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The Devil Walks
"The devil walks... But the devil can make no headway if he has no help. We must invite him in..."
Raised in secrecy by a mother everyone thinks has gone mad, Daniel's only link to his past is the intricately built model of the family home -- High Gates. The dolls' house is perfect in every detail. As Daniel is reunited with the last remaining member of his family -- his 'uncle' Severin, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a sinister wooden doll he has found hidden in the house, he begins to suspect that this vicious, haunted puppet of a figure has a chilling influence, bringing cruelty and spite in its wake. Now Daniel's very life is at risk as his uncle is determined to get his hands on the figure. The menace builds throughout in this deliciously creepy Gothic tale.
Raised in secrecy by a mother everyone thinks has gone mad, Daniel's only link to his past is the intricately built model of the family home -- High Gates. The dolls' house is perfect in every detail. As Daniel is reunited with the last remaining member of his family -- his 'uncle' Severin, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a sinister wooden doll he has found hidden in the house, he begins to suspect that this vicious, haunted puppet of a figure has a chilling influence, bringing cruelty and spite in its wake. Now Daniel's very life is at risk as his uncle is determined to get his hands on the figure. The menace builds throughout in this deliciously creepy Gothic tale.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2011
19 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Anne Fine
393 books289 followersThough readers often find themselves inadvertently laughing aloud as they read Anne Fine's novels, as she herself admits, "a lot of my work, even for fairly young readers, raises serious social issues. Growing up is a long and confusing business. I try to show that the battle through the chaos is worthwhile and can, at times, be seen as very funny." In 1994, this unique combination of humour and realism inspired the hit movie MRS. DOUBTFIRE, based on Anne's novel MADAME DOUBTFIRE and starring the late comedic genius Robin Williams.
Anne is best known in her home country, England, as a writer principally for children, but over the years she has also written eight novels for adult readers. Seven of these she describes as black - or sour - comedies, and the first, THE KILLJOY, simply as "dead black". These novels have proved great favourites with reading groups, causing readers to squirm with mingled horror and delight as she peels away the layers in all too familiar family relationships, exposing the tangled threads and conflicts beneath. (It's perhaps not surprising that Anne has openly expressed astonishment at the fact that murder in the domestic setting is not even more common.)
Anne has written more than sixty books for children and young people. Amongst numerous other awards, she is twice winner of both the Carnegie Medal, Britain's most prestigious children's book award, and the Whitbread Award. Twice chosen as Children's Author of the Year in the British Book Awards, Anne Fine was also the first novelist to be honoured as Children's Laureate in the United Kingdom. In 2003, Anne became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Her work has been translated into forty five languages.
Anne Fine lives in the north of England and has two grown up daughters.
Anne is best known in her home country, England, as a writer principally for children, but over the years she has also written eight novels for adult readers. Seven of these she describes as black - or sour - comedies, and the first, THE KILLJOY, simply as "dead black". These novels have proved great favourites with reading groups, causing readers to squirm with mingled horror and delight as she peels away the layers in all too familiar family relationships, exposing the tangled threads and conflicts beneath. (It's perhaps not surprising that Anne has openly expressed astonishment at the fact that murder in the domestic setting is not even more common.)
Anne has written more than sixty books for children and young people. Amongst numerous other awards, she is twice winner of both the Carnegie Medal, Britain's most prestigious children's book award, and the Whitbread Award. Twice chosen as Children's Author of the Year in the British Book Awards, Anne Fine was also the first novelist to be honoured as Children's Laureate in the United Kingdom. In 2003, Anne became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Her work has been translated into forty five languages.
Anne Fine lives in the north of England and has two grown up daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 26, 2025
داستان با یه پسر شروع میشه که مادرش بهش تلقین میکنه علیله و نمیذاره کاری انجام بده حتی مجبورش میکنه همیشه تو تخت بمونه و پسره هم واقعاً فکر میکنه که ناتوانه. حالا جالبیش اینجاست که همچین چیزی واقعاً وجود داره و به اسم اختلال ساختگی تحمیل شده شناخته میشه. شخصی که به این اختلال مبتلاست همیشه دوست داره از یه نفر مواظبت کنه و اگه یه والد اینطور باشه نمیخواد که بچهاش مستقل باشه و دوست داره حتی توی سادهترین کارها مثل غذا خوردن و راه رفتن بهش نیاز داشته باشه، سر همین به بچش تلقین میکنه که مریضه.
وقتی به همچین آغازی برخوردم توقع داستان قویای داشتم که به این اختلال پرداخته باشه ولی فراموش کردم یه رمان کودک نوجوانه و سرخورده شدم.
وقتی به همچین آغازی برخوردم توقع داستان قویای داشتم که به این اختلال پرداخته باشه ولی فراموش کردم یه رمان کودک نوجوانه و سرخورده شدم.
October 25, 2025
C'était bien! Un peu trop en surface parfois mais très prenant, facile et agréable à lire.
April 4, 2021
چیزی که از اولش جذبم کرد متن ساده و روونش بود. یاد بچگیهام میافتادم که هر کتابی از هر جایی به دستم میرسید برمیداشتم میبلعیدمش. این کتاب هم خیلی مناسب بلعیدن بود:دی اما همین مسئله تهش خیلی ناامیدم کرد. نویسنده بههیچوجه نمیذاشت خود خواننده حدس بزنه که چه اتفاقی قراره بیفته، همهچی رو جلوجلو توضیح میداد. از وسطاش به بعد که سرعت خوندنم کم شد و داشت کسلم میکرد میدونستم بهش چهار میدم. اما نقطه عطف پایانی حتی برام باورپذیر نبود. هی منتظر یه پیچش نهایی شدم ولی بهش نرسیدم.
پ.ن.: ترجمهی خوبی داشت. نمیدونم چرا حتی توی گودریدز وارد نشده.
پ.ن.: ترجمهی خوبی داشت. نمیدونم چرا حتی توی گودریدز وارد نشده.
July 6, 2011
Oh my, this was a deliciously dark tale. From the beginning, you are quite disturbed by Daniel's mother, who appears to be quite insane. You are desperate for him to be taken out of her care and find yourself wondering a little if she suffers from Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy. Clearly, she has some issues, if she is raising her son, never to leave his bedroom and keeping him in bed night and day, convincing him that he is ill.
Luckily he is discovered by a neighbour and sent to live with the local doctor providing him with a loving home, which allows him to become stronger and healthy. Wouldn't it be nice, if we could believe that now he would be happy for ever after? Unfortunately, his step uncle Severin offers to take him in and Daniels' life really takes a turn for the worse.
Daniel is a really strong character, who just goes from strength to strength as the book progresses, allowing him to face his fears head on by the climatic scenes at the end of the book.
I am unsure of when this book is set or in which country. I am presuming it was set in Victorian times, due to the mode of transport and other aspects discussed within the book, but I couldn't definitely be sure.
I loved the richness of the prose, leading me in a gloriously Gothic tale. The book feels immensely dark from cover to cover. You get a real sense of Daniel's fear at staying in his uncle's house. His Uncle Severin keeps you on your toes as he carousels between his Jekyll and Hyde persona's. I found myself never quite sure of his intentions until the very end.
I was pleased to be able to forgive Daniel's mother as the book progressed, because I realised her reasons for her actions and knew that in the same circumstances I would do the same. Very clever writing on behalf of the author to show such different perceptions for one character.
This book touches on some very dark practices that I was surprised to find in the book, but loved reading about. Thankfully Daniel reaches out into the darkness to bring light back into the book by the end.
If you are a long term Anne Fine fan, you will know that she is an eclectic writer, so do not expect anything that you have read before. This book takes you strolling down dark and mysterious lanes, before abandoning you in the dark. A must read for all Victorian Gothic fans.
Luckily he is discovered by a neighbour and sent to live with the local doctor providing him with a loving home, which allows him to become stronger and healthy. Wouldn't it be nice, if we could believe that now he would be happy for ever after? Unfortunately, his step uncle Severin offers to take him in and Daniels' life really takes a turn for the worse.
Daniel is a really strong character, who just goes from strength to strength as the book progresses, allowing him to face his fears head on by the climatic scenes at the end of the book.
I am unsure of when this book is set or in which country. I am presuming it was set in Victorian times, due to the mode of transport and other aspects discussed within the book, but I couldn't definitely be sure.
I loved the richness of the prose, leading me in a gloriously Gothic tale. The book feels immensely dark from cover to cover. You get a real sense of Daniel's fear at staying in his uncle's house. His Uncle Severin keeps you on your toes as he carousels between his Jekyll and Hyde persona's. I found myself never quite sure of his intentions until the very end.
I was pleased to be able to forgive Daniel's mother as the book progressed, because I realised her reasons for her actions and knew that in the same circumstances I would do the same. Very clever writing on behalf of the author to show such different perceptions for one character.
This book touches on some very dark practices that I was surprised to find in the book, but loved reading about. Thankfully Daniel reaches out into the darkness to bring light back into the book by the end.
If you are a long term Anne Fine fan, you will know that she is an eclectic writer, so do not expect anything that you have read before. This book takes you strolling down dark and mysterious lanes, before abandoning you in the dark. A must read for all Victorian Gothic fans.
October 26, 2019
A spiral has but one path to the centre, and like a whirlpool it may seem to suck you into its depths. A maze, however, gives you options, a chance to follow a different way should you so choose.
Anne Fine's Gothick novel, aimed at young adults but no less engaging for more senior readers, offers its protagonist Daniel similar chances to escape the spiralling path of his life, one which seems to have consigned him to the life of a recluse in a sick room, fated to a permanent limbo of existence.
Until a Doctor Marlow comes calling, and releases him into the world. But at what a cost, one that will mean pain and death for some, and pangs of misery for our Daniel: will he have been freed from one lion's den only to find himself in another?
Daniel has spent his childhood mostly in bed, with only his mother for company. He has books to read, and a dolls house to while away his leisure time; but unbeknown to him his mother Liliana has sequestered them both in Hawthorn Cottage, a secret cloister to hide them both from an evil that threatens them harm.
This malevolence, we will learn -- as Daniel does, eventually -- has resulted in the death of others in his family, and it is to save him from a similar fate that she has withdrawn them both from the world. But to no avail: the neighbourhood whispers about an invalid child, similar to those about Colin in The Secret Garden , lead the well-meaning Dr Marlow to bring Daniel to his family home and results in Liliana being tipped over the edge of reason.
To say much more would be to give away the twists and turns of the plot, but suffice to say it all turns on lace-making needles and the intricately-constructed dolls house with its contents. A child would recognise the fairytale themes of the wicked uncle and the clear reference to Jack and the Beanstalk. Adults however may spot, in the finely-wrought narrative designed to resemble a late Victorian or Edwardian fiction, other more closet literary resonances.
First of all, there is the influence of Henry James, particularly of his The Turn of the Screw , in the shadowy presences at High Gates and its setting in what one imagines to be the Sussex Downs. At the climax of the novel I detect echoes of Thornfield Hall from Jane Eyre and even the Bluebeard-like residence in Angela Carter's The Magic Toyshop , whose atmospheric plot and themes often paralleled those of The Devil Walks. Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea may hint at the origins of Uncle Jack's obsessions during his travels around the world, and Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness may have suggested the name of Marlow for the loving family of Daniel's benevolent rescuer.
The fact that Daniel is the narrator allows us to sense the frissons of fear that he feels, his vacillation between trust and suspicion, his gradual education in the ways of the world after so long an early isolation. Modelled on traditional melodrama this may be, but the author manages to eschew the emotional clichés and give us a window on the anxieties that beset growing minds.
Anne Fine's Gothick novel, aimed at young adults but no less engaging for more senior readers, offers its protagonist Daniel similar chances to escape the spiralling path of his life, one which seems to have consigned him to the life of a recluse in a sick room, fated to a permanent limbo of existence.
Until a Doctor Marlow comes calling, and releases him into the world. But at what a cost, one that will mean pain and death for some, and pangs of misery for our Daniel: will he have been freed from one lion's den only to find himself in another?
Daniel has spent his childhood mostly in bed, with only his mother for company. He has books to read, and a dolls house to while away his leisure time; but unbeknown to him his mother Liliana has sequestered them both in Hawthorn Cottage, a secret cloister to hide them both from an evil that threatens them harm.
This malevolence, we will learn -- as Daniel does, eventually -- has resulted in the death of others in his family, and it is to save him from a similar fate that she has withdrawn them both from the world. But to no avail: the neighbourhood whispers about an invalid child, similar to those about Colin in The Secret Garden , lead the well-meaning Dr Marlow to bring Daniel to his family home and results in Liliana being tipped over the edge of reason.
To say much more would be to give away the twists and turns of the plot, but suffice to say it all turns on lace-making needles and the intricately-constructed dolls house with its contents. A child would recognise the fairytale themes of the wicked uncle and the clear reference to Jack and the Beanstalk. Adults however may spot, in the finely-wrought narrative designed to resemble a late Victorian or Edwardian fiction, other more closet literary resonances.
First of all, there is the influence of Henry James, particularly of his The Turn of the Screw , in the shadowy presences at High Gates and its setting in what one imagines to be the Sussex Downs. At the climax of the novel I detect echoes of Thornfield Hall from Jane Eyre and even the Bluebeard-like residence in Angela Carter's The Magic Toyshop , whose atmospheric plot and themes often paralleled those of The Devil Walks. Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea may hint at the origins of Uncle Jack's obsessions during his travels around the world, and Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness may have suggested the name of Marlow for the loving family of Daniel's benevolent rescuer.
The fact that Daniel is the narrator allows us to sense the frissons of fear that he feels, his vacillation between trust and suspicion, his gradual education in the ways of the world after so long an early isolation. Modelled on traditional melodrama this may be, but the author manages to eschew the emotional clichés and give us a window on the anxieties that beset growing minds.
January 30, 2023
2.5 🌟 mouais bof
January 5, 2026
Ethel cain coded
April 1, 2013
I have read quite a few supernatural novels before but this book piqued my interest. Anne has written many books which are aimed at people of all ages. 'The Devil Walks' is rather aimed at people in their later adolescence and is full of mystery which readers can enjoy trying to unravel before the end. *Spoiler Alert*
This story tells of Daniel who is taken from his house and protective mother by a doctor and placed to live with his family. He enjoyed his time of living with his family but learns that his mother is mentally ill and wishes to see her. Unfortunately, by the time he was able to meet her in person, a large tragedy had occurred. Saddened by it, he was left with days mourning over how he was a bad son who could not comfort his mother during her worst times. The only memento he had of her was a doll-house which he had treasured and played with during his times before he was taken away. He learns that he had an uncle who requested him to be immediately sent back to his mother's childhood home. At first he resisted but after some persuasion from the doctor, he went, not knowing the dark mysteries and memories he would then unravel.
This book, has a very great backstory and has tragic scenes which soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a great story.
This story tells of Daniel who is taken from his house and protective mother by a doctor and placed to live with his family. He enjoyed his time of living with his family but learns that his mother is mentally ill and wishes to see her. Unfortunately, by the time he was able to meet her in person, a large tragedy had occurred. Saddened by it, he was left with days mourning over how he was a bad son who could not comfort his mother during her worst times. The only memento he had of her was a doll-house which he had treasured and played with during his times before he was taken away. He learns that he had an uncle who requested him to be immediately sent back to his mother's childhood home. At first he resisted but after some persuasion from the doctor, he went, not knowing the dark mysteries and memories he would then unravel.
This book, has a very great backstory and has tragic scenes which soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a great story.
January 9, 2016
J'ai trouvé que c'était un très bon roman, assez sombre pour de la littérature jeunesse, mais pour ceux que ça n'arrête pas, je pense que c'est une lecture idéale, très agréable.
J'ai été cependant gênée par quelques points "négatifs". Premièrement, on ne sait pas vraiment à quelle époque se déroule l'intrigue, et ça m'a beaucoup déroutée au début, car je m'attendais à une époque plus contemporaine.
Ensuite, j'ai trouvé que le récit était très "raconté", "dit", par rapport à la très connue règle du "Show, don't tell"... L'auteur explique beaucoup trop de choses, au lieu de les laisser se produire ou de laisser le lecteur imaginer à quoi pense Daniel, pourquoi il agit ainsi, etc...
Si j'ai beaucoup aimé le début de l'histoire, l'installation de l'ambiance, l'évolution des événements, j'ai un peu moins apprécié à partir du moment où Daniel arrive à High Gates, et je n'ai pas apprécié du tout la fin, que j'ai trouvé trop fantastique, trop poussive, trop facile... J'aurais aimé plus de profondeur dans l'histoire, finalement.
Mais il s'agit tout de même d'une très bonne lecture, qui aborde des sujets tragiques et des thèmes plutôt sombres, juste en restant peut-être un peu trop à la surface des choses.
J'ai été cependant gênée par quelques points "négatifs". Premièrement, on ne sait pas vraiment à quelle époque se déroule l'intrigue, et ça m'a beaucoup déroutée au début, car je m'attendais à une époque plus contemporaine.
Ensuite, j'ai trouvé que le récit était très "raconté", "dit", par rapport à la très connue règle du "Show, don't tell"... L'auteur explique beaucoup trop de choses, au lieu de les laisser se produire ou de laisser le lecteur imaginer à quoi pense Daniel, pourquoi il agit ainsi, etc...
Si j'ai beaucoup aimé le début de l'histoire, l'installation de l'ambiance, l'évolution des événements, j'ai un peu moins apprécié à partir du moment où Daniel arrive à High Gates, et je n'ai pas apprécié du tout la fin, que j'ai trouvé trop fantastique, trop poussive, trop facile... J'aurais aimé plus de profondeur dans l'histoire, finalement.
Mais il s'agit tout de même d'une très bonne lecture, qui aborde des sujets tragiques et des thèmes plutôt sombres, juste en restant peut-être un peu trop à la surface des choses.
February 2, 2013
Since getting my Kindle, I have read several books aimed at readers younger than myself. Last year, I lapped up 'The Hunger Games' trilogy and I'm not ashamed to say I loved David Walliams' 'Mr Stink'! Today I finished another book for youngsters.
'The Devil Walks' by Anne Fine is a gothic horror novel aimed at older children. The book starts by introducing us to Daniel, who is bed-bound and closely watched over by his mother. We soon learn there is nothing whatsoever wrong with the boy. But why does the mother want him to think there is?
The book takes some twists and turns and is never less than gripping. The story involves an incredibly spooky dolls house and takes a turn for the supernatural about three quarters of the way through. Far-fetched it may be, but it is a thrilling ride and one which youngsters will enjoy to the very end.
Anne Fine writes good descriptive prose but her dialogue here is unconvincing to me in parts. Daniel is only a boy but he speaks with the voice of a mature adult. It doesn't quite ring true. However, this doesn't really spoil the book. It's a fun scary ride, so suspend your disbelief and climb aboard!
'The Devil Walks' by Anne Fine is a gothic horror novel aimed at older children. The book starts by introducing us to Daniel, who is bed-bound and closely watched over by his mother. We soon learn there is nothing whatsoever wrong with the boy. But why does the mother want him to think there is?
The book takes some twists and turns and is never less than gripping. The story involves an incredibly spooky dolls house and takes a turn for the supernatural about three quarters of the way through. Far-fetched it may be, but it is a thrilling ride and one which youngsters will enjoy to the very end.
Anne Fine writes good descriptive prose but her dialogue here is unconvincing to me in parts. Daniel is only a boy but he speaks with the voice of a mature adult. It doesn't quite ring true. However, this doesn't really spoil the book. It's a fun scary ride, so suspend your disbelief and climb aboard!
March 9, 2021
I am about halfway through this book, and it's likable enough - the characters are well-drawn so far...but oof, I'm barely crawling through the pages! It's sadly dull? I am very surprised that people have found this to be a chilling page-turner...I do not. There were so many awesome plot points that were too quickly glossed over!
The mom's seeming Munchausen syndrome could have been illustrated to major creepy effect. As could have been a moment at the asylum that ended before it began. The discovery of the doll could have drawn sinister and creepy reactions/consequences, and the devil lore could have, I don't know, done something to move the plot...I kept feeling like we were on the brink of action, but continually nothing very interesting happens!
By the time he was heading off to meet his uncle, I just had to take a break. I want to be interested in this story so badly but so far it just isn't taking flight.
The mom's seeming Munchausen syndrome could have been illustrated to major creepy effect. As could have been a moment at the asylum that ended before it began. The discovery of the doll could have drawn sinister and creepy reactions/consequences, and the devil lore could have, I don't know, done something to move the plot...I kept feeling like we were on the brink of action, but continually nothing very interesting happens!
By the time he was heading off to meet his uncle, I just had to take a break. I want to be interested in this story so badly but so far it just isn't taking flight.
July 15, 2013
I hate to give one star ratings. I mean how much time and work must go into getting a book published? So for someone to flat out not like your work seems so harsh but this was just pure boredom!
It sounds like it should be a good spooky story with a lot of atmosphere. When the book arrived it had some pretty child friendly pictures in it, so I then realised that this was going to be a Y.A book. This was fine I now knew I wasn’t going to get scary but I was hoping for something a little dark and creepy.
I spent the whole book waiting for the story to kick in! The characters where so wet, that a mother telling her child to go to her room for misbehaving was shocking and a sign of evil spreading!
This might have made for a fun black and white movie some 60 years ago but to read it you have to drag your eyes along the pages!
May 30, 2015
Daniel has always believed he was a sickly child, kept inside and bedridden most of the time. When neighbours report this to the local doctor, he tricks Daniel's mother into letting him inside and he rescues Daniel from his room. His mother is admitted to the local asylum.
When his mum hangs herself, there is little for Daniel to inherit, other than a very large, exquisitely made doll's house – an exact replica scale model of the great house in which his mother grew up in.
But why did she hide him away? What does the doll's house have to do with it? And who is the strange Uncle Jack he has never heard of?
This is an eerie, chilling story, set in Victorian England. Great read.
When his mum hangs herself, there is little for Daniel to inherit, other than a very large, exquisitely made doll's house – an exact replica scale model of the great house in which his mother grew up in.
But why did she hide him away? What does the doll's house have to do with it? And who is the strange Uncle Jack he has never heard of?
This is an eerie, chilling story, set in Victorian England. Great read.
December 22, 2015
"J’avais entrevue ce roman dans un Cultura. Quelque temps après, j’ai craqué. La couverture m’intriguait, le résumé encore plus, il promettait un récit assez sombre. Je l’ai lu très vite et n’ai pas été déçue. Anne Fine à une belle plume, simple et fluides, les chapitre s’enchaînent sans qu’on s’en rende comptes."
Chronique complète : https://eyleenryden.wordpress.com/201...
Chronique complète : https://eyleenryden.wordpress.com/201...
December 2, 2025
j'ai essayé, j'ai même poussé jusqu'à avoir lu au moins la moitié, mais ça n'a pas pris...
Je ne m'attendais pas du tout au côté fantastique que prend l'histoire. Si la première partie à réussi à un peu m'intriguer (on veut savoir pour quelle raison la mère de Daniel l'a enfermé toute son enfance, et, quand le fantastique commence à apparaitre, j'avais un peu envie de découvrir vers quoi ça allait partir), mais la deuxième - bien que je n'en ai lu qu'une petite partie - n'est pas du tout parvenu à m'accrocher. Du coup, comme j'ai tendance à faire lorsque je ne suis pas sûr si un livre va me plaire, j'ai parcouru rapidement les deux derniers chapitres (cette technique a toujours marché avec moi : si je n'aime pas le dernier paragraphe, je n'aime pas l'entièreté du livre) et rien dedans ne m'a donné envie de continuer ; du coup je m'arrête là
Peut-être que la plume de l'autrice n'a pas aidé. Plusieurs reviews disent que l'écriture est fluide mais ce n'est pas vraiment ce que j'ai ressenti. Je ne dis pas que c'était une corvée à lire mais ça ne se faisait pas tout seul non plus. J'ai un autre de ses livres dans ma liste à lire, je verrais si ça venait juste de ce bouquin en particulier ou si c'est juste son style d'écriture auquel je n'accroche pas.
Je ne m'attendais pas du tout au côté fantastique que prend l'histoire. Si la première partie à réussi à un peu m'intriguer (on veut savoir pour quelle raison la mère de Daniel l'a enfermé toute son enfance, et, quand le fantastique commence à apparaitre, j'avais un peu envie de découvrir vers quoi ça allait partir), mais la deuxième - bien que je n'en ai lu qu'une petite partie - n'est pas du tout parvenu à m'accrocher. Du coup, comme j'ai tendance à faire lorsque je ne suis pas sûr si un livre va me plaire, j'ai parcouru rapidement les deux derniers chapitres (cette technique a toujours marché avec moi : si je n'aime pas le dernier paragraphe, je n'aime pas l'entièreté du livre) et rien dedans ne m'a donné envie de continuer ; du coup je m'arrête là
Peut-être que la plume de l'autrice n'a pas aidé. Plusieurs reviews disent que l'écriture est fluide mais ce n'est pas vraiment ce que j'ai ressenti. Je ne dis pas que c'était une corvée à lire mais ça ne se faisait pas tout seul non plus. J'ai un autre de ses livres dans ma liste à lire, je verrais si ça venait juste de ce bouquin en particulier ou si c'est juste son style d'écriture auquel je n'accroche pas.
September 4, 2018
In this creepy gothic story, we are introduced to Daniel Cunningham, who all his life has been kept shut away in a small room, bed bound & told he is sick, by his quiet, recluse of a mother, Liliana.
That all changes one day, when a Doctor & a few nosey townsfolk call on the Cunninghams. The Dr's shocking discovery that the 'invalid' child is in fact in perfect health, Daniel is sent to live with said Doctor & his family, whilst his mother is committed to an asylum, deemed insane.
Daniel wants answers, why did is mum tell him he was ill! Why did she keep him a secret from the outside world!
Everything about this story is what I particularly love in a book, the creepy gothic Victorian setting, with a supernatural feel, that is an easy read and keeps you turning the pages.
I loved the doll's house, and how it was an exact replica of Liliana's childhood home, with the exact same secret trapdoor installed, which she foresaw would save her son's life.
A classic good defeats evil, and how it's important to be brave, even when it's easier to run away. This story is a great read for both older children & adults alike.
That all changes one day, when a Doctor & a few nosey townsfolk call on the Cunninghams. The Dr's shocking discovery that the 'invalid' child is in fact in perfect health, Daniel is sent to live with said Doctor & his family, whilst his mother is committed to an asylum, deemed insane.
Daniel wants answers, why did is mum tell him he was ill! Why did she keep him a secret from the outside world!
Everything about this story is what I particularly love in a book, the creepy gothic Victorian setting, with a supernatural feel, that is an easy read and keeps you turning the pages.
I loved the doll's house, and how it was an exact replica of Liliana's childhood home, with the exact same secret trapdoor installed, which she foresaw would save her son's life.
A classic good defeats evil, and how it's important to be brave, even when it's easier to run away. This story is a great read for both older children & adults alike.
September 17, 2020
Depuis qu’il est jeune enfant, la mère de Daniel Cunningham l’a garde enfermé dans la maison puisqu’il était malade. Un jour, des voisins apprennent son existence et le libère de sa mère. Pris en charge par le Docteur Marlow et sa charmante famille, Daniel apprend que tout ce qu’il tenait pour vrai n’était que des mensonges. De son ancienne vie, Daniel n’a gardé qu’une maison de poupée qui est l’exacte réplique de la maison natale de sa mère. Cette maison a l’air inoffensif abrite de nombreux et sombres secrets.
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Ce livre est un petit bijou! J’ai aimé l’atmosphère que l’autrice a créé, les personnages tout aussi différents l’un de l’autre mais ayant un rôle important et l’histoire en général! Chaque événement avait sa raison d’être et tout s’est dénoué à merveille. Aucune question laissée en suspens pour créer de la frustration. C’était bon et original! Saupoudré d’un peu de surnaturel, ce livre est une lecture parfaite pour vous mettre dans l’ambiance de l’Halloween!
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Ce livre est un petit bijou! J’ai aimé l’atmosphère que l’autrice a créé, les personnages tout aussi différents l’un de l’autre mais ayant un rôle important et l’histoire en général! Chaque événement avait sa raison d’être et tout s’est dénoué à merveille. Aucune question laissée en suspens pour créer de la frustration. C’était bon et original! Saupoudré d’un peu de surnaturel, ce livre est une lecture parfaite pour vous mettre dans l’ambiance de l’Halloween!
March 5, 2022
I'm a bit annoyed that it's taken me so long to discover this author. I picked up this book in a library sale, started to read it, realized it was a children's book, and considered putting it aside. But by then I was already hooked.
This is very dark for a children's book. There are murders, and suicide, and black magic, and added to that some gorgeous prose and vocab to challenge keen young readers.
This is very dark for a children's book. There are murders, and suicide, and black magic, and added to that some gorgeous prose and vocab to challenge keen young readers.
November 12, 2023
An evil doll in a creepy dollhouse; what's not to like? This one was being discontinued from the school library where I work, so I picked it up. It's a solid read, and I liked that the style was reminiscent of Victorian Gothic novels. It's a YA read, so not especially scary, but worth a read. Will hold onto it until my son is old enough to enjoy it without getting any nightmares.
January 13, 2026
This is the first book I've read by Anne Fine and what a book it is. I found it in a local charity shop last week, and after reading it in two days I can say that The Devil Walks (Hardcover) is excellent. Short sharp chapters make you not want to stop reading it. Well written, and a tense and thrilling ending. I will be on the look out for more of Anne Fine's books. 10/10.
November 13, 2017
Listened to twice in a row. Such great narration from Bill Wallis - Credit!
Read
October 6, 2018Dans l'ensemble, bon roman jeunesse, rapide à lire avec une écriture plutôt fluide et agréable.
April 6, 2020
4.5 stars
November 30, 2020
Un livre exceptionnel
March 11, 2022
Most exciting Anne Fine book I've read--love the OTT Gothic feel!
Read
August 1, 2022DNF pg 80. Nothing happens. Not my type of book. Hadn’t realised it was a historical when purchased.
June 24, 2023
A brilliant spooky tale - Daphne DuMaurier themes and a very engrossing read!
July 21, 2024
Cerita anak-anak tapi seruuuu. I enjoy it almost like I enjoy Spiderwick.
September 20, 2020
J'aime beaucoup la structure du roman. Il y a une intrigue captivante.
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