are at least at a high school reading level as the complex grammar would be difficult to comprehend by a younger crowd. Also, all genders should read this book as they could find it interesting to ponder on the theme reflected in the book that deals with the natural dark side of humanity.
Raven Summer by David Almond is an interesting book to read. It is eye-opening to read about Oliver’s experiences in Liberia. I would never guess children like Oliver are exposed to such inhuman things on a daily basis. Also, I am glad that the author adds lots of imagery to the reading giving the book a sense of personal experience.
Plot:
One afternoon as Liam and his childhood best friend, Max, are playing in their backyard they spot a bird. Curious, Liam and Max run after the bird who leads them out into a field beyond their neighborhood. To their surprise, they find a baby girl lying alone on the floor. They look around, but spot no one which makes them come to the assumption that the baby must be lost; therefore, they agree to take the baby along with them. When they arrive home, they are bombarded with questions by their concerned parents who immediately call the police. The police arrive and quickly go in search of the baby’s parents but are unsuccessful. Left with no other option, the police decide to take the newborn to a foster family. Days after, Liam and his family start missing the baby and decide to go visit her at the foster home. There Leam meets Oliver, a foster son who asserts he was a refugee from the war in Liberia. After the visit, Liam and his family grow attached to the baby, so they choose to adopt her. At the ceremony following the adoption, Liam gets to converse more in-depth with Oliver. He discovers that Oliver’s legal situation is complicated. The government does not believe his statement of being a refugee, so there is talk of sending him back to his home country, Liberia. Oliver assures Lennie he is being truthful with his statement. He begs Liam to help him as he is sure he will be killed if he returns to Liberia. This leaves Liam pondering on whether or not he should consider helping Oliver. At the thought of all of his further troubles in life, Liam quickly dismisses the idea. That quickly changes the following day, when Liam discovers that Oliver has run away from his foster home. He knows the consequences that will come along if he goes in search of Olver, but his gut feeling tells him to go help. Liam must decide what to do before it is too late.
Characterization:
Liam is the main character of the book. He is a very uplifting character who always strives to maintain his childhood traditions, such as camping outside. By doing this he receives a lot of critiques from both his parents and childhood best friend, Max, as they believe he needs to “grow up” and start investing his energy on more “adult-like” matter. This frustrates Liam as he is not free to express his bubbly, childlike personality.
Oliver is another essential character in Raven Summer. He is portrayed as a simple-hearted individual who has a hard time fitting in. That is because his physical appearance leads people to prejudice him. Oftentimes he is confused for being a terrorist. This animosity emotionally affects Oliver.
Setting:
Raven Summer takes place within a modern era, so the characters are exposed to problems of the modern era. More specifically, Oliver faces the immigration injustices of the time period. When he attempts to find refuge in a foreign country, he is faced with several obstacles. Chances are that if the book’s happenings were occurring at a later era, Oliver would avoid several troubles in regards to his immigration status. Furthermore, the book’s happenings take place in an unspecified small town, This setting is a troubling factor to the Lennie’s mom as she is limited to work opportunities. She is often found complaining about how she cannot fully pursue her artic career in the small town they are in.
Thematic Connection:
The main theme of this book illustrates that every individual has a dark side to them. This can be seen through the character of Oliver as he describes his horrifying childhood. Oliver explains that despite his child-like innocents, he took the life of a young girl while he was under an extremely stressful situation. This emphasizes the idea that in the end, any person has the capability of doing evil actions, especially while exposed to stressful situations.
Recommendations:
It would be best if individuals reading this book are at least at a high school reading level as the complex grammar would be difficult to comprehend by a younger crowd. Also, all genders should read this book as they could find it interesting to ponder on the theme reflected in the book that deals with the natural dark side of humanity.
May 17, 2017
“Words are too easy,” he says.
He opens his book. “What looks like truth and sounds like truth might be nothing but a dream, nothing but a story I wish had happened.”
He opens his book. “What looks like truth and sounds like truth might be nothing but a dream, nothing but a story I wish had happened.”
May 27, 2013
While reading the novel Raven Summer by David Almond I was very intrigued by the writing and how the story was more toward an adventure. The story is about how two young boys are following a raven bird and the bird leads them to a baby. This unfolded the plot for the rest of the story by giving the two boys, Liam and Max a bit a trouble and how they were going to help make the best life for the baby as possible. I really enjoyed the book and the high energy the author gave to the characters as they were moving throughout the story.
As I said the two boys, very good friends, Liam and Max were minding their own business one day as they spotted a raven, yet they had an eerie feeling about the bird and decided to follow it. Once the boys found the baby they took it to the police to see if they knew who the rightful owners were, but none were found. After a few days the boys became attached to the baby and really wanted to be sure that everything turned out alright for it, so when the baby was placed in a foster home the kids would often go check up on it to be sure that it was receiving the care that the baby needed. The author say, “Live an adventure. Live like you’re in a story” (Almond 58). This quote has significant meaning because the reason that the author puts it in the story is to show that the boys have been given this adventure with the baby and it is their choice whether they finish it or not and they choose to do so. I felt connected to the book as I read because the boys emotions and ideas that they felt the author was able to display them nicely in such way that I could be as invested in the story they are creating as they are.
As the book went on it the baby grows up into a young girl named Allison. Liam’s family decides to adopt the young girl and take her into the family as one of their own. Yet, in the foster home Liam meets a boy named Oliver. He is kind and very reserved to himself. As the two boys get to know each other a little bit better the realization that Oliver and the others in the foster home may be in danger. Since Allison is out of the foster home her life is safe and this is the reason that Liam and Max were unaware of the situation. With the kids in the foster homes unable to find families that would adopt them, the homes are not looking to hold the children there forever. So, those without families would be sent back to their home country, Liberia. Oliver and the other children are worried because they were lucky to not be raised in a country with such danger, so they do not want to go back. The author writes, “Words are too easy,” he says. He opens his book. “What looks like truth and sounds like truth might be nothing but a dream, nothing but a story I wish had happened” (Almond 136). Oliver is talking in the quote about how hopeless everything seems to him because he knows he's going to have to go back to the dangerous country of Liberia.
I found this book to be very interesting especially with how the culture was portrayed. I felt as though the author wanted the reader to be able the struggle of the danger in Liberia and for that reason there was so much violence in the book. I enjoyed how the emotions were clear especially when the tone of the novel would shift from time to time and the author did a nice job of incorporating imagery in all aspects of the writing. I would recommend this book if someone was looking for and adventure/action book because I truly did enjoy it and I was an easy read because I was so interested.
As I said the two boys, very good friends, Liam and Max were minding their own business one day as they spotted a raven, yet they had an eerie feeling about the bird and decided to follow it. Once the boys found the baby they took it to the police to see if they knew who the rightful owners were, but none were found. After a few days the boys became attached to the baby and really wanted to be sure that everything turned out alright for it, so when the baby was placed in a foster home the kids would often go check up on it to be sure that it was receiving the care that the baby needed. The author say, “Live an adventure. Live like you’re in a story” (Almond 58). This quote has significant meaning because the reason that the author puts it in the story is to show that the boys have been given this adventure with the baby and it is their choice whether they finish it or not and they choose to do so. I felt connected to the book as I read because the boys emotions and ideas that they felt the author was able to display them nicely in such way that I could be as invested in the story they are creating as they are.
As the book went on it the baby grows up into a young girl named Allison. Liam’s family decides to adopt the young girl and take her into the family as one of their own. Yet, in the foster home Liam meets a boy named Oliver. He is kind and very reserved to himself. As the two boys get to know each other a little bit better the realization that Oliver and the others in the foster home may be in danger. Since Allison is out of the foster home her life is safe and this is the reason that Liam and Max were unaware of the situation. With the kids in the foster homes unable to find families that would adopt them, the homes are not looking to hold the children there forever. So, those without families would be sent back to their home country, Liberia. Oliver and the other children are worried because they were lucky to not be raised in a country with such danger, so they do not want to go back. The author writes, “Words are too easy,” he says. He opens his book. “What looks like truth and sounds like truth might be nothing but a dream, nothing but a story I wish had happened” (Almond 136). Oliver is talking in the quote about how hopeless everything seems to him because he knows he's going to have to go back to the dangerous country of Liberia.
I found this book to be very interesting especially with how the culture was portrayed. I felt as though the author wanted the reader to be able the struggle of the danger in Liberia and for that reason there was so much violence in the book. I enjoyed how the emotions were clear especially when the tone of the novel would shift from time to time and the author did a nice job of incorporating imagery in all aspects of the writing. I would recommend this book if someone was looking for and adventure/action book because I truly did enjoy it and I was an easy read because I was so interested.
November 20, 2010
I usually can give or take Almond's work and was pleasantly surprised. Let's start with the cover, which I love, but the oddities of the plot don't necessarily jive with the cover. A boy discovers an abandoned baby, becomes a small superstar on TV and in the papers, and meets two characters, Crystal and Oliver, who have been in foster care. Oliver was a child soldier from Liberia and there is a very deep scene toward the end where Oliver divulges the atrocities of civil war in his country and can be a great companion to A Long Way Gone by Beah. Crystal is a burn victim and current cutter who feels a kinship toward Liam.
"Don't be thick, Liam. You know what I mean. It must be dead boring being loved and looked after." She smiles. "Kids like you imagine being kids like me, but kids like me want nothing more than to be kids like you."
"Don't be thick, Liam. You know what I mean. It must be dead boring being loved and looked after." She smiles. "Kids like you imagine being kids like me, but kids like me want nothing more than to be kids like you."
April 25, 2018
On the verge of adolescence, Liam and Max wander the wild terrain that surrounds their village, and one day find an abandoned baby. This baby sparks of a series of events and encounters that effectively pulls the two friends apart. Max is concerned with growing up, getting a girlfriend and being serious, whereas Liam wants to hang onto his childhood and his wildness. Like all David Almond books, this story contains some fantastic characters, as always totally believable and enchanting. I devoured this book and passed it on to my 10 year-old son who is currently enjoying it immensely. The themes of childhood, wildness and the violence of war are strong and poignant within this magical story. Highly recommended.
August 2, 2017
3,5 stars actually. Ketika membaca sinopsisnya, ku pikir ini buku dongeng anak-anak. Dan aku mengharapkan kisah ringan anak-anak dengan misi mereka melawan nenek sihir jahat. Tapi tak ada nenek sihir di buku ini. Hanya ada Liam. Dan tidak ada kisah yang ringan yang menyenangkan di buku ini. Melainkan kisah kelam yang menakutkan. Buku ini membuatku ngeri dan berpikir banyak. Mengenai tragedi. Mengenai kejahatan. Mengenai nafsu akan tragedi. Buku ini bagus. Cara penulisannya unik dan mungkin agak kaku, but I like it.
August 10, 2017
Out of all of the David Almond books that I've read, this is definitely his most darkest.
This book explores the more darker side of human nature and the destructive effects on our surroundings that humans leave in their wake.
The thing I love about all his books is that they are very thought provoking and even though the characters don't borrow themselves into your mind, their stories do. It makes you wonder. And that's beautiful.
This book explores the more darker side of human nature and the destructive effects on our surroundings that humans leave in their wake.
The thing I love about all his books is that they are very thought provoking and even though the characters don't borrow themselves into your mind, their stories do. It makes you wonder. And that's beautiful.
January 27, 2019
A very gripping read.
Almond's writing style enables a gripping tale with lots of unbelievable things happening.
Themes such as family, friendship and adventure.
There are many different characters in the story that could be explored as a class and children could try and discover what their childhoods were like and why they are how they are.
Almond's writing style enables a gripping tale with lots of unbelievable things happening.
Themes such as family, friendship and adventure.
There are many different characters in the story that could be explored as a class and children could try and discover what their childhoods were like and why they are how they are.
Read
October 16, 2020En ungdomsbok som tar opp «det ondes problem.» To kamerater finner en baby i en låve. Er der kråka som ledet dem dit? Det rare er at dette mysteriet ikke blir hovedfortellingen videre. Jeg sitter igjen med noen spørsmål, og det er vel et tegn på bra litteratur. 🧐Uhygge og konflikt mellom kamerater. Og mange andre viktige tema. En god og kraftfull miks av ulike problemstillinger. I ungdomsbokformat.
September 17, 2024
عجیبتر از اون بود که بتونم براش ریویو بنویسم.
November 4, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
One discovery, one event, can change your life forever. For Liam, it was following a raven, which would ultimately lead him into one of the darkest summers he would ever experience.
With the raven came the discovery of a little baby, abandoned with just a note labeling her as "a childe of God," and a jar of money. Liam and his friend, Max, take turns carrying the baby on the way back to Liam's house, knowing that this lovely-smelling baby will need milk, clothes, a family. Without an appearance of the baby's parents, she is quickly taken to a foster family, where Liam meets Crystal and Oliver.
RAVEN SUMMER continues with the introduction and Liam's encounters with characters that have had dark experiences or are experiencing dark thoughts.
There is the foster child, Oliver, a refugee from Liberia, who fled after his parents were murdered and before he could do any harm to others. His dark past and what he was dangerously taught still haunts him, as his scar is a blatant reminder of what his life was like before experiencing a "safer" world.
Then there is Gordon Nattrass, a friend of Liam's whose mind turns to the dark as he enjoys the actions of beheading, torturing, and bullying animals - and some humans. Liam himself can't help but think of violent images of war, as all around him are wars between countries and even somewhat between his friends.
RAVEN SUMMER is a dark, compelling, and intriguing novel with complex and sometimes even frightening thoughts. It strongly expresses the evil and violence that encompass the world through the minds and eyes of all ages. The novel concludes by connecting the lives of the younger cast of characters with a climatic ending, including a game turned awry. This is a novel that one must experience firsthand in order to truly understand what a classic it will be one day.
One discovery, one event, can change your life forever. For Liam, it was following a raven, which would ultimately lead him into one of the darkest summers he would ever experience.
With the raven came the discovery of a little baby, abandoned with just a note labeling her as "a childe of God," and a jar of money. Liam and his friend, Max, take turns carrying the baby on the way back to Liam's house, knowing that this lovely-smelling baby will need milk, clothes, a family. Without an appearance of the baby's parents, she is quickly taken to a foster family, where Liam meets Crystal and Oliver.
RAVEN SUMMER continues with the introduction and Liam's encounters with characters that have had dark experiences or are experiencing dark thoughts.
There is the foster child, Oliver, a refugee from Liberia, who fled after his parents were murdered and before he could do any harm to others. His dark past and what he was dangerously taught still haunts him, as his scar is a blatant reminder of what his life was like before experiencing a "safer" world.
Then there is Gordon Nattrass, a friend of Liam's whose mind turns to the dark as he enjoys the actions of beheading, torturing, and bullying animals - and some humans. Liam himself can't help but think of violent images of war, as all around him are wars between countries and even somewhat between his friends.
RAVEN SUMMER is a dark, compelling, and intriguing novel with complex and sometimes even frightening thoughts. It strongly expresses the evil and violence that encompass the world through the minds and eyes of all ages. The novel concludes by connecting the lives of the younger cast of characters with a climatic ending, including a game turned awry. This is a novel that one must experience firsthand in order to truly understand what a classic it will be one day.
January 9, 2012
This was an extremely quick read. Liam finds a baby in a field, that is taken into a foster family. Liam and his family make friends with the foster family and eventually his mother adopts the baby, leading Crystal and Oliver two of the other foster children to become even closer to Liam.
This book addresses several major themes including growing up, maintaining friendships, what makes art art, and children as soldiers. While the book is a short read there is no lack of things to discuss here.
***Spoilers***
The idea of child abandonment and what would lead someone to leave their child in a field.
Liam wants to spend this last summer as a child while his friend Max is ready to move on and grow up or even Liam's decision to separate himself from his old friend Natrass, who is becoming more violent and frightening on a regular basis.
Natrass submits "art" to galleries. The pieces are video pieces that mimic the violent torture of human beings only to reveal that it wasn't actually a person. Is this really art, or is it just sensationalist.
There is also Oliver's life before his foster family, as a child soldier. At first he lies and says only that his family was murdered by soldiers, later on he finally admits to being trained as a soldier by the perpetrator and committing similar murders himself.
***Spoilers End***
This is all very heavy food for thought and even though this book is a quick read, I reccommend not reading it unless you have a lot of time because it really does make you think about all of these different issues. Also even though it is a heavy read it is well written with such a light touch that the reader does not get bogged down in the heavy feeling that this kind of book can sometimes lead to for me.
This book addresses several major themes including growing up, maintaining friendships, what makes art art, and children as soldiers. While the book is a short read there is no lack of things to discuss here.
***Spoilers***
The idea of child abandonment and what would lead someone to leave their child in a field.
Liam wants to spend this last summer as a child while his friend Max is ready to move on and grow up or even Liam's decision to separate himself from his old friend Natrass, who is becoming more violent and frightening on a regular basis.
Natrass submits "art" to galleries. The pieces are video pieces that mimic the violent torture of human beings only to reveal that it wasn't actually a person. Is this really art, or is it just sensationalist.
There is also Oliver's life before his foster family, as a child soldier. At first he lies and says only that his family was murdered by soldiers, later on he finally admits to being trained as a soldier by the perpetrator and committing similar murders himself.
***Spoilers End***
This is all very heavy food for thought and even though this book is a quick read, I reccommend not reading it unless you have a lot of time because it really does make you think about all of these different issues. Also even though it is a heavy read it is well written with such a light touch that the reader does not get bogged down in the heavy feeling that this kind of book can sometimes lead to for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2009
As with most Almond books, I read this one in a single sitting. Something about his style sucks me completely into his worlds and carries me from beginning to end. That being said, this one has a bit different of a flow compared to his other novels. It is darker in tone, more mature, and takes you places you didn't expect it to move.
While it isn't my favorite of his--or even second place--I enjoyed this one much more than Clay, as that one disappointed me.
If you are a fan of Almond, there is nothing to keep you out of this one, though it might not be appropriate for the little 'uns. As for me, being an older Almond reader, I liked the "older" sort of story here. It left me unsettled and thinking about it for some time, and the afterthought is always a good thing.
While it isn't my favorite of his--or even second place--I enjoyed this one much more than Clay, as that one disappointed me.
If you are a fan of Almond, there is nothing to keep you out of this one, though it might not be appropriate for the little 'uns. As for me, being an older Almond reader, I liked the "older" sort of story here. It left me unsettled and thinking about it for some time, and the afterthought is always a good thing.
November 23, 2020
This was the second book from David Almond I got the chance to read, and it's definitely one of the darkest books with young characters.
I enjoy the way David Almond creates stories about war as an ever-lasting fact that is every generation's issue, but this one was really irritating and I'm not sure... Oh my God, I see "Children" on the tags! I was thinking this is too much even for youngs and now some are shelving it as Children?! I'd be truly delighted to understand whether this is really suitable for young readers or not.
The story was beautifully written and was attractive but I'm deducting 2 stars as it was hard even for me to read; knowing the fact that this goes to YA shelf. In my opinion, read it as an adult book, and you can cope with it way easier.
I enjoy the way David Almond creates stories about war as an ever-lasting fact that is every generation's issue, but this one was really irritating and I'm not sure... Oh my God, I see "Children" on the tags! I was thinking this is too much even for youngs and now some are shelving it as Children?! I'd be truly delighted to understand whether this is really suitable for young readers or not.
The story was beautifully written and was attractive but I'm deducting 2 stars as it was hard even for me to read; knowing the fact that this goes to YA shelf. In my opinion, read it as an adult book, and you can cope with it way easier.
December 19, 2009
I had never read anything by David Almond before this book, and now I want to read every word he's ever written ever. Wow.
The language in this book is beautiful. The imagery is perfect. The character development is spot-on. And despite its gentleness in story telling, this novel packs a punch.
I can think of no other book that captures the mindset of children as well as this one. I can't even formulate complete thoughts about the story. It's just good. Two boys find a baby, they bring the baby home to one of the boy's parents, and suddenly the course of their lives changes forever. Incredible.
The language in this book is beautiful. The imagery is perfect. The character development is spot-on. And despite its gentleness in story telling, this novel packs a punch.
I can think of no other book that captures the mindset of children as well as this one. I can't even formulate complete thoughts about the story. It's just good. Two boys find a baby, they bring the baby home to one of the boy's parents, and suddenly the course of their lives changes forever. Incredible.
January 23, 2010
Quintessential Almond- though less cryptic than many of his titles. Liam is reluctantly on the cusp between boy and manhood. The boys around him in his Northumburland village are all reacting to this challenge in different ways, as are their families. During a last boyhood fling with his good friend, Liam and Max are led by a crow to an abandoned baby. This kicks off new relationships and responsibilities (not to mention notoriety) in Liam's family. There is food for thought on each page multiple themes thread their way through the story seamlessly. This book will take a day to read and years to process. Would be a wonderful book for classroom discussion or book groups.
June 9, 2010
Maybe it was the cultural gap between the American (me) and the Brit (the author) but none of the main characters were particularly believable. Liam's character wavered all over and I was completely unable to place his age until I read it (and even then, it wasn't particularly convincing). Likewise, Natrass seemed more like a caricature of a 35-year-old Southern racist than a 14 year old of any nation. The story wasn't particularly interesting (it petered out after they found the abandoned baby) and it didn't really seem like a young adult novel, either.
July 30, 2011
Loved this book. There were times when I was reading it that I literally stopped breathing. Almond's writing is superb, the way he weaves the underlying menace, building up tension leading towards the climax is some of the best writing I've read. The plot is deceptively simple in this multi-layered book that covers several complex issues including the nature of violence, immigration and asylum seekers, child soldiers, and art. The more I think about this book, the more brilliant I realise it is. Almond is an incredible writer.
June 4, 2009
Two boys in Northern England find an abandoned baby and, with their parents, visit her later in her foster home. There Liam meets a young Liberian refugee and an eccentric girl whom he would not have known normally. It is a superb novel about a boy who is just growing up and learning about suffering in the world. The author captures the feelings and outlook of a young adolescent who can be childish then mature quickly. A marvelous piece of writing.
December 8, 2009
I usually like dark books, but this one made me feel very uneasy as I read it. Liam and his friend Max are led by a raven to find a baby in a cave. There are gorgeous passages in the book, particularly those concerning the raven and baby. The rest of the book, however, reminded me of Pet Sematary. There were sadistic sections involving snakes, mutilations, and hangings. I just didn't enjoy the book very much, overall...maybe it is because I wasn't expecting it to be so dark.
July 25, 2020
Läst till 1LI100 Barn och ungdomslitteratur, 30 högskolepoäng
July 10, 2024
Ihan surkee
December 9, 2017
Well, David Almond is obviously highly regarded - huge reviews in the Guardian, prizes galore, so I was quite keen to read Skellig which is super-famous – but this was the one in the library so I got this out instead.
It’s a short read and very well written in a highly distinctive voice, with crisp clear precise sentences. The use of language is both beautiful and readable. Other stuff – not so much. I had a few problems, mainly with the plot, theme and characters. Hm.
The plot was moderately directionless: obviously this is deliberate. This reads like a long slightly magical summer with more or less naughty boys running wild, not going anywhere in particular. Two of them find a baby (a sweet-smelling “child of God” – what could she symbolize?), one is a nutter who chops up snakes in a pit with a spade amongst other revolting activities, and is generally cruel and disgusting (perchance symbolizing the opposite?). But there is no strong narrative drive. Almond is a very skillful writer: if he wanted strong narrative drive, I’m sure he could put it in there. But the novel is meant to be kind of elegiac: it ruminates on deep themes, ponders evil vs good and the pain of leaving childhood behind, evokes hot summers on the cusp of adulthood, and for these purposes absolute realism and a purposeful plot are maybe not crucial. If you’re happy with the elegy, the symbolism, the philosophy and the ambience.
War underpins the evil of man theme, being referred to constantly with planes flying overhead etc (Bush and Blair vs Iraq), along with the horrors of which man is capable. Are we all monsters under the skin? Is the veneer of civilisation a fragile thing with violence ever ready to explode through? Are we born evil, original sin being the true state of man? And so on. Psycho friend Gordon Nattrass embodies the arguments in favour of: we all love death and pain and torture, we just pretend we don’t. Plus we have an unlikely duo of foster kids, a Liberian ex-child soldier and a burns and foster care system self-mutilator. And herein lie the problems I have with really investing in this story, despite the quality of the writing which is in many ways a delight.
The theme is laid on in spades, for my taste. But above and beyond that – I am a big fan of plausibility.
Nattrass becomes an exhibited artist. His age is left vague, but at some point we are told Liam’s age is fourteen. This also was slightly problematic: in many ways he felt very immature, galloping around the countryside in sticks and mud more like a ten-year-old – but his friend and peer Max, looking to the future of careers and girlfriends, seemed more like a sixteen or seventeen year old. At least. And Liam’s age wavered, which I suppose could be construed as realistic: fourteen year olds can be grown up one minute, infantile the next. But… On the whole he felt like an immature, rather privileged, bratty older teenager.
So Nattrass becomes an exhibited artist – at fourteen? Or is he meant to be older? (He ‘s a friend, so the original assumption is that they’re close in age). It just doesn’t work for me: it’s not real world. Real world is: there are thousands of talented artists out there struggling for recognition – and yet some psycho kid gets support from a gallery to show his grim ideas, even if he has the verbal skills to make the pitch…
So, plausibility dead in the water on that one.
And then the two foster kids lack credibility, in particular Crystal. Oliver, the child soldier, is probably equally unreal but I have no experience with child soldiers so I could just about – barely – buy into his reality.
But I have worked with abused kids, foster kids, self-harmers… and the waif-like, dreamy, highly articulate, super-poetic and profoundly philosophical Crystal, is a hard creation to swallow. Neglected/abused/abandoned kids are more usually angry, inarticulate (neglect does that) and even more angry. Self-harm is anger turned inwards and mixed up into an unhealthy cocktail with self-loathing (because at a deep down level kids blame themselves – mum left me, so I must be bad and unlovable). Rage is a defining characteristic. Sweet dreamy poetics not so much.
To me, this reads like a skilled writer who deliberately chooses a drifting plotline and lack of narrative drive in favour of developing his themes through atmosphere and symbolism. I’m sure worthy critics, librarians and English teachers will love this story as a juicy subject for discussion, and because they think it’s the sort of meaningful thing teens should be reading. As for the teens themselves? I think I would have found it boring, and run back to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
For more of Brin's reviews, go to:
http://www.brinmurray.com/review-blog...
It’s a short read and very well written in a highly distinctive voice, with crisp clear precise sentences. The use of language is both beautiful and readable. Other stuff – not so much. I had a few problems, mainly with the plot, theme and characters. Hm.
The plot was moderately directionless: obviously this is deliberate. This reads like a long slightly magical summer with more or less naughty boys running wild, not going anywhere in particular. Two of them find a baby (a sweet-smelling “child of God” – what could she symbolize?), one is a nutter who chops up snakes in a pit with a spade amongst other revolting activities, and is generally cruel and disgusting (perchance symbolizing the opposite?). But there is no strong narrative drive. Almond is a very skillful writer: if he wanted strong narrative drive, I’m sure he could put it in there. But the novel is meant to be kind of elegiac: it ruminates on deep themes, ponders evil vs good and the pain of leaving childhood behind, evokes hot summers on the cusp of adulthood, and for these purposes absolute realism and a purposeful plot are maybe not crucial. If you’re happy with the elegy, the symbolism, the philosophy and the ambience.
War underpins the evil of man theme, being referred to constantly with planes flying overhead etc (Bush and Blair vs Iraq), along with the horrors of which man is capable. Are we all monsters under the skin? Is the veneer of civilisation a fragile thing with violence ever ready to explode through? Are we born evil, original sin being the true state of man? And so on. Psycho friend Gordon Nattrass embodies the arguments in favour of: we all love death and pain and torture, we just pretend we don’t. Plus we have an unlikely duo of foster kids, a Liberian ex-child soldier and a burns and foster care system self-mutilator. And herein lie the problems I have with really investing in this story, despite the quality of the writing which is in many ways a delight.
The theme is laid on in spades, for my taste. But above and beyond that – I am a big fan of plausibility.
Nattrass becomes an exhibited artist. His age is left vague, but at some point we are told Liam’s age is fourteen. This also was slightly problematic: in many ways he felt very immature, galloping around the countryside in sticks and mud more like a ten-year-old – but his friend and peer Max, looking to the future of careers and girlfriends, seemed more like a sixteen or seventeen year old. At least. And Liam’s age wavered, which I suppose could be construed as realistic: fourteen year olds can be grown up one minute, infantile the next. But… On the whole he felt like an immature, rather privileged, bratty older teenager.
So Nattrass becomes an exhibited artist – at fourteen? Or is he meant to be older? (He ‘s a friend, so the original assumption is that they’re close in age). It just doesn’t work for me: it’s not real world. Real world is: there are thousands of talented artists out there struggling for recognition – and yet some psycho kid gets support from a gallery to show his grim ideas, even if he has the verbal skills to make the pitch…
So, plausibility dead in the water on that one.
And then the two foster kids lack credibility, in particular Crystal. Oliver, the child soldier, is probably equally unreal but I have no experience with child soldiers so I could just about – barely – buy into his reality.
But I have worked with abused kids, foster kids, self-harmers… and the waif-like, dreamy, highly articulate, super-poetic and profoundly philosophical Crystal, is a hard creation to swallow. Neglected/abused/abandoned kids are more usually angry, inarticulate (neglect does that) and even more angry. Self-harm is anger turned inwards and mixed up into an unhealthy cocktail with self-loathing (because at a deep down level kids blame themselves – mum left me, so I must be bad and unlovable). Rage is a defining characteristic. Sweet dreamy poetics not so much.
To me, this reads like a skilled writer who deliberately chooses a drifting plotline and lack of narrative drive in favour of developing his themes through atmosphere and symbolism. I’m sure worthy critics, librarians and English teachers will love this story as a juicy subject for discussion, and because they think it’s the sort of meaningful thing teens should be reading. As for the teens themselves? I think I would have found it boring, and run back to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
For more of Brin's reviews, go to:
http://www.brinmurray.com/review-blog...
June 10, 2022
Jackdaw Summer devastatingly brought me back to when I was 12-14 and all the horrible, messed up feelings and thoughts I had at that time. I think if I had read it at that age it would have hurt so much but I would have also felt very seen. Maybe this is leftover pretentiousness of a teenager, but maybe not everyone would be able to relate to this book. As an adult, I rather hope kids can't relate to it because the feelings are heavy and animalistic. When you are that age, every day is your last and every bad thing is the end of the world (granted I also had a lot of underlying mental health issues). Jackdaw Summer brought back a lot of memories and feelings I have spent years trying to move past. I'm at a place now where that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is how it made me feel. I didn't enjoy it like I do other books, but I understood it and it understood me.
From a more literary/academic standpoint, I thought a few times that Liam was too introspective and insightful for his character, but once I finished the book I decided that wasn't the case. Teenagers often are very insightful and aware of their own growing up, so it did work for Liam. Each character is understandable even if they are not all immediately relatable (though I did find aspects of myself in each one). Even Max, who fades into the background throughout the summer is understandable. Everyone is growing up a different way. And, in a way, everyone is living in a slightly different reality. Liam serves as a bit of a bridge between other extreme characters. In Liam, you have the mostly loving, nuclear family, middle-class boy but you also have the feral ruffian child and the violent boy and the heartbroken child. It all comes together in Liam so he can empathise with others and, by extension, so can we as readers.
I have not read other books by David Almond so I can't compare this to his other works, but Jackdaw Summer struck something in my chest that I wasn't quite prepared for.
From a more literary/academic standpoint, I thought a few times that Liam was too introspective and insightful for his character, but once I finished the book I decided that wasn't the case. Teenagers often are very insightful and aware of their own growing up, so it did work for Liam. Each character is understandable even if they are not all immediately relatable (though I did find aspects of myself in each one). Even Max, who fades into the background throughout the summer is understandable. Everyone is growing up a different way. And, in a way, everyone is living in a slightly different reality. Liam serves as a bit of a bridge between other extreme characters. In Liam, you have the mostly loving, nuclear family, middle-class boy but you also have the feral ruffian child and the violent boy and the heartbroken child. It all comes together in Liam so he can empathise with others and, by extension, so can we as readers.
I have not read other books by David Almond so I can't compare this to his other works, but Jackdaw Summer struck something in my chest that I wasn't quite prepared for.
Read
May 18, 2022My book is called Raven Summer by David Almond. This book is about Two boys who follow a Raven from out of nowhere to a field outside of their small town. And in the field they find a baby laying on a pile of rocks with a note pinned to her clothes. They end up bringing the baby home and liam's parents agree to take in the baby, the police find no evidence of the babies parents and they give it to a foster home, while bringing the baby to the foster home liam meets two other children and one tells his traumatic story about the war in liberia and how he will be slaughtered if he gets sent back.
The author made the central idea seem like it's about what war and violence can truly do to a child's mind and heart while this boy is telling his friends about the war and how his family has been killed and he started acting violent towards others and things with him being a child soldier. I think this book is better for mature children because of the sensitive things talked about like knives, attempted stabbing, teens running away, a girl cutting herself but it portrays a really good perspective on how violence actually affects teenagers.
I recommend this book because it was very well written, it was easy to read and i didnt feel like the topics were all over the place and everything fit together very easily. I thought it was entertaining and the topics talked about maybe some teenager could relate too and realize that they aren't alone.
The author made the central idea seem like it's about what war and violence can truly do to a child's mind and heart while this boy is telling his friends about the war and how his family has been killed and he started acting violent towards others and things with him being a child soldier. I think this book is better for mature children because of the sensitive things talked about like knives, attempted stabbing, teens running away, a girl cutting herself but it portrays a really good perspective on how violence actually affects teenagers.
I recommend this book because it was very well written, it was easy to read and i didnt feel like the topics were all over the place and everything fit together very easily. I thought it was entertaining and the topics talked about maybe some teenager could relate too and realize that they aren't alone.
October 9, 2019
Una de las consecuencias de la invasión de Irak por parte de Estados Unidos y sus aliados fue la aparición en escena del autodenominado Estado Islámico, que rápidamente extendió el terror por Occidente mediante el secuestro de periodistas, cuyas ejecuciones difundía a través de Internet.
Uno de esos periodistas podría haber sido Greg Armstrong. Su desaparición, los vídeos de ejecuciones y la preocupación por la guerra forman parte de la atmósfera con que David Almond envuelve Mi último verano (Ediciones SM, 2009; Jackdaw Summer es el título original, publicado un año antes. Traducción de Alexandre Casal).
El protagonista de la novela es Liam, hijo único de una pareja de artistas, un escritor y una fotógrafa y pintora que parecen tan perdidos como él en un mundo donde los ideales han ido cediendo terreno frente al pragmatismo y, con el paso de los años, al cinismo. Liam se resiste a «crecer», si eso supone verse sometido a una realidad tan gris. Se resiste a renunciar a los veranos donde uno podía dejarse guiar por el instinto, y se resiste a aceptar que hacerse mayor, entre otras cosas, significa perder el derecho a dejarse sorprender por cada nuevo día y asumir que el mundo es un lugar hostil.
La reseña completa, en 'la recacha': https://benjaminrecacha.com/2019/10/0...
Uno de esos periodistas podría haber sido Greg Armstrong. Su desaparición, los vídeos de ejecuciones y la preocupación por la guerra forman parte de la atmósfera con que David Almond envuelve Mi último verano (Ediciones SM, 2009; Jackdaw Summer es el título original, publicado un año antes. Traducción de Alexandre Casal).
El protagonista de la novela es Liam, hijo único de una pareja de artistas, un escritor y una fotógrafa y pintora que parecen tan perdidos como él en un mundo donde los ideales han ido cediendo terreno frente al pragmatismo y, con el paso de los años, al cinismo. Liam se resiste a «crecer», si eso supone verse sometido a una realidad tan gris. Se resiste a renunciar a los veranos donde uno podía dejarse guiar por el instinto, y se resiste a aceptar que hacerse mayor, entre otras cosas, significa perder el derecho a dejarse sorprender por cada nuevo día y asumir que el mundo es un lugar hostil.
La reseña completa, en 'la recacha': https://benjaminrecacha.com/2019/10/0...
November 22, 2025
Es ist ein besonderer Sommer für Liam. Beim Spielen mit seinem Freund Max entdecken sie in einem baufälligen Haus ein Baby. Auf einem Zettel bittet die Mutter, dass man sich gut um sie kümmert, denn sie ist ein "Kind Gottes". Mit dieser Entdeckung beginnt für Liam ein denkwürdiger Sommer, in dem Freundschaften hinterfragt werden und er erwachsen werden muss.
Von der ersten Seite an konnte ich den heißen Sommer förmlich spüren, in dem Liams Geschichte spielt. Ich habe ihn und seinen Freund Max vor mir gesehen, wie sie durch die Felder von Northumberland gestreift sind. Es ist der letzte Sommer, den sie so verbringen. Die beiden Jungen verändern sich. Während für Max Mädchen immer interessanter werden, hat Liam immer stärker das Gefühl, dass er in diesem Sommer noch Dinge erledigen muss, weil es seine letzte Chance dafür ist.
Das Findelkind lässt die Familie nicht mehr los. Nachdem die Kleine zuerst in eine Pflegefamilie aufgenommen wurde, landet sie bei ihnen. Aber nicht nur sie, sondern auch ihre Pflegegeschwister, die sie regelmäßig besuchen, gehören jetzt zur Familie. Mit ihnen erfährt Liam Dinge, die bis jetzt noch nicht in seine behütete Kindheit gelangt sind.
Es ist die Geschichte eines letzten, unschuldigen Sommers. Die Geschichte ist so erzählt, dass sie nicht nur die jungen Leser bezaubert.
Von der ersten Seite an konnte ich den heißen Sommer förmlich spüren, in dem Liams Geschichte spielt. Ich habe ihn und seinen Freund Max vor mir gesehen, wie sie durch die Felder von Northumberland gestreift sind. Es ist der letzte Sommer, den sie so verbringen. Die beiden Jungen verändern sich. Während für Max Mädchen immer interessanter werden, hat Liam immer stärker das Gefühl, dass er in diesem Sommer noch Dinge erledigen muss, weil es seine letzte Chance dafür ist.
Das Findelkind lässt die Familie nicht mehr los. Nachdem die Kleine zuerst in eine Pflegefamilie aufgenommen wurde, landet sie bei ihnen. Aber nicht nur sie, sondern auch ihre Pflegegeschwister, die sie regelmäßig besuchen, gehören jetzt zur Familie. Mit ihnen erfährt Liam Dinge, die bis jetzt noch nicht in seine behütete Kindheit gelangt sind.
Es ist die Geschichte eines letzten, unschuldigen Sommers. Die Geschichte ist so erzählt, dass sie nicht nur die jungen Leser bezaubert.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews