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De geheimzinnige sleutel
Cosmo woont bij zijn grootouders sinds zijn moeder is verhuisd en zijn broer is overleden. Opa is zijn beste vriend, maar hij begint opeens dingen te vergeten. Cosmo doet vanalles om hem te helpen, maar kan niet voorkomen dat zijn opa naar een verzorgingstehuis moet. Tot zijn verbazing geeft opa hem een oude sleutel van de poort van een groot, vervallen landhuis. Nadat Cosmo het roestige hek heeft geopend, staat hij oog in oog met een 16-jarige jongen die hem wel heel bekend voorkomt: zijn grootvader als jongeman.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
15 books119 followersSarah Moore Fitzgerald is a novelist and professor. She's part of the creative writing team that delivers UL’s MA in Creative Writing, founder of UL’s Creative Writing Winter School for mid-career writers and the author of seven novels including The Apple Tart of Hope, All the Money in the World and The Shark and The Scar. Her work has been adapted for the stage, translated into over 20 different languages and shortlisted for several awards (including the Waterstones children's book Prize, Children's Books Ireland book of the year and the Irish Book Awards). She's a recent winner of the London Magazine's Prize for short fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 7, 2013
This book is not my usual type, no obvious romance, teen drama, supernatural beings... It was however very refreshing and extremely moving. It follows the story of Cosmo and his struggle with dealing with his brothers accidental death and Grandfathers Alzheimer's, told in first person by the boy himself. Whether you know someone with Alzheimer's or not, this book will grab you. At first I thought, Sarah has an amazing insight that makes for an interesting read. As it turns out, her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which makes this story feel that much more real. When we know someone with an illness, we do everything we can to make their life easier, from "googling" to going to the ends of the earth to find a cure... In this case, traveling back in time to BlackBrick. It is a read that will make any reader know what it's like to have a family member go through the same experience.
There are moments in the book that nearly tore me apart, but that is what pulls you in. The book does start slow but mid way through, it is kicked up a notch and you see a whole other side to the story. We learn that sometimes you wish you could turn back time, change the past to have a better future, but that's all it is.. a wish. We do our best to help those we love, but in the end its just our memories and relationships that count.
There are moments in the book that nearly tore me apart, but that is what pulls you in. The book does start slow but mid way through, it is kicked up a notch and you see a whole other side to the story. We learn that sometimes you wish you could turn back time, change the past to have a better future, but that's all it is.. a wish. We do our best to help those we love, but in the end its just our memories and relationships that count.
February 10, 2016
Wauw wat vond ik dit een bijzonder boek! Niet alleen het tijdreisaspect was leuk, maar alles zat heel goed in elkaar, de hoofdpersoon en andere karakters waren interessant én de manier waarop Alzheimer besproken wordt is heel mooi gedaan.
July 3, 2019
Videh ovu knjigu (sa lepšim koricama) na Vulkanovom sajtu u odeljku sa knjigama na engleskom, i pošto su me te lepše korice asocirale na Bellweather Rhapsody, odlučila sam da ovome dam šansu.
Preletela sam preko sinopsisa (mnogo glupo s moje strane) i odlučila da odmah počnem s čitanjem (još jedna glupa odluka).
Čim sam pročitala prvu stranu, shvatila sam da je ovo za čitaoce znatno mlađeg uzrasta. Vratim se ovde i vidim YA. Pomislim, a šta sad, nije ni prva ni poslednja YA knjiga koju ću pročitati, šta ima veze. Nastavim ja dalje, kad shvatim da je sve toliko bolno pojednostavljeno. Previše je i ovo za YA. I posle shvatim da je ovo zapravo "middle grade", tačnije za mlađe maloletnike. Ali pošto ima motive Alchajmerove bolesti i usputno prelaženje preko silovanja, strpano je brže-bolje u YA kategoriju. Tako da ne znam za koga je ova knjiga jer je svojim sadržajem za stariju publiku, a stilom za mlađu.
Takođe je radnja bila vrlo spora i pored fantastičnog elementa. Glavni lik Kozmo (šta je sa nebuloznim imenima u YA knjigama??) ima 16 godina, a ponaša se kao razmaženo derle od recimo navršenih 8.
Sve u svemu, ovo je bilo razočaravajuće u svakom pogledu i naučite na mojoj grešci, čitajte kojim sve žanrovima knjige pripadaju u onoj listi žanrova sa strane na profilu knjige.
Preletela sam preko sinopsisa (mnogo glupo s moje strane) i odlučila da odmah počnem s čitanjem (još jedna glupa odluka).
Čim sam pročitala prvu stranu, shvatila sam da je ovo za čitaoce znatno mlađeg uzrasta. Vratim se ovde i vidim YA. Pomislim, a šta sad, nije ni prva ni poslednja YA knjiga koju ću pročitati, šta ima veze. Nastavim ja dalje, kad shvatim da je sve toliko bolno pojednostavljeno. Previše je i ovo za YA. I posle shvatim da je ovo zapravo "middle grade", tačnije za mlađe maloletnike. Ali pošto ima motive Alchajmerove bolesti i usputno prelaženje preko silovanja, strpano je brže-bolje u YA kategoriju. Tako da ne znam za koga je ova knjiga jer je svojim sadržajem za stariju publiku, a stilom za mlađu.
Takođe je radnja bila vrlo spora i pored fantastičnog elementa. Glavni lik Kozmo (šta je sa nebuloznim imenima u YA knjigama??) ima 16 godina, a ponaša se kao razmaženo derle od recimo navršenih 8.
Sve u svemu, ovo je bilo razočaravajuće u svakom pogledu i naučite na mojoj grešci, čitajte kojim sve žanrovima knjige pripadaju u onoj listi žanrova sa strane na profilu knjige.
February 6, 2013
Back to Blackbrick is a magnificently clever book that was both heart warming and heart breaking in the same breath.
Alzheimer’s disease is something that affects an awful lot of people and is difficult for the people around them to deal with and Blackbrick handles this with a sensitive touch and a twist of fantasy.
Cosmo, the narrator of the story, hasn’t had the easiest of starts in life – his brother died when he was ten and his mother has vanished to another country to ‘work’, leaving him to live with his grandparents. The development of his Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s is the final straw and Cosmo refuses to accept it. At first he does what any young teenager would do when faced with a problem he doesn’t know how to fix – he asks the internet and believes every word he reads.
It is touchingly funny as Cosmo does his best to follow the instructions on a ‘Memory Cure’ website and you can’t help but chuckle at the outcomes of his endeavours (such as sticking post-it notes to everything so his Grandad won’t forget what they are called).
Then the book takes an almost fantastical turn as Cosmo follows a bizarre instruction from his Grandfather – to take an old key and visit Blackbrick Abbey, via the South Gates.
I loved the magic of this story, the relationship between Cosmo and his young Grandfather in Blackbrick was brilliantly funny as Cosmo struggled to try and shape the future without letting on everything he knew and making himself look like a lunatic.
Sensitively handling everything from Alzheimer’s through to death and childbirth, Back to Blackbrick manages to balance comedy and tragedy perfectly and had me crying and laughing in equal measure.
The only problem I had with this book was that for the first few chapters I managed to convince myself that Cosmo was a girl. I’m not sure what triggered this but I was really confused when I realised I was wrong and it threw me for a few pages. By half way through though I had completely forgotten my previous confusion and it didn’t detract from the story at all.
Alzheimer’s disease is something that affects an awful lot of people and is difficult for the people around them to deal with and Blackbrick handles this with a sensitive touch and a twist of fantasy.
Cosmo, the narrator of the story, hasn’t had the easiest of starts in life – his brother died when he was ten and his mother has vanished to another country to ‘work’, leaving him to live with his grandparents. The development of his Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s is the final straw and Cosmo refuses to accept it. At first he does what any young teenager would do when faced with a problem he doesn’t know how to fix – he asks the internet and believes every word he reads.
It is touchingly funny as Cosmo does his best to follow the instructions on a ‘Memory Cure’ website and you can’t help but chuckle at the outcomes of his endeavours (such as sticking post-it notes to everything so his Grandad won’t forget what they are called).
Then the book takes an almost fantastical turn as Cosmo follows a bizarre instruction from his Grandfather – to take an old key and visit Blackbrick Abbey, via the South Gates.
I loved the magic of this story, the relationship between Cosmo and his young Grandfather in Blackbrick was brilliantly funny as Cosmo struggled to try and shape the future without letting on everything he knew and making himself look like a lunatic.
Sensitively handling everything from Alzheimer’s through to death and childbirth, Back to Blackbrick manages to balance comedy and tragedy perfectly and had me crying and laughing in equal measure.
The only problem I had with this book was that for the first few chapters I managed to convince myself that Cosmo was a girl. I’m not sure what triggered this but I was really confused when I realised I was wrong and it threw me for a few pages. By half way through though I had completely forgotten my previous confusion and it didn’t detract from the story at all.
August 19, 2016
Dit boek is heel goed geschreven, het laat zien wat Alzheimer doet met een mens. En de de rest van de familie. Cosmo gelooft in zijn opa en probeert alles op te lossen maar dat lukt niet. Als zijn opa een goeie moment krijg geeft hij een sleutel. Dan ziet hij zijns opa, als een jonge man. Dit boek gaat over loslaten, maakt niet uit hoe treurig het als je vooruit wil komen moet je ook dingen loslaten. Echt een aanrader.
August 1, 2013
The time travel is rather sketchy and the demise of Cosmo's brother doesn't quite make sense (how would Cosmo know what Brian was thinking just before he fell?) but Cosmo is endearing and his relationship with his grandfather in whatever decade is lovely.
March 25, 2013
This book is an okay read. I felt it just lacked depth. The premise is great. The characters weren't well connected. Maybe it was a lack of description? I just didn't connect with it.
August 14, 2022
This was an amazing read. I loved the dynamic between Cosmos and his grandad Kevin. It was a beautiful story and well written.
April 24, 2019
To call this a fantasy is not to describe it accurately. It has fantasy elements, but at it’s heart, this is a book about a boy trying to save the mind of his grandfather as he starts to lose it to Alzheimer’s. And it’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.
It’s a testament to Moore Fitzgerald’s skill that she can pull off that balance. I defy anyone not to be tickled by Cosmo’s attempts to follow some bogus website’s instructions on how to keep his grandfather’s mind healthy, and not be secretly weeping at the same time.
The time travel thing ought to have stuck out like a sore thumb too, in the midst of all that very relatable, very real family tragedy. Somehow, though, it didn’t. And Cosmo’s mission to gain facts about his grandfather’s childhood so he can pass a test in the future becomes a Back to the Future style quest to save his own existence. Again, this could be completely comical, but though it did have its moments of intentional funniness, more often than not you’re struck by the desperate sadness of Cosmo’s situation. You really feel for him as a character all the way through.
I must admit, I did have the ending figured out a while before the narrative got there. But that’s probably just me. I read a LOT of books about time travel. My favourite films are Twelve Monkeys and The Terminator. My favourite Harry Potter is the third one. I’m something of a Time Travel fan girl. And it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book anyway.
A beautiful book about the fragility of life, the senselessness of death and illness, but also about friendship, the hope for the future, and not letting the tragedies of the past define you. It’s sensitive, yet unflinching in its portrayal of a family affected by a horrible disease, the child’s viewpoint both a buffer at times, but also cutting right to the heart of the problems and hurt. It reminded me very much of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and I hope Sarah Moore Fitzgerald enjoys as much commercial and critical success.
In my opinion, she very much deserves it for this gem.
It’s a testament to Moore Fitzgerald’s skill that she can pull off that balance. I defy anyone not to be tickled by Cosmo’s attempts to follow some bogus website’s instructions on how to keep his grandfather’s mind healthy, and not be secretly weeping at the same time.
The time travel thing ought to have stuck out like a sore thumb too, in the midst of all that very relatable, very real family tragedy. Somehow, though, it didn’t. And Cosmo’s mission to gain facts about his grandfather’s childhood so he can pass a test in the future becomes a Back to the Future style quest to save his own existence. Again, this could be completely comical, but though it did have its moments of intentional funniness, more often than not you’re struck by the desperate sadness of Cosmo’s situation. You really feel for him as a character all the way through.
I must admit, I did have the ending figured out a while before the narrative got there. But that’s probably just me. I read a LOT of books about time travel. My favourite films are Twelve Monkeys and The Terminator. My favourite Harry Potter is the third one. I’m something of a Time Travel fan girl. And it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book anyway.
A beautiful book about the fragility of life, the senselessness of death and illness, but also about friendship, the hope for the future, and not letting the tragedies of the past define you. It’s sensitive, yet unflinching in its portrayal of a family affected by a horrible disease, the child’s viewpoint both a buffer at times, but also cutting right to the heart of the problems and hurt. It reminded me very much of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and I hope Sarah Moore Fitzgerald enjoys as much commercial and critical success.
In my opinion, she very much deserves it for this gem.
May 29, 2017
2.5 stars
First of all, I don't hate this book. I just think that it isn't for me. Despite all the lovely quotes I found in this book-they are brilliant, wise and thoughtful- I couldn't ignore that nagging feeling inside of my head when I was reading this book.
Back to Blackbrick has quite a promising premise. The story base is good but the way the author builds the storyline doesn't quite reach me. It lacks of depth. As if the whole book is a string of events connected to one another lousily. Most of the time, I feel like a person wandering around blindly in the dark, trying to find a doorknob but couldn't find it. The characters weren't that well connected and it's rare for me to sigh out of frustration while reading a book but I sighed for more than 3 times for this one.
I like how I can connect to Cosmo about his granddad. My late grandma suffered from Alzheimer too and the last few years of her life was a struggle for all of us including her. It wasn't really great to see your beloved one fading away in front of your eyes; to know that you're fading away in their mind too and there is nothing you could do. And sometimes you wonder if they even remember you in their heart. It feels like that most of the times with her. She was the one who raised me up along with my parents and it breaks me apart seeing her like that. I don't think I've ever recovered from it, and looking back, I can still feel the pains stirring in me. And that's one of the things I could relate to this book.
Again, I don't hate this book. I went back and forth several times-when I was reading-between 3 to 2 stars but alas, I guess, I settled with 2.5 stars.
First of all, I don't hate this book. I just think that it isn't for me. Despite all the lovely quotes I found in this book-they are brilliant, wise and thoughtful- I couldn't ignore that nagging feeling inside of my head when I was reading this book.
Back to Blackbrick has quite a promising premise. The story base is good but the way the author builds the storyline doesn't quite reach me. It lacks of depth. As if the whole book is a string of events connected to one another lousily. Most of the time, I feel like a person wandering around blindly in the dark, trying to find a doorknob but couldn't find it. The characters weren't that well connected and it's rare for me to sigh out of frustration while reading a book but I sighed for more than 3 times for this one.
I like how I can connect to Cosmo about his granddad. My late grandma suffered from Alzheimer too and the last few years of her life was a struggle for all of us including her. It wasn't really great to see your beloved one fading away in front of your eyes; to know that you're fading away in their mind too and there is nothing you could do. And sometimes you wonder if they even remember you in their heart. It feels like that most of the times with her. She was the one who raised me up along with my parents and it breaks me apart seeing her like that. I don't think I've ever recovered from it, and looking back, I can still feel the pains stirring in me. And that's one of the things I could relate to this book.
Again, I don't hate this book. I went back and forth several times-when I was reading-between 3 to 2 stars but alas, I guess, I settled with 2.5 stars.
July 2, 2022
A middle-grade time travel book featuring young teen Cosmo who lives with his grandparents and is afraid that his granddad is going to be institutionalized for dementia.
Granddad gives him a key to the Blackbrick estate and begs him to go there. When he does, he is transported to the days of Granddad Kevin’s youth and works with him on the estate for a few weeks. In this time, he is able to find out a lot about Kevin’s background & when he returns to the present, tells Kevin about it so he can answer the social worker’s questions and not be committed.
Poignant passage when 16-year-old Kevin meets Cosmo and doesn’t know him.
Pg. 47
[Cosmo:] “'You really don’t have a clue who I am, do you?'
[Kevin:] And just as quietly he said, 'No sir, I don’t.'
It didn’t make a difference which stupid time zone I was in. Granddad Kevin didn’t know me in either of them. You don’t have to be recognized by every single person you’ve ever met. Wanting that would be egotistical. But there are one or two people in your life who should always know who you are. You’ll probably never know how important that is unless one of those people starts to forget you."
Granddad gives him a key to the Blackbrick estate and begs him to go there. When he does, he is transported to the days of Granddad Kevin’s youth and works with him on the estate for a few weeks. In this time, he is able to find out a lot about Kevin’s background & when he returns to the present, tells Kevin about it so he can answer the social worker’s questions and not be committed.
Poignant passage when 16-year-old Kevin meets Cosmo and doesn’t know him.
Pg. 47
[Cosmo:] “'You really don’t have a clue who I am, do you?'
[Kevin:] And just as quietly he said, 'No sir, I don’t.'
It didn’t make a difference which stupid time zone I was in. Granddad Kevin didn’t know me in either of them. You don’t have to be recognized by every single person you’ve ever met. Wanting that would be egotistical. But there are one or two people in your life who should always know who you are. You’ll probably never know how important that is unless one of those people starts to forget you."
August 28, 2021
I don't know about the others, but I absolutely enjoyed the few hours I spent reading this book. I picked up this book with zero expectations, and was pleased that I found it very interesting. I love how strong the bond between Cosmo and Granddad Kevin. They were basically soulmates, and their scenes together kept touching my heart. I also appreciate the author's attempt at portraying how horrible it was like to live as a servant/slave back in the old days, even though it was superficial and nothing in-depth. The premise of Back to Blackbrick was intriguing, and I'm surprised to find out how unpopular this book is. I'd love to see more readers read this book and share their thoughts on it.
May 5, 2024
Eigenlijk 3,5. Leuke setting om een onderwerp als Alzheimer onder de aandacht te brengen.
March 21, 2023
4.75 stars!! So sad but so good. Definitely my favourite out of the two books by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald I’ve read.
November 30, 2024
Uma narrativa tão gostosa de ler que li em um dia!
November 23, 2020
Deceptively lovely story that becomes more layered as it develops. Very enjoyable.
July 18, 2022
11 year-old James’ review:
Well, it was good, but time travel always stresses me out.
Well, it was good, but time travel always stresses me out.
December 15, 2013
Cosmo is pretty sure this isn’t how his life is supposed to be. His mom has moved to Australia for a job and he hasn’t gotten over the death of his brother. He also refuses to believe that his massively brilliant Granddad is losing his memory, so he begins to take action using the advice from the Memory Cure website. But even though it helps sometimes, he can’t seem to get Granddad to remember that Cosmo’s brother Brian is dead. Things go from bad to worse when Granddad takes a fall and a social worker arrives to assess his ability to live at home. Cosmo is desperate to help and that’s when his grandfather gives him a small silver key. Although he’s completely skeptical, Cosmo keeps his promise to use the key to unlock the South Gate that leads to Blackbrick Abbey. And that’s when Cosmo realizes he’s traveled into his grandfather’s past. Not only that, he come face to face with his 16 year old Granddad! Maybe now he can fix everything in the past to make the future better. After all, Cosmo is a time traveler, no wait, he’s a massively brilliant Time Legend!
This story, part historical fiction and part science fiction, addresses the importance of memory, past, present, and future. The book begins in modern day Ireland, but soon readers are transported back to the early 1940’s. Cosmo’s grandfather was a stable boy at a once grand estate and he’s deeply in love with the gorgeous Maggie, a girl from a nearby village. Unfortunately, the lord of the manor also takes an interest in the 16 year old girl. Fitzgerald deftly addresses Maggie’s “condition” and the identity of the baby’s father as Cosmo and Kevin come to terms with this heartbreaking situation. Fitzgerald creates believable dialogue and motivations for the characters of the past, which contrasts with Cosmo’s 21st century sensibilities. Written in first person from Cosmo’s point of view, the story is equal parts action and reflection as Cosmo comes to terms with his grandfather’s failing memory. Ultimately, this is the story of his struggle to deal with his emotions about his grandfather’s memory, his mother’s absence, and his brother’s death. These are big issues, but Cosmo, sensitive and funny, keeps the book from becoming depressing. He admits he makes mistakes, but he’s always looking for a way to make things better and that proactive attitude keeps the story compelling and uplifting. In addition, the time travel element of the plot will keep readers wondering what happens to the characters (or if they will even exist in the future/present/whatever).
Full review at Chapter Book Explorer: http://chapterbookexplorer.blogspot.c...
This story, part historical fiction and part science fiction, addresses the importance of memory, past, present, and future. The book begins in modern day Ireland, but soon readers are transported back to the early 1940’s. Cosmo’s grandfather was a stable boy at a once grand estate and he’s deeply in love with the gorgeous Maggie, a girl from a nearby village. Unfortunately, the lord of the manor also takes an interest in the 16 year old girl. Fitzgerald deftly addresses Maggie’s “condition” and the identity of the baby’s father as Cosmo and Kevin come to terms with this heartbreaking situation. Fitzgerald creates believable dialogue and motivations for the characters of the past, which contrasts with Cosmo’s 21st century sensibilities. Written in first person from Cosmo’s point of view, the story is equal parts action and reflection as Cosmo comes to terms with his grandfather’s failing memory. Ultimately, this is the story of his struggle to deal with his emotions about his grandfather’s memory, his mother’s absence, and his brother’s death. These are big issues, but Cosmo, sensitive and funny, keeps the book from becoming depressing. He admits he makes mistakes, but he’s always looking for a way to make things better and that proactive attitude keeps the story compelling and uplifting. In addition, the time travel element of the plot will keep readers wondering what happens to the characters (or if they will even exist in the future/present/whatever).
Full review at Chapter Book Explorer: http://chapterbookexplorer.blogspot.c...
February 9, 2013
Review is at my blog too: http://booksandwritersjnr.wordpress.c...
“Just because you can’t see someone anymore doesn’t mean that they’re not a part of you…”
Cosmo is a boy in a complicated family- his brother, Brian, died at the age of ten, his mother has moved to Sydney for ‘business’, and now Cosmo lives with his Granny Deedee and Granddad Kevin. But Granddad seems to be losing his memory, and although Cosmo denies it, he knows he has Alzheimer’s Disease and there isn’t much time left before his Grandfather is moved to a special home.
When Cosmo says his goodbyes to his Granddad before moving to his Uncle’s home, his Grandfather gives him a key- a key to a strange place called BlackBrick Abbey. Out of curiosity, brave young Cosmo takes the key and heads to the Abbey- but as he steps through the gates, he finds himself transported to his Granddad’s teenage past. He’ll discover hidden, dark secrets and lies, and some very special- and also evil- people…
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! The book pulled me in straight from the beginning, and kept me reading; I ended up ploughing through this in about a day. The main plot of the Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s made this book a really emotional roller-coaster; and I got a real insight to a family torn apart by its effects. The authors’ father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as it says in the Authors Note, and that made the story all too real, and devastating.
As well as the emotional side, there is also an imaginative, fantastical twist which I really wasn’t expecting. Cosmo stepped through some kind of portal to about seventy years ago, and played a huge part in the teenage lives of his grandmother, grandfather, and his grandfathers’ first love. The story was really well told, with a serious time-paradox-twist but it wasn’t too confusing thanks to the fantastic, consistent narration! The ending… well… lets just say it brought a tear to my eye. Or two.
My only problem with the book is that it was, even at 230 pages, too short for me (although that was probably because I became really emotionally attached to these characters, and didn’t want to let them go)! Overall, I think this is one of the most stunning debuts I have read so far, from an author to keep an eye on. I’m sure we’ll hear some more great titles coming from Fitzgerald!
“Just because you can’t see someone anymore doesn’t mean that they’re not a part of you…”
Cosmo is a boy in a complicated family- his brother, Brian, died at the age of ten, his mother has moved to Sydney for ‘business’, and now Cosmo lives with his Granny Deedee and Granddad Kevin. But Granddad seems to be losing his memory, and although Cosmo denies it, he knows he has Alzheimer’s Disease and there isn’t much time left before his Grandfather is moved to a special home.
When Cosmo says his goodbyes to his Granddad before moving to his Uncle’s home, his Grandfather gives him a key- a key to a strange place called BlackBrick Abbey. Out of curiosity, brave young Cosmo takes the key and heads to the Abbey- but as he steps through the gates, he finds himself transported to his Granddad’s teenage past. He’ll discover hidden, dark secrets and lies, and some very special- and also evil- people…
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! The book pulled me in straight from the beginning, and kept me reading; I ended up ploughing through this in about a day. The main plot of the Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s made this book a really emotional roller-coaster; and I got a real insight to a family torn apart by its effects. The authors’ father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as it says in the Authors Note, and that made the story all too real, and devastating.
As well as the emotional side, there is also an imaginative, fantastical twist which I really wasn’t expecting. Cosmo stepped through some kind of portal to about seventy years ago, and played a huge part in the teenage lives of his grandmother, grandfather, and his grandfathers’ first love. The story was really well told, with a serious time-paradox-twist but it wasn’t too confusing thanks to the fantastic, consistent narration! The ending… well… lets just say it brought a tear to my eye. Or two.
My only problem with the book is that it was, even at 230 pages, too short for me (although that was probably because I became really emotionally attached to these characters, and didn’t want to let them go)! Overall, I think this is one of the most stunning debuts I have read so far, from an author to keep an eye on. I’m sure we’ll hear some more great titles coming from Fitzgerald!
March 24, 2016
Check out my book blog for book reviews and more: http://thebookstop.biz
I'm always enthusiastic to read books by Irish authors. Back To Blackbrick is the debut novel from Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, so I quite happy to read it. I read this a few weeks ago, and I decided to read this over The Fault In Our Stars, because I felt like so like reading something different, and Back To Blackbrick seemed like a different kind of story, and it was. It just wasn't my kind of book.
"Just because you can't see someone anymore doesn't mean they're not part if you..."
I wanted to enjoy this book, I really did. But I feel that Back To Blackbrick would appeal more to younger readers. I'll start off with the writing style. Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, I have no doubts that you're a talented writer, but I felt the style of writing in Back To Blackbrick was bit boring. I felt like I was reading an essay, rather than a novel. It was smooth, but it was written more like a textbook if you know what I mean.
The storyline had potential, but I didn't know where the story was going. And I sorta felt like the main character gave up halfway through the book. I was waiting for a main story line to appear, but I never quite found it. That's when I started questioning the novel. But it definitely had potential, it was disappointing.
"The ghosts in your life don't ever really go away. Every so often thy will whisper to you, and they will brush past you and maybe you will even feel their misty sweet breath on your skin. It's fine. Don't worry about it too much."
The characters were greatly developed. I could picture the characters clearly in my mind, and relate to their personalities. I connected with the main character, but he was soooo BORING. I honestly don't think an eleven-year-old boy would think that blandly. But the characters are very relatable, so I was happy with that.
Overall, Back To Blackbrick was not my kind of read. My rating is low probably because the book didn't suit my age group. I think younger readers, maybe aged ten to twelve, would enjoy this book a lot more. I will however be looking into Sarah Moore Fitzgerald's future works.
I'm always enthusiastic to read books by Irish authors. Back To Blackbrick is the debut novel from Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, so I quite happy to read it. I read this a few weeks ago, and I decided to read this over The Fault In Our Stars, because I felt like so like reading something different, and Back To Blackbrick seemed like a different kind of story, and it was. It just wasn't my kind of book.
"Just because you can't see someone anymore doesn't mean they're not part if you..."
I wanted to enjoy this book, I really did. But I feel that Back To Blackbrick would appeal more to younger readers. I'll start off with the writing style. Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, I have no doubts that you're a talented writer, but I felt the style of writing in Back To Blackbrick was bit boring. I felt like I was reading an essay, rather than a novel. It was smooth, but it was written more like a textbook if you know what I mean.
The storyline had potential, but I didn't know where the story was going. And I sorta felt like the main character gave up halfway through the book. I was waiting for a main story line to appear, but I never quite found it. That's when I started questioning the novel. But it definitely had potential, it was disappointing.
"The ghosts in your life don't ever really go away. Every so often thy will whisper to you, and they will brush past you and maybe you will even feel their misty sweet breath on your skin. It's fine. Don't worry about it too much."
The characters were greatly developed. I could picture the characters clearly in my mind, and relate to their personalities. I connected with the main character, but he was soooo BORING. I honestly don't think an eleven-year-old boy would think that blandly. But the characters are very relatable, so I was happy with that.
Overall, Back To Blackbrick was not my kind of read. My rating is low probably because the book didn't suit my age group. I think younger readers, maybe aged ten to twelve, would enjoy this book a lot more. I will however be looking into Sarah Moore Fitzgerald's future works.
December 1, 2022
Inleiding
Cosmo's broer Brian stierf toen hij tien jaar oud was. Zijn moeder verbergt haar verdriet door alle uren te werken die zij kan en Cosmo woont bij zijn grootouders. Het zijn zorgeloze dagen is geweest als opa een paard voor hem koopt, John genaamd, en hem alles leert wat hij weet over paarden. Maar aan de goede tijden komt een einde en hoewel hij niet zal geloven, weet Cosmo dat zijn opa zijn verstand aan het verliezen is. Dus in een van de meest voorkomende gevallen die opa hem lijkt te herkennen, is Cosmo verbijsterd dat hij hem een sleutel van Blackbrick Abbey geeft en hem aanspoort daarheen te gaan. Cosmo haalt zijn schouders op, maar trekt geleidelijk Blackbrick hem naar binnen ... Cosmo arriveert daar, bang en eenzaam, en wordt afgezet bij de afbrokkelende poorten van een enorm huis. Als hij naar binnen gaat, gaan de poorten dicht en als hij zich omdraait om te kijken, zijn ze roestig en met een hangslot als ze in jaren niet zijn geopend. Cosmo komt als jonge man oog in oog te staan met zijn grootvader en er beginnen zich vragen in zijn hoofd te vormen: kan Cosmo de koers van de toekomst van zijn gezin veranderen?
Midden
Positief:
-De hoofdpersonage (& andere personages) werden heel interessant bedacht.
-Het was erg verfrissend & buitengewoon ontroerend.
-Je vindt hierin heel mooie citaten.
Negatief:
-De manier waarop de auteur het verhaal heeft opgebouwd was voor mij in het begin een beetje verwarrend.
-Af en toe was het verhaal heel verdrietig & kwetsend, waardoor je misschien de pijn van vroegere gebeurtenissen in je leven kan voelen opkomen.
Slot
Om te beginnen zijn er momenten in het boek die me bijna uit elkaar scheurden, maar dat is wat je naar binnen trekt. Het boek begint traag, maar halverwege wordt het een tandje hoger en zie je dus een hele andere kant van het verhaal. We leren dat je soms zou willen dat je de tijd terug kon draaien, het verleden kon veranderen om een betere toekomst te hebben, maar dat is alles wat het is... Een wens. Verder doen we ons best om degenen van wie we houden te helpen, maar uiteindelijk zijn het alleen onze herinneringen en relaties die tellen
Cosmo's broer Brian stierf toen hij tien jaar oud was. Zijn moeder verbergt haar verdriet door alle uren te werken die zij kan en Cosmo woont bij zijn grootouders. Het zijn zorgeloze dagen is geweest als opa een paard voor hem koopt, John genaamd, en hem alles leert wat hij weet over paarden. Maar aan de goede tijden komt een einde en hoewel hij niet zal geloven, weet Cosmo dat zijn opa zijn verstand aan het verliezen is. Dus in een van de meest voorkomende gevallen die opa hem lijkt te herkennen, is Cosmo verbijsterd dat hij hem een sleutel van Blackbrick Abbey geeft en hem aanspoort daarheen te gaan. Cosmo haalt zijn schouders op, maar trekt geleidelijk Blackbrick hem naar binnen ... Cosmo arriveert daar, bang en eenzaam, en wordt afgezet bij de afbrokkelende poorten van een enorm huis. Als hij naar binnen gaat, gaan de poorten dicht en als hij zich omdraait om te kijken, zijn ze roestig en met een hangslot als ze in jaren niet zijn geopend. Cosmo komt als jonge man oog in oog te staan met zijn grootvader en er beginnen zich vragen in zijn hoofd te vormen: kan Cosmo de koers van de toekomst van zijn gezin veranderen?
Midden
Positief:
-De hoofdpersonage (& andere personages) werden heel interessant bedacht.
-Het was erg verfrissend & buitengewoon ontroerend.
-Je vindt hierin heel mooie citaten.
Negatief:
-De manier waarop de auteur het verhaal heeft opgebouwd was voor mij in het begin een beetje verwarrend.
-Af en toe was het verhaal heel verdrietig & kwetsend, waardoor je misschien de pijn van vroegere gebeurtenissen in je leven kan voelen opkomen.
Slot
Om te beginnen zijn er momenten in het boek die me bijna uit elkaar scheurden, maar dat is wat je naar binnen trekt. Het boek begint traag, maar halverwege wordt het een tandje hoger en zie je dus een hele andere kant van het verhaal. We leren dat je soms zou willen dat je de tijd terug kon draaien, het verleden kon veranderen om een betere toekomst te hebben, maar dat is alles wat het is... Een wens. Verder doen we ons best om degenen van wie we houden te helpen, maar uiteindelijk zijn het alleen onze herinneringen en relaties die tellen
September 6, 2015
Oggi parliamo di un libro che si legge in pochissimo tempo. "Ritorno a BlackBrick" scritto da Sarah Moore Fitzgerald. Una storia introspettiva, semplice e sentita, che parla di qualcosa di molto importante il "morbo di Alzheimer", in chiave giovanile. La malattia vista da un bambino, che dopo tanti problemi si ritrova a combattere anche con questa nuova disavventura.
Una parte di noi molte volte non vuole accettare ciò che capita alle persone a cui vogliamo bene, una parte di noi quella più nascosta si raccomanda che andrà tutto bene anche se molte volte non è così. Molte volte, la distruzione di qualcosa di caro ci squarcia, ci dilania e ci rende degli esseri inutili. E non possiamo far altro che guardare inermi la dipartita.
Il protagonista della storia è Cosmo, un ragazzino che vive con i nonni perché la mamma è andata via dopo la morte del fratello. Il nonno sfortunatamente sta perdendo la memoria e lui cerca in tutti i modi di recuperare ciò che lentamente si sta sgretolando, le sue giornate insieme all'uomo che riteneva invincibile, le sue passioni, il suo affetto. Dopo la morte del fratello tutto è andato sciogliendosi e la dura rinascita di Cosmo è sempre più lontana ma un giorno il nonno, in un momento di lucidità, gli dona una chiave che apre uno strano cancello e da lì tutto cambia...
Questo romanzo non è lungo ma di 200 pagine, si legge facilmente e ha una profonda metafora da racchiudere nel cuore. La scrittura è semplice, non articolata e la storia si svolge elegantemente senza intoppi. I protagonisti sono spiegati uniformemente senza troppi fronzoli, precisi, poco carismatici ma decisi. Si intrecciano, si ritrovano e si accavallano fin dal primo momento.
Una storia limpida che porta con sé un bagaglio fondamentale di nozioni. Un futuro che si vuole cancellare ma che non può essere occultato, né cambiato. Il destino è scritto nel vento, nessun piccolo granello di sabbia può modificare l'aria. Nessuno può riportare indietro ciò che si è perso.
Una parte di noi molte volte non vuole accettare ciò che capita alle persone a cui vogliamo bene, una parte di noi quella più nascosta si raccomanda che andrà tutto bene anche se molte volte non è così. Molte volte, la distruzione di qualcosa di caro ci squarcia, ci dilania e ci rende degli esseri inutili. E non possiamo far altro che guardare inermi la dipartita.
Il protagonista della storia è Cosmo, un ragazzino che vive con i nonni perché la mamma è andata via dopo la morte del fratello. Il nonno sfortunatamente sta perdendo la memoria e lui cerca in tutti i modi di recuperare ciò che lentamente si sta sgretolando, le sue giornate insieme all'uomo che riteneva invincibile, le sue passioni, il suo affetto. Dopo la morte del fratello tutto è andato sciogliendosi e la dura rinascita di Cosmo è sempre più lontana ma un giorno il nonno, in un momento di lucidità, gli dona una chiave che apre uno strano cancello e da lì tutto cambia...
Questo romanzo non è lungo ma di 200 pagine, si legge facilmente e ha una profonda metafora da racchiudere nel cuore. La scrittura è semplice, non articolata e la storia si svolge elegantemente senza intoppi. I protagonisti sono spiegati uniformemente senza troppi fronzoli, precisi, poco carismatici ma decisi. Si intrecciano, si ritrovano e si accavallano fin dal primo momento.
Una storia limpida che porta con sé un bagaglio fondamentale di nozioni. Un futuro che si vuole cancellare ma che non può essere occultato, né cambiato. Il destino è scritto nel vento, nessun piccolo granello di sabbia può modificare l'aria. Nessuno può riportare indietro ciò che si è perso.
April 3, 2013
Daisy (11) for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Cosmo loves his Grandad, really honestly, but the only problem is that in his old age he’s gone slightly, how do you put it? well, crazy. So crazy in fact, that he regularly gets into long conversations with a lamp post. The only other problem is that other people have started to realise and ask embarrassing and hard to answer questions. Since Cosmo’s brother Brian died, his world has been slowly crumbling around him and because his mum couldn’t stand not having Brian around she went off to Sydney because there were apparently ‘better business opportunities’ leaving Cosmo to live with his granny and grandad where he enjoyed himself entirely…that was until his granddad started going crazy and losing his memory.
Life’s not so fun when your grandad stops remembering who you are. Cosmo and his gran started getting worried about him when he did a wee in the dishwasher. So they called a care home and they said they will do a memory test tomorrow to see if he can stay at home or will have to got into a care home. Cosmo tries to get his grandad to remember stuff but to no avail.
One day his grandad gives him the key to the south gates of Blackbrick Abbey where he used to work. While unlocking the gate, Cosmo unlocks his Grandad’s forgotten past…
Verdict: Amazing. Nothing else said.
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Cosmo loves his Grandad, really honestly, but the only problem is that in his old age he’s gone slightly, how do you put it? well, crazy. So crazy in fact, that he regularly gets into long conversations with a lamp post. The only other problem is that other people have started to realise and ask embarrassing and hard to answer questions. Since Cosmo’s brother Brian died, his world has been slowly crumbling around him and because his mum couldn’t stand not having Brian around she went off to Sydney because there were apparently ‘better business opportunities’ leaving Cosmo to live with his granny and grandad where he enjoyed himself entirely…that was until his granddad started going crazy and losing his memory.
Life’s not so fun when your grandad stops remembering who you are. Cosmo and his gran started getting worried about him when he did a wee in the dishwasher. So they called a care home and they said they will do a memory test tomorrow to see if he can stay at home or will have to got into a care home. Cosmo tries to get his grandad to remember stuff but to no avail.
One day his grandad gives him the key to the south gates of Blackbrick Abbey where he used to work. While unlocking the gate, Cosmo unlocks his Grandad’s forgotten past…
Verdict: Amazing. Nothing else said.
May 10, 2020
Spoilers
This is easily one of the most depressing books I've ever read. 10-14 is the suggested age? No. This is definitely a book about a child that is very much written for adults.
Not only is there a ton of language for a children's book, the entire plot revolves around a teen girl who is raped/sexually assaulted and then impregnated by her rapist. There is also a scene where two boys watch the girl breastfeed and discover what "boobs" are for.
Not to mention two of the main characters recently lost siblings, one to a freak accident, the other to suicide. The main character has been abandoned by his mother.
The attitude given towards Alzheimer's is horrendous. The idea that there is nothing that can be done to slow Alzheimer's is ridiculous and Cosmo is ridiculed for believing something can be done to help his grandfather.
Granddad is still pining for his first love, even around his wife. There's really no resolution to does he love Deedee? It's written off as his first love died and Deedee was just there. And let's not even discuss Cosmo's creepy fascination with his grandfather's old flame.
The descriptions are horrible. At one point Cosmo describes how he was feeling as being shot in the face. If that's not disturbing, I don't know what is.
Oh, and the great life lesson? Life sucks and there's really nothing you can do to change it.
This is easily one of the most depressing books I've ever read. 10-14 is the suggested age? No. This is definitely a book about a child that is very much written for adults.
Not only is there a ton of language for a children's book, the entire plot revolves around a teen girl who is raped/sexually assaulted and then impregnated by her rapist. There is also a scene where two boys watch the girl breastfeed and discover what "boobs" are for.
Not to mention two of the main characters recently lost siblings, one to a freak accident, the other to suicide. The main character has been abandoned by his mother.
The attitude given towards Alzheimer's is horrendous. The idea that there is nothing that can be done to slow Alzheimer's is ridiculous and Cosmo is ridiculed for believing something can be done to help his grandfather.
Granddad is still pining for his first love, even around his wife. There's really no resolution to does he love Deedee? It's written off as his first love died and Deedee was just there. And let's not even discuss Cosmo's creepy fascination with his grandfather's old flame.
The descriptions are horrible. At one point Cosmo describes how he was feeling as being shot in the face. If that's not disturbing, I don't know what is.
Oh, and the great life lesson? Life sucks and there's really nothing you can do to change it.
February 21, 2016
Cosmo is grieving for his 10 yr old brother who died falling from a window. He’s grieving for his mum who upped and left for Sydney for her work, and he’s grieving for his beloved Grandad who taught him everything he knows about horses, but sometimes can’t even remember Cosmo’s name. Alzheimers is slowing taking Grandad, day by day.
Social workers come to assess Grandad and tell Cosmo that Grandad would get better care in a home and that he has one more week with them. In a rare lucid moment, Grandad gives Cosmo a key. ‘Go to Blackbrick Abbey,’ he tells him. ‘Go through the South Gates and lock them behind you.’
At first Cosmo thinks that it’s more of Grandad’s ravings, but soon he decides to take a look at Black Brick Abbey for himself. After a long taxi ride, he approaches the Abby’s imposing gates…..
Inside the gates he meets a boy called Kevin. Kevin Lawless – his grandad’s name.
A step back in time takes Cosmo to his Grandad’s time, where he meets him as a young teen and other important people in Grandad’s early life. The time Cosmo spends back many years before his parents were even born helps him deal with and understand the troubles he is dealing with back in the present. Great story without a typical ending.
Social workers come to assess Grandad and tell Cosmo that Grandad would get better care in a home and that he has one more week with them. In a rare lucid moment, Grandad gives Cosmo a key. ‘Go to Blackbrick Abbey,’ he tells him. ‘Go through the South Gates and lock them behind you.’
At first Cosmo thinks that it’s more of Grandad’s ravings, but soon he decides to take a look at Black Brick Abbey for himself. After a long taxi ride, he approaches the Abby’s imposing gates…..
Inside the gates he meets a boy called Kevin. Kevin Lawless – his grandad’s name.
A step back in time takes Cosmo to his Grandad’s time, where he meets him as a young teen and other important people in Grandad’s early life. The time Cosmo spends back many years before his parents were even born helps him deal with and understand the troubles he is dealing with back in the present. Great story without a typical ending.
January 12, 2017
I enjoyed how this story played with narrative and memory as two sides of a coin. Exploring loss in general via dementia and a very down-to-earth time travel story was a fascinating patchwork of writing ideas. The themes and issues were nicely displaced and then emphasized by having most of the story within the fantasy time frame. It didn't feel like an 'issues' book, but it clearly worked with current realistic fiction issues. If the plot threads were predictable, it was still fun to watch Fitzgerald unfold them in clean understated writing. Some of the transitions and pieces of plot didn't fit as nicely as others, but it was still good reading.
March 23, 2013
This was a well written emotional book about never losing people you love even if they are no longer with you.It covers a subject close to many people's hearts through the eyes and words of a young boy and his grandfather.
September 14, 2013
This book is not one of my usual reads but as soon as I started reading it I couldn't stop! It was such an interesting story. Would definitely recommend this book to people who want a change from romance or horror.
March 25, 2016
Enjoyable book, made me want to find out more about the characters. It made the point that bad things happen to everyone, but life does go forward. Life can be enjoyable. I liked the special bond between the main character and his grandpa.
November 20, 2012
Wonderful debut children's novel with lots of sensitive insight into Alzheimers. Review to follow soon.
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