What do you think?
Rate this book
The Binding
When Jack and his family arrive on the remote, blustery Scottish island of Morna, the whole summer holiday seems doomed... until they find the den. The three children who claim it are the only other children their age on the island – and soon Jack, Tressa and Milo are initiated into their secret society, the Binding, which charismatic Duncan presides over with elaborate rules, ceremonies and punishments.
Jack wants to belong. He doesn't want trouble. But as the summer goes on, he begins to understand more about the Binding. Jack's going to have to stand up to Duncan - whatever it costs him.
A tense, compulsive exploration of the effects of secrets, authority, boredom, and fear.
Jack wants to belong. He doesn't want trouble. But as the summer goes on, he begins to understand more about the Binding. Jack's going to have to stand up to Duncan - whatever it costs him.
A tense, compulsive exploration of the effects of secrets, authority, boredom, and fear.
215 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 5, 2015
When Jack’s neighbour Jean offers his family her cottage on Morna Island for the summer, they are keen for adventures, fun and freedom. But only days after they arrive, Jack, Tressa and Milo have met another group of children – Duncan, Hamish and Elspeth. Jack and his siblings have found a hut down on the beach, filled with stubby candles, a circle of chairs and a driftwood table. What happens there?
Duncan says they can join The Binding if they dare and Jack and his siblings are intrigued.
They soon learn that it is a sort of club with strict rules. They are not to tell anyone else about The Binding or anything connected with it, and if they do, any of the others can report them. Everything is very serious (with Duncan controlling everything).
Duncan is called the Lawmaker, Hamish – The Deputy, and Elspeth – The teller. She writes down everything that happens at the meetings.
Jack is given the name – The Joker (because of his endless corny jokes), Tressa – The teacher (because she is knowledgable), and Milo – The Page (has to open doors for Duncan and hold his large stick when required).
They take it all seriously, thinking it’s all quite harmless, until Jack is caught and reported...
This is an intriguing story about control and how one person can slowly gain it over others. But it's also about standing up for what you know is right.
Although it has a creepy (but original) theme, this story is great for 8+. There is no violence or swearing, and the characters are easy to identify with.
Duncan says they can join The Binding if they dare and Jack and his siblings are intrigued.
They soon learn that it is a sort of club with strict rules. They are not to tell anyone else about The Binding or anything connected with it, and if they do, any of the others can report them. Everything is very serious (with Duncan controlling everything).
Duncan is called the Lawmaker, Hamish – The Deputy, and Elspeth – The teller. She writes down everything that happens at the meetings.
Jack is given the name – The Joker (because of his endless corny jokes), Tressa – The teacher (because she is knowledgable), and Milo – The Page (has to open doors for Duncan and hold his large stick when required).
They take it all seriously, thinking it’s all quite harmless, until Jack is caught and reported...
This is an intriguing story about control and how one person can slowly gain it over others. But it's also about standing up for what you know is right.
Although it has a creepy (but original) theme, this story is great for 8+. There is no violence or swearing, and the characters are easy to identify with.
October 10, 2023
An interesting story about trusting the right people and making friends with what would of enemies but a bit childish because its about a kid's den.
October 5, 2016
Set on a remote Scottish island, this adventure story for young readers (Years 6+) doesn't quite work. The ingredients are all there: isolated location; stormy weather; creepy kid who leads a secret society. But it all seems to come to nothing really. It read like a 'dark' Famous Five adventure, with less fun, and no lemonade! I feel that the intended audience, who are used to much more exciting reading, will be rather bored by this and may not even finish it. And if they do, they'll probably shrug and say "so what?".
However, for a less sophisticated reader, it might be a perfect fit. There is no swearing, no violence, and nothing to give them nightmares!
It's disappointing, because Alexander obviously wanted to explore the dynamics of power within a group of children who are isolated and have nowhere else to go. It could have been so much better if there was some real tension created.
However, for a less sophisticated reader, it might be a perfect fit. There is no swearing, no violence, and nothing to give them nightmares!
It's disappointing, because Alexander obviously wanted to explore the dynamics of power within a group of children who are isolated and have nowhere else to go. It could have been so much better if there was some real tension created.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews