What do you think?
Rate this book
Magrit
Magrit lives in an abandoned cemetery with her friend and advisor, Master Puppet, whom she built from bones and bits of graveyard junk. One night as Magrit and Master Puppet sit atop of their crumbling chapel, a passing stork drops a baby into the graveyard. Defying Master Puppet’s demands that the baby be disposed of, and taking no heed of his dire warnings, Magrit decides to raise the baby herself. She gives him a name: Bugrat. Magrit loves Bugrat like a brother But Master Puppet know all too well what will happen when Bugrat grows up – that the truth about them all will be revealed.
http://classroom.walkerbooks.com.au/h...
http://classroom.walkerbooks.com.au/h...
160 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
8 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Lee Battersby
34 books68 followersLee Battersby is the multiple-award winning author of the novels 'The Corpse-Rat King' and 'Marching Dead' (Angry Robot, 2012, 2013) as well as the children's novel 'Magrit' (Walker Books, 2016) and over 70 short stories, many of which are collected in 'Through Soft Air' (Prime Books 2006). He has appeared in markets as diverse as Year's Best Fantasy & Horror Volume 20; Year's Best Australian F&SF; Year's Best Australian Fantasy & Horror vol. 3; and Dr Who: Destination Prague.
His work has been praised for its consistent attention to voice and narrative muscle, and has resulted in a number of awards including the Aurealis, Australian Shadows and Australian SF ‘Ditmar' gongs. He was the 6th Australian, and 1st Western Australian, winner in the international 'Writers of the Future' competition in 2001.
Lee lives in Rockingham, Western Australia, with his wife, writer Lyn Battersby and an increasingly weird mob of kids. He is sadly obsessed with Lego, Nottingham Forest football club, dinosaurs and Daleks.
You can read more about him at his blog The Battersblog, and he will often wave back if you throw pebbles at his window.
His work has been praised for its consistent attention to voice and narrative muscle, and has resulted in a number of awards including the Aurealis, Australian Shadows and Australian SF ‘Ditmar' gongs. He was the 6th Australian, and 1st Western Australian, winner in the international 'Writers of the Future' competition in 2001.
Lee lives in Rockingham, Western Australia, with his wife, writer Lyn Battersby and an increasingly weird mob of kids. He is sadly obsessed with Lego, Nottingham Forest football club, dinosaurs and Daleks.
You can read more about him at his blog The Battersblog, and he will often wave back if you throw pebbles at his window.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 30, 2016
I received a copy of Magrit to review from Walker Books Australia. This is a junior book but I thought it sounded interesting.
Magrit has been living in the cemetery for years with only Master Puppet for company when the mysterious bundle falls into her world. Then, things start changing. Especially her friendship with Master Puppet.
I thought I had the story figured out early in the book but then some things started to confuse me a little. But it turned out I did have the right idea. The reader learns the truth along with Magrit.
Magrit is presented beautifully. It has cute illustrations through the book. It’s a weird and sad story but I found myself liking it. The book has a little over 150 pages so it didn’t take long to read.
It’s a little creepy but not too creepy for young readers. It’s something different and I think if I’d read this when I was a child I’d have loved it.
Magrit has been living in the cemetery for years with only Master Puppet for company when the mysterious bundle falls into her world. Then, things start changing. Especially her friendship with Master Puppet.
I thought I had the story figured out early in the book but then some things started to confuse me a little. But it turned out I did have the right idea. The reader learns the truth along with Magrit.
Magrit is presented beautifully. It has cute illustrations through the book. It’s a weird and sad story but I found myself liking it. The book has a little over 150 pages so it didn’t take long to read.
It’s a little creepy but not too creepy for young readers. It’s something different and I think if I’d read this when I was a child I’d have loved it.
October 18, 2016
A beautiful story about a lonely little girl named Magrit. Magrit lives in a Graveyard with her only friend, Master Puppet, fashioned from bones and junk.
One day, a stork drops a baby into the Graveyard. Magrit loves him instantly, names him Bugrat, and devotes her days to teaching him and taking care of him. But the day will come when Bugrat must leave - and then the truth about Magrit will be revealed.
A wonderful, beautiful, sad story perfect for this time of year. Reminiscent of Sebastian Gregory, Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman. Suitable for younger readers. The illustrations are beautiful, the cover is beautiful - this is just a gorgeous book.
One day, a stork drops a baby into the Graveyard. Magrit loves him instantly, names him Bugrat, and devotes her days to teaching him and taking care of him. But the day will come when Bugrat must leave - and then the truth about Magrit will be revealed.
A wonderful, beautiful, sad story perfect for this time of year. Reminiscent of Sebastian Gregory, Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman. Suitable for younger readers. The illustrations are beautiful, the cover is beautiful - this is just a gorgeous book.
March 31, 2016
Ten Second Synopsis:
Magrit has had the run of the forgotten graveyard between apartment blocks for as long as she can remember, kept company by the rats and Master Puppet, her skeleton friend. When a baby appears in the graveyard, secrets may be uncovered that will change the way Magrit sees the world, and herself.
If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, and have wished that there existed a book very like it, but suited to a younger audience, Lee Battersby has fulfilled that wish in Magrit. The book is set in a beautifully atmospheric cemetery, wherein the inhabitants lie forgotten and a self-contained, private sanctuary has been chiseled out of the silence. Magrit is an easy character to follow along with; a carefree nearly-ten year old, whose imagination is fed to bursting by her mouldering home and her questions answered by the all-seeing Master Puppet. Master Puppet is a great, original character, I must say – a skeleton patched together from various discarded bones and lashed to the cross atop the cemetery’s chapel, dispensing wisdom and criticism in a voice that is practically audible while you read. The plot is easy to follow for young readers, and while adult readers (and indeed, canny youngsters) may pick up on which way the wind is blowing reasonably early in the story, the ending is unexpected and satisfactorily ambiguous.
If you have not read Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, then this criticism will pass you by and not affect your reading of Magrit at all. If this is the case for you, I am truly happy that you have yet to discover the magic of both of these wonderful books. The only problem I had with this story is that it felt far too much like The Graveyard Book. So much so, in fact, that I felt like Bod and Magrit could have easily lived in Bod’s graveyard at the same time, with Magrit’s corner cordoned off in some way so that the two never got around to meeting. The reason this was a problem is that because I read The Graveyard Book years ago on its original release (our dust-jacketed, hardbacked edition has pride of place on our shelf, with only slight paper-specklage after eight years), and have since re-read it multiple times, Bod, Silas and the gang have taken up residence in my brain as the superior graveyard-dwelling crew. Again though, if you haven’t read The Graveyard Book, you should find Magrit and Master Puppet entirely original and thoroughly unique.
I would also have loved to have seen a bit of the quirky, bizarre humour that Battersby inserts into his adult fiction works make its way into Magrit’s story.
Overall, this is definitely a book that you won’t regret purchasing and displaying in a prominent place on your shelf to amaze your friends and confuse and dismay your enemies.
Magrit has had the run of the forgotten graveyard between apartment blocks for as long as she can remember, kept company by the rats and Master Puppet, her skeleton friend. When a baby appears in the graveyard, secrets may be uncovered that will change the way Magrit sees the world, and herself.
If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, and have wished that there existed a book very like it, but suited to a younger audience, Lee Battersby has fulfilled that wish in Magrit. The book is set in a beautifully atmospheric cemetery, wherein the inhabitants lie forgotten and a self-contained, private sanctuary has been chiseled out of the silence. Magrit is an easy character to follow along with; a carefree nearly-ten year old, whose imagination is fed to bursting by her mouldering home and her questions answered by the all-seeing Master Puppet. Master Puppet is a great, original character, I must say – a skeleton patched together from various discarded bones and lashed to the cross atop the cemetery’s chapel, dispensing wisdom and criticism in a voice that is practically audible while you read. The plot is easy to follow for young readers, and while adult readers (and indeed, canny youngsters) may pick up on which way the wind is blowing reasonably early in the story, the ending is unexpected and satisfactorily ambiguous.
If you have not read Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, then this criticism will pass you by and not affect your reading of Magrit at all. If this is the case for you, I am truly happy that you have yet to discover the magic of both of these wonderful books. The only problem I had with this story is that it felt far too much like The Graveyard Book. So much so, in fact, that I felt like Bod and Magrit could have easily lived in Bod’s graveyard at the same time, with Magrit’s corner cordoned off in some way so that the two never got around to meeting. The reason this was a problem is that because I read The Graveyard Book years ago on its original release (our dust-jacketed, hardbacked edition has pride of place on our shelf, with only slight paper-specklage after eight years), and have since re-read it multiple times, Bod, Silas and the gang have taken up residence in my brain as the superior graveyard-dwelling crew. Again though, if you haven’t read The Graveyard Book, you should find Magrit and Master Puppet entirely original and thoroughly unique.
I would also have loved to have seen a bit of the quirky, bizarre humour that Battersby inserts into his adult fiction works make its way into Magrit’s story.
Overall, this is definitely a book that you won’t regret purchasing and displaying in a prominent place on your shelf to amaze your friends and confuse and dismay your enemies.
June 14, 2016
Magrit is one of those books that I came to unexpectedly and loved instantly.
Magrit is nearly ten and lives in a graveyard, her only friend is Master Puppet, a skeleton she built from bones and rubbish. One day ‘the terrible thing’ as Master Puppet calls it, arrives. It’s a baby and Magrit wants to keep it – Master Puppet wants her to kill it, saying it will be the end of everything.
I loved the story and how it was told. There is a fairy-tale feel when reading this book, Master Puppet, how Magrit chooses the baby’s name and the horror of the chapel.
Master Puppet says ‘the terrible thing’ is the end of Magrit’s world – you’ll have read the book to find out if he’s right.
Magrit is nearly ten and lives in a graveyard, her only friend is Master Puppet, a skeleton she built from bones and rubbish. One day ‘the terrible thing’ as Master Puppet calls it, arrives. It’s a baby and Magrit wants to keep it – Master Puppet wants her to kill it, saying it will be the end of everything.
I loved the story and how it was told. There is a fairy-tale feel when reading this book, Master Puppet, how Magrit chooses the baby’s name and the horror of the chapel.
Master Puppet says ‘the terrible thing’ is the end of Magrit’s world – you’ll have read the book to find out if he’s right.
December 13, 2016
What the heck did i just read??
January 3, 2018
I've eschewed crime, whodunits, mysteries, sci-fi, dystopian, fantasy for years now – not because I have anything against them, but more from worry that I'd get hooked, when I'm already hooked on so much. But when two writers, usually plying their trade in those areas, veered a little into my territory, I gave them a go.
I'd read a review of Michael Robotham's 'The Secrets She Keeps' citing this was a break from his normal output, that being related to the solving of crime. He was lauded as one of the best in that genre going around. With this offering I thought I'd be safely spreading my horizons without being reeled in. I'm not so sure, after it, that that's the case. Am I entering dangerous territory?
Now, although the book eventually makes it into crime territory, we know who's going to commit it almost from the commencement. This is not a blow by blow account of coppers, or similar sleuthing heroes, getting to the bottom of it and making the perpetrator pay. No, they are largely in the background until the back end of the story, ramping up as the conclusion nears.
Instead Robotham gives us a close examination of two pregnant ladies whose paths cross – one is wracked with guilt, one is wracked by envy. It doesn't take long to figure out who is also a tad whacky. And its reasonably clear, early on, where all this will lead us. What's not so discernible is if there will be a solving or happy ever afters for either of the duo – particularly as, it could be argued, there is no true guilty party.
As the two women career towards the inevitable and then go their separate ways, the dastardly deed being successfully pulled off, we are reminded of another unsolved real life British mystery of the same ilk – then perhaps, as well, the excellent first season of 'The Missing' (am hoping there will be a series 3).
There are no real surprises with the narrative, but it was, nevertheless, a page turner as Meg and Agatha, in alternating chapters, played out their tale as the British press feasted on it. I enjoyed 'The Secrets She Keeps' very much – but what happens now when Robotham reverts to the usual and presents a new release?
As with the above author, Lee Battersby, a Western Australian wordsmith noted for his sci-fi and fantasy, turns away from his normal fare. He centres this delightful effort in a cemetery which almost becomes a character in its own right. This is a strange and compelling short read – and quite moving. Whole lives are being led within the inner-city confines of the burial ground – but not lives as we know them. The eponymous, ten year old Magrite has found this out. She's not quite sure what she is, but with her fantastical friend, Master Puppet, she scavenges out an existence of sorts. Then a low-flying avian drops a bundle on an overhanging roof and marked changes occur to how she sees the world.
This is a beautifully wrought tale, its exquisite presentation assisted by the contributions of artist Amy Daoud. It's a mini-gem of a marvel, aimed at children, but it certainly had this old codger spellbound. 'Magrite' is a title that will linger in the synapses.
I'd read a review of Michael Robotham's 'The Secrets She Keeps' citing this was a break from his normal output, that being related to the solving of crime. He was lauded as one of the best in that genre going around. With this offering I thought I'd be safely spreading my horizons without being reeled in. I'm not so sure, after it, that that's the case. Am I entering dangerous territory?
Now, although the book eventually makes it into crime territory, we know who's going to commit it almost from the commencement. This is not a blow by blow account of coppers, or similar sleuthing heroes, getting to the bottom of it and making the perpetrator pay. No, they are largely in the background until the back end of the story, ramping up as the conclusion nears.
Instead Robotham gives us a close examination of two pregnant ladies whose paths cross – one is wracked with guilt, one is wracked by envy. It doesn't take long to figure out who is also a tad whacky. And its reasonably clear, early on, where all this will lead us. What's not so discernible is if there will be a solving or happy ever afters for either of the duo – particularly as, it could be argued, there is no true guilty party.
As the two women career towards the inevitable and then go their separate ways, the dastardly deed being successfully pulled off, we are reminded of another unsolved real life British mystery of the same ilk – then perhaps, as well, the excellent first season of 'The Missing' (am hoping there will be a series 3).
There are no real surprises with the narrative, but it was, nevertheless, a page turner as Meg and Agatha, in alternating chapters, played out their tale as the British press feasted on it. I enjoyed 'The Secrets She Keeps' very much – but what happens now when Robotham reverts to the usual and presents a new release?
As with the above author, Lee Battersby, a Western Australian wordsmith noted for his sci-fi and fantasy, turns away from his normal fare. He centres this delightful effort in a cemetery which almost becomes a character in its own right. This is a strange and compelling short read – and quite moving. Whole lives are being led within the inner-city confines of the burial ground – but not lives as we know them. The eponymous, ten year old Magrite has found this out. She's not quite sure what she is, but with her fantastical friend, Master Puppet, she scavenges out an existence of sorts. Then a low-flying avian drops a bundle on an overhanging roof and marked changes occur to how she sees the world.
This is a beautifully wrought tale, its exquisite presentation assisted by the contributions of artist Amy Daoud. It's a mini-gem of a marvel, aimed at children, but it certainly had this old codger spellbound. 'Magrite' is a title that will linger in the synapses.
September 17, 2017
Macabre and fantastical, just creepy enough but with hope and love to shine through. It's a fable of sorts, and a dream. I can imagine this enchanting younger readers, for whom it's obviously written. Recommended.
February 4, 2018
We received a copy of Magrit to review from Walker Books Australia! Thank you very much for sending it our way!
We have to admit we haven’t had the chance to read many Children’s Middle-Grade books for quite a while! However, Magrit by Lee Battersby really spoke to us as it’s such a beautiful novel.
The novel really helped open our eyes to the people and situations around us. As the main character, Magrit slowly opens up about her emptiness and loneliness, the graveyard which she calls home slowly expands, allowing herself to capture her own thoughts and discover the clues to the mystery of which we call life.
Small, lovely illustrations throughout the novel really helped capture the books ideal audience and portray the world in which the characters situate.
Although we were a little confused at the very beginning of the novel, this was easily explained as the novel continued. As we were introduced to Magrit she was slowly opening up and being introduced to herself at the same time. This was special in the way that it was portrayed as the author allowed us to understand the character and the truths of which she was trying to unravel.
This was such a gorgeous novel which explored grief, loneliness, honesty, friendship, and adventure. This novel really captured our hearts and we are quite positive it would capture yours as well! This is the perfect story for all younger readers.
Book Rating: 3/5⭐️
We have to admit we haven’t had the chance to read many Children’s Middle-Grade books for quite a while! However, Magrit by Lee Battersby really spoke to us as it’s such a beautiful novel.
The novel really helped open our eyes to the people and situations around us. As the main character, Magrit slowly opens up about her emptiness and loneliness, the graveyard which she calls home slowly expands, allowing herself to capture her own thoughts and discover the clues to the mystery of which we call life.
Small, lovely illustrations throughout the novel really helped capture the books ideal audience and portray the world in which the characters situate.
Although we were a little confused at the very beginning of the novel, this was easily explained as the novel continued. As we were introduced to Magrit she was slowly opening up and being introduced to herself at the same time. This was special in the way that it was portrayed as the author allowed us to understand the character and the truths of which she was trying to unravel.
This was such a gorgeous novel which explored grief, loneliness, honesty, friendship, and adventure. This novel really captured our hearts and we are quite positive it would capture yours as well! This is the perfect story for all younger readers.
Book Rating: 3/5⭐️
March 26, 2016
Magrit lives in an abandoned cemetery, surrounded by tenement buildings. When a stork flies by and drops a crying bundle into the cemetery, her only friend Master Puppet (who she made herself out of bones and sticks and rags), tells her to leave it alone. But she can't and as soon as she picks it up knows what it is. And she also knows, if she doesn't quieten it, one of the surrounding tenement windows will open and discover her hiding place.
A quick read, but one that holds you until you discover the truth about Magrit, along with her. Her world is the cemetery and as you read, the walls of the buildings and chapel surround you as you join her world. A little creepy, but not too much for young readers, who will enjoy the ending.
Something different.
A quick read, but one that holds you until you discover the truth about Magrit, along with her. Her world is the cemetery and as you read, the walls of the buildings and chapel surround you as you join her world. A little creepy, but not too much for young readers, who will enjoy the ending.
Something different.
January 7, 2016
A fable of sorts. Just scary enough.
August 21, 2020
A lot of similarities to The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, but for a younger audience. It is still its own book and a great story at that.
February 9, 2017
4.5 stars
I loved this beautiful, strange, surprisingly poignant little book. Magrit and Bugrat were wonderful characters and I enjoyed the creepy atmosphere the author created. Things took a heavier turn towards the end and, I admit, I shed a few tears! Maybe I was being a bit dim but I genuinely didn't expect the twist in the story until I was a good way through it.
I would say that the comparisons to Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton are accurate, and would recommend this to fans of more macabre fantasy. A delight for all ages.
I loved this beautiful, strange, surprisingly poignant little book. Magrit and Bugrat were wonderful characters and I enjoyed the creepy atmosphere the author created. Things took a heavier turn towards the end and, I admit, I shed a few tears! Maybe I was being a bit dim but I genuinely didn't expect the twist in the story until I was a good way through it.
I would say that the comparisons to Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton are accurate, and would recommend this to fans of more macabre fantasy. A delight for all ages.
February 17, 2020
I'm not sure I got this story. There's some bits that feels like it's leading somewhere, and I kept waiting for that, except it didn't materialize.
September 7, 2018
Rhythmic prose. Refreshing to read a layered, intelligent children’s novel.
October 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book and the sense of self it explored.
June 26, 2016
I read this book because all the kids in my Year 5 class have read it and they were raving about it. I read it pretty quickly and found it a marvellous read! It was a little spooky and deep but it is the type of book the 10 year old me would have absolutely loved. Reading it as an adult was interesting and I found I was analysing it quite a bit, even coming to the conclusion that Magritte was schizophrenic which made me think that maybe it was a bit too much for children. But as it turns out, that is not the case. I loved the illustrations and highlighted bits of text. A great children's book with a difference.
May 19, 2016
I loved this book so much that I read it twice in a row, because I needed more time to absorb it's wonder. It's almost as if Lee Battersby peered into my mind and wrote my perfect book. My only concern was that this book seems so specifically aimed at me that other people might not like it as much. It warms my heart to see all the positive reviews here. It reads like a fable and a dream and is absolutely beautiful.
January 8, 2016
My review for this book will appear in Books+Publishing, but I can say here HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. It's a superbly written, just-dark-enough, thought-provoking and shivery story, beautifully packaged. You won't regret getting your hands on it, for yourself or the younger reader in your life, when it is released in March.
September 27, 2017
This was kind of pointless. It was very short, and nothing much happened. The twist at the end was not even a real twist, it was obvious from page one. I honestly thought the twist was going to be that was not true after all. Even for a kids book. On the positives: there were some passages here and there that I liked, oh, and the cover is gorgeous.
November 6, 2015
I can't wait for people to read this! It's got a bit of Neil Gaiman to it but it's very different at the same time. I loved Master Puppet for some reason but even though as an adult I guessed the ending, I don't think the intended audience will.
February 28, 2016
Another local author, another stunning piece of work. This book is the author's first childrens/YA book and is a beauty. Moving and powerful, funny and sad. If I had read or been read this as a child it would have stayed with me forever
August 23, 2016
A beautifully-woven and poignant story. Quite heavy subject matter for junior fiction but an interesting way to approach death and life beyond. This is very cleverly written and enchanting. It is also visually appealing, or at least my copy is. Well worth the read.
4 stars
4 stars
August 8, 2016
Lovely, poignant, original story, fresh voice and terrific writing.
August 6, 2017
The second book I can describe as both 'creepy' and 'lovely'. Magrit, an almost-10 year old girl lives in an abandoned cemetery with Master Puppet who she created out of bones she found. As forgotten as the cemetery and its residents, Magrit lives a fairly happy existence. Everything changes when a passing stork drops a baby into the cemetery. Against Master Puppet's advice, Magrit rescues the baby and names him Bugrat. But as Bugrat grows up, can Magrit keep her existence secret?
'Magrit' is about growing up and about love and friendship and loss. I suspected the twist ending about halfway through but still enjoyed the whole book very much. It is a definite recommendation for fans of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton.
'Magrit' is about growing up and about love and friendship and loss. I suspected the twist ending about halfway through but still enjoyed the whole book very much. It is a definite recommendation for fans of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton.
January 1, 2018
Book 1 for 2018. 2 stars.
This is an aesthetically pleasing book and that's why I took it out from under my eight-year-old daughter's nose (it was a Christmas gift from her paternal grandparents) before she had a chance to read it. Her nan said that maybe I should read it first to determine whether or not it's too scary for my daughter - that gave me license to nick it!
It seems a bit morbid for children. Or maybe just a bit morbid for me? The revelation towards the end may be thrilling for the young, but for us weathered, older people, it's predictable.
So yeah, I think it's quite pretty, but that's about it. Next!
This is an aesthetically pleasing book and that's why I took it out from under my eight-year-old daughter's nose (it was a Christmas gift from her paternal grandparents) before she had a chance to read it. Her nan said that maybe I should read it first to determine whether or not it's too scary for my daughter - that gave me license to nick it!
It seems a bit morbid for children. Or maybe just a bit morbid for me? The revelation towards the end may be thrilling for the young, but for us weathered, older people, it's predictable.
So yeah, I think it's quite pretty, but that's about it. Next!
May 22, 2020
The coming of age/fairy tale Magrit is a nice easy read. Written by award -winning Lee Battersby the novella includes many stages of Margit’s life and many challenges us as people face today. I am unsure as to whether I like this story or not as many scenes are sad whereas some are funny. In the book Magrit encounters a big step in her life which will turn her life upside-down but she throws herself headfirst into the challenge of caring for a baby dropped into the graveyard ‘one stormy spring night.’ She experiences tiredness, anger, disgust, happiness and being scared which we all can compare to. This although is not my ideal book.
April 9, 2024
I loved this! Such an emotional, odd little book set in a graveyard, a sort of female Graveyard Book. I wasn't prepared for it being such a tear jerker in less than 100 pages!
A little girl almost 10 years old who lives in a forgotten English graveyard overlooked by high-rises finds a baby one day. She raises him and they live together in the graveyard alongside Master Puppet, her skeletal companion, until something happens to break the peace of the cemetery, and the outsiders arrive.
I have a baby myself so I connected to Magrit and her trials and tribulations raising baby Bugrat. And I cried at the end! Highly recommend.
A little girl almost 10 years old who lives in a forgotten English graveyard overlooked by high-rises finds a baby one day. She raises him and they live together in the graveyard alongside Master Puppet, her skeletal companion, until something happens to break the peace of the cemetery, and the outsiders arrive.
I have a baby myself so I connected to Magrit and her trials and tribulations raising baby Bugrat. And I cried at the end! Highly recommend.
November 23, 2017
plenty of comparison to 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman, but i think they're way off the mark... the tales are just too different in tone... Magrit is a harsh and tough tale about a lonely girl, living in a lonely world (cue Journey, if you follow...) and how she eventually comes to grips with her situation... a bit confusing at times, a few "aha!" moments... a bit heavy on the symbolism, but an altogether intriguing read...
August 22, 2018
This was kind of pointless. It was very short, and nothing much happened. The twist at the end was not even a real twist, it was obvious from page one. I honestly thought the twist was going to be that was not true after all. Even for a kids book. On the positives: there were some passages here and there that I liked, oh, and the cover is gorgeous.
February 5, 2017
This is an interesting book, and i'm still trying to work out where I would put it in the library.
It's a story that makes you wonder what sort of society would be existing where children are delivered, and lost children never found.
It's a story that makes you wonder what sort of society would be existing where children are delivered, and lost children never found.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews