Lark

The Truth of Things

by Anthony McGowan

Things are getting tense at home for Nicky and Kenny as they wait for a visit from their estranged mum. To escape, they go for a walk on the moors, taking their little Jack Russell terrier with them.
But what should have been a laugh, a lark, turns deadly when the weather changes and they are caught in a blizzard. Nothing will ever be quite the same again...

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Survival, Childrens, Novella, Family

110 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Anthony John McGowan is an English author of books for children, teenagers and adults. He is the winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark. In addition to his 2020 win, he has been twice longlisted (for The Knife That Killed Me in 2008 and Brock in 2014) and once shortlisted (for Rook in 2018) for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and is the winner of the 2006 Booktrust Teenage Prize for Henry Tumour.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th in the series, The Truth of Things but it can be read as a stand alone story. However, it is an absolute delight to be reunited with Nicky and Kenny, now in a slightly better place than in the previous books but with life still full of challenges and adolescent angst. The relationship between the brothers is once again at the heart of the story and when a trip to the moors takes a dark and frightening turn it is tested to the limits. There is no disguising the real peril of their predicament and given Anthony McGowan's avoidance of unrealistic happy ever afters, I raced to the end with my heart in my mouth. Poignant, gripping and heart breaking. And in spite of the drama, also very funny. Highly recommended and perfect for reluctant teenage readers.

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am (of course and naturally so) a bit annoyed that Anthony McGowan's 2020 Carnegie Medal winning novella Lark is the fourth McGowan story featuring teenaged brothers Kenny and Nicky, it does feel as though one can, one should be able to tackle Lark as a standalone, that one does not actually "have to read" Brock, Pike and Rook before Lark (although I am definitely planning on doing so, since I do like to complete my book series and not to mention that Brock, Pike and Rook all seem to have been Carnegie Medal nominees, so they are also of immediate personal reading interest for and to me).

Now with regard to Lark as Anthony McGowan's Carnegie Medal winning story, my reading experience has been interesting, engaging but also rather massively painful and a huge (and kind of nasty and a bit unwanted) tear jerker. And yes, this is mostly because of the unhappily heartbreaking conclusion McGowan features for Lark, which my inner child totally despises but which my adult self certainly does academically and intellectually appreciate and value for its realism and that Anthony McGowan obviously thinks young readers do not automatically require story endings that are inherently positive and hopeful.

But to be brutally honest, if you want and even more so if you require a happy and/or a promising conclusion for Lark, sorry, but this is not something being textually offered up by Anthony McGowan's text, and that Lark will leave you or should leave you in tears and massively emotionally upset (a realistic ending for Nicky and Kenny being caught unprepared on the Yorkshire moors during an unexpected blizzard, but admittedly, I would emotionally speaking most definitely prefer less pain and a not so ultimately devastating final outcome in Lark and as such for Anthony McGowan's four novella series of Kenny and Nicky). However and the above having been said, Anthony McGowan's writing for Lark, it is absolutely wonderful (lyrical, uncompromising, emotional), with McGowan’s prose being spare but also never simple and packing a textual punch that many novellas, that many short stories aimed at younger readers aim for but which only a select few ever actually manage to truly achieve.

And while I do think that Lark should work really well for youngsters who like their stories short, to the point and that the book’s dyslexia-friendly format (a large font size and double spacing) also caters to reluctant or struggling readers, Anthony McGowan's themes, contents and that as mentioned above, Lark does not end at all happily, yes, very sensitive children (very sensitive readers) might indeed find Lark too negative, too traumatic, too lacking in hope and any kind of optimism and promise.

[Alex Peachman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not ashamed to say that I had a little cry at the end of this book. I don't know how the author packs so much emotion into so few words, but he does...

It's the last in the series of four short books (Brock, Pike, and Rook come before it) about two brothers - Kenny (who has special needs) and Nicky. They have a problematic family life, as well as the usual trouble with friends, girlfriends and school.

You don't have to read the other books to enjoy Lark - the author very quickly fills you in on the back story.

To distract themselves from their anxiety about meeting their long-lost Mum, the brothers go for a walk on the Yorkshire Moors. But it's snowing, and they get lost....

It starts quite slowly, with a lot of banter, but it soon turns into an all-too-imaginable, thrilling adventure/rescue story.

This author has a style all of his own, but if you are a fan of simply written, short books - Tom Palmer's, for example, you will like this.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book this was. I picked it up in the library, forever on a quest to get my 10yo to read. I was attracted by the blurb, the lovely creamy pages, the relatively short length and the wide set font - always a dream to read.

This book is about Nicky and Kenny; two brothers who go for a walk on the moors with their little and loyal dog, Tina. When the weather changes they get caught up there and begin to wonder if they’ll make it out alive..

I cannot emphasise how brilliant I thought this book was. It kept my son interested (he loved all the sweary bits) and the story was interesting and definitely thrilling. The USP for me though, was the absolutely wonderful character development between the two brothers. The author managed to use humour and sadness side by side. I was reading this with my son and by the end I was in tears, honestly I was a wreck! My son was mortified!😂

I think this book is unlike any other kids/teens book I’ve read. The author isn’t afraid of tackling tough subjects, bad language and heartache, and it was astonishing and refreshing in equal measure.

This is the first book we’ve read by this author, although I now understand there are others involving the same characters which we’d definitely be interested in.

Unique, gritty and raw, this is a book you can’t help loving.

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked with a very nice woman once who always read the last page of a book before she started reading - anathema to me, I rarely even read the cover blurb, because one of my pet hates is finding something out before I’ve read the book, seen the film, heard the whole story etc. But, dear reader, I am so fond of these characters that by halfway through the book I had to know how things would turn out, so I hereby confess at having a quick peep!

I also confess that I booed my eyes out at the last few pages, and this was rather inconvenient, as just at that moment the postman turned up, and as I handed him his Christmas box of Milk Tray, I had to explain why tears were running down my face!

Wonderful story, beautiful end to the quartet of books about Nicky and Kenny ❤️.

[Coffee&Cliffhangers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lark is a short novella geared towards younger readers. About two boys Nicky and Kenny, who while waiting to see they estranged Mom go for a walk on the moors with their jack russel and get lost. As it begins to snow they struggle to find their way back, and face unfortunate obstacles on the way.
This book is the fourth of a series, although I would recommend starting from the beginning this book also does well as a stand alone. Though geared for young readers, be warned that this book tackles some sensitive materials about death that may be hard for younger readers. I found this book to be enjoyable, realistic and yet heartbreaking at the same time.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane Mcfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection in 100 pages, wrung every emotion out of me, engaged with the characters and story from the get go. Superb!

[Louise Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book makes you cry you have to admire the story that has found a way into your heart.

[Ms Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in a series of short novellas. It is full of raw emotion as two brothers go on a trip up on the moor and are lost in the mist. Their close relationship is shown in the great dialogue and the way they are reluctant to show emotion, but tenderly look after each other as best they can.
It is in dyslexia-friendly style (Barrington Stoke is the publisher) and not too long.
You don't really have to have read the other stories: Brock, Pike and Rook but it helps as this one draws to a close the story of the two brothers and their Mum and Dad and their Dad's new girlfriend. The family has been through a lot and their brusque manner of loving and caring for each other is recaptured again and again in Nicky's memories and Kenny's comments.
I loved this gritty adventure and found it very credible, though, from the comments in other reviews, I wonder if it helps being a Northerner as the language and behaviour reflects the Yorkshire lifestyle.
This book is shortlisted for the Carnegie 2020 Award.
I recommend it to anyone who has the time to read it...it won't take you long. I read it in a few hours.

[⋆｡‧˚ʚ Emma ɞ˚‧｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not aware that this book is a part of a series. That being said, it reads just fine as a stand alone.
“Lark” follows two brothers, Nicky and Kenny, and their dog Tina on a walk over the moors and the many obstacles they encounter. Most of the book was very mundane and frankly kind of boring but the ending made up for it.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book with tears blurring my eyes so had to go back and reread the last few pages. It's the story of two brothers in Yorkshire: NIcky and Kenny. Home has been rough and I recognised the poverty and bravery, the love and loss from my own childhood. I loved both these boys and their hilairous, brotherly banter. The story is simple so I won't spoil it--they go out for a walk on the snowy moors and weather and events overtake them and their wee dog. It really reminded of the power of YA --its directness is its charm. It deals with big feelings and pulls no punches....I now want to read the rest of the books in this series. Thanks to Alex Preston for recommending.

[Kirsten Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful short read.
Many layers of understanding and with a subtle complexity.

Part of a series, but this is the first one I've read so it can be read independently of the others.

A book for older children due to the langauge used - but as it's Barrington Stoke it's in a reader friendly format.

[C P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

slight spoiler?


this is a great book, i defo recommend, but if you tend to get attached to characters, esp. animals, beware cos 2/3 character do die !!

[Isobel Ramsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of the 2020 Carnegie Medal, this short novel is a beautifully written story of survival and brotherhood. It is the fourth and final book in a series but you can read it as a standalone. It is about teenage brothers Nicky and Kenny who get lost on a walk on the Yorkshire moors. The walk starts out as a 'lark' but gradually their situation becomes more and more dangerous, particularly when snow starts to fall. Flashbacks reveal just how hard their lives have been before due to their parents' struggles with a range of issues but this is perhaps the ultimate test of their brotherly bond and resilience. This book is a perfect example of how a book doesn't have to be long to achieve a lot - McGowan makes every word count and explores a range of themes. I loved the humour and lyrical beauty of some of the writing.

[Lucy Gotham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having not read the others in this series, I felt like this didn’t have the impact for me that it could have. Perhaps I will go back and read the others.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was meant to be a stroll, a laugh.

A lark.

Going for a walk on the Yorkshire moors when you're underprepared is never a good idea. Especially when snow is on the way,and you've set off later than you should have. And when you're responsible for your brother who has learning difficulties.

Teenager Nicky and his older brother are filling in time before their mother flies in for a visit with the boys and their father, from whom she's divorced. As a way to distract them from excitement mixed in with some anxiety, their father suggests a little expedition on a walk he used to do as a lad.

But Nicky is inexperienced and underestimates the dangers involved; it's a lot of responsibility to load onto his shoulders. It's all very well to buoy up Kenny with stories he has thought up -- until they find themselves embroiled in a real-life story which mayn't have a happy ending.

This is -- as all the best stories are -- a tale about love. Love of siblings, of parents, of surrogate parents, of animal companions, and of course the first crush. And it's about how one reacts when that love is tested.

The last of a quartet of novellas composed for readers with reading difficulties, Lark is not only perfectly relatable as a standalone but is also testament to the fact that 'simple' writing needn't be simplistic, nor does it exclude moments of beauty and emotion. In fact this was a narrative of real skill which kept me glued to the page in virtually one sitting.

The adults are very much relegated to the background because the author's focus is almost entirely on Nicky and Kenny, and to a lesser extent on their faithful terrier Tina. The way their strong sibling bonds shine through feels absolutely authentic, as does the daring scatological badinage; while Nicky's concern for his brother's wellbeing is a joy to behold even while it's severely tested.

I won't expand on the plot any more for fear of spoiling Lark for new readers, but I will add that I was extremely moved by the last few chapters. And if they don't affect you then the epilogue surely will.

And after what starts off as a joke, a lark, there eventually is a real live bird:

"the mad ecstatic music of the lark [...] the small bird straining upwards [...] all effort, as if hauling itself up by sheer will -- a wanting, a yearning."

It's not hard to see how this moving novella has merited its many plaudits and its award.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published April 2, 2024.

Nicky and Kenny are two young boys who are waiting in a visit from their long-estranged mother. The waiting is getting stressful so they set off for a walk with their Jack Russell terrier, Tina. They become lost, then get caught in a blizzard.

This was a sad, sweet adventure story that made me cry several times. I so hope it finds the right readers, because they are out there. Recommended.

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can absolutely see why Lark won the Carnegie Medal. It is a perfect novella that packs an emotional punch and keeps you on the edge of your seat. By the end of the story I felt like I knew Kenny and Nicky intimately.

Lark is the story of the boys’ visit to the moors which becomes a life-changing moment. What starts out as a ‘lark’ or a bit of fun soon turns in to a fight for survival. A blizzard closes in and both boys and their dog are ill-prepared for such conditions. Just when things couldn’t possibly get worse they do and you don’t know if they will make it home again.

Published by Barrington Stoke the book is dyslexia friendly so the chapters (and the book itself) are short. I think it would be perfect for those Year 7-9 boys who are reluctant readers

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little time to get into this. Perhaps it is best to read the series and I hadnt. However I found the ending moving and dramatic, which really lifted it above the ordinary.

[IvyInThePages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.67 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 4/5
-Cover: 5/5
-Story: 4/5
-Writing: 5/5
Genre: Middle Grade, Survival
-Middle Grade: 5/5
-Survival: 5/5
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Yeah
TW: dog death

Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved

Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.

I cried. Simply put. The story could have used more meat in the survival part but other than that it was a really good book.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful short story, as two young brothers deal with a challenging winter hike - unprepared yet depending on each other
light touch on their family situation, love for each other

did not realise was part of a series - read as standalone but will look to read the earlier ones

[Louise Wilford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my kids. I really enjoyed it. It's the last in the series so I will need to go back and find the others. It's about two brothers who get lost on the Yorkshire Moors. It's about poverty, friendship, grief and family.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky and Kenny are brothers, and are waiting for their mother to arrive. This will be her first visit since she abandoned them with their alcoholic father many years before. This awkward anticipation and the Easter holiday has found them part bored, and part on edge, especially Kenny.

Kenny is the oldest, but Nicky is the responsible one, looking out for them both. Kenny’s learning difficulties bring many challenges, but Nicky will do anything for his lanky, straight-up, older brother.

Their dad, (now sober and working) suggests a walk. The same walk he and his own father used to take – across the Yorkshire Moors. He gives them a map and instructions on the buses they must take to get there, assuring the paths are well marked and it will be a good day trip.

The brothers set off on their adventure, with Kenny’s beloved Jack Russell Tina skipping at their heels. Despite missing the first bus, things go mostly to plan, and their dad’s suggested lark is just what they needed – fresh air, and good natured chatter along the well trodden paths between trees and low stone walls.

The higher they go, they realise how ill equipped they are for the cold. A shortcut to lessen it only makes things worse. As the daylight slips away and the weather worsens, Nicky tells Kenny stories to keep them both occupied, along with assurances they’ll reach their destination soon.

Stories have been part of their close connection since small, with Nicky telling tales at night before bed and throughout their life of poverty, bullying, and uncertainty. Even now with life on a more even keel, Nicky’s stories are a balm for Kenny’s restlessness and worries.

Stories however will not fix what happens next. Nicky needs to rely on Kenny for once, and this realisation is frightening for them both. Their lark has slid into life-threatening territory.

Winner of the prestigious Cilip Carnegie Medal for 2020, Lark is the fourth in a series of books about the love between two brothers and their survival in a life of modern poverty and struggle.

Although part of this heart-wrenching series, Lark is a gut-punching stand-alone novel perfect for reluctant readers and dyslexic readers alike, with a reading age of 9 and an interest age of 13+. On finishing it, and with a tear in my eye, I instantly set about finding the first three books in the series, Brock, Pike, and Rook. I want to begin at the start to get to know these brothers even better.

Lark made me laugh out loud at the authentic banter between the brothers. It filled me with an impending sense of dread as their adventure soured, and I shivered along with the boys at their predicament.

The ending is perfect, allowing the reader a glimpse of the future, of hope and family and love and sending the reader back to the very beginning.

[mm · Rating 3 out of 5]

this as a stand alone book, got a 2.5 stars from me, however after finding out that it was a series i give it a three. however i did not enjoy the ending as much as the other reviews i have read did, i thought it was a bit random however if this was the final in a series i could see you being pleased with the reuniting of the mum and children and the epilogue of afterwards?
i will have to read the others as i liked the characters

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final novella in the ‘Nicky and Kenny’ stories, the Carnegie-Winning ‘Lark’ sees a final chance for this family’s story to close with a sense of hope. Nicky may no longer be with Sarah and his heart is hurting but his mother has agreed to come from Canada to meet him and Kenny. With Jenny having moved in to the house with Dad, the boys’ lives seems to have stabilised so they greet the potential meeting with their birth mother with nervous excitement.

However, a series of errors on their way out of town sees the boys lost upon the Yorkshire moors and Nicky’s life put in a very real danger. It is for Kenny to step up, become independent and save his brother or lose him to the incoming blizzard. The ending of these four books is as beautiful and as moving as you would hope it to be. Often at the close of long stories, elements that you hoped would be there are missing but with Lark all the pieces marry up with perfection.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Jenny used to say that sometimes you mess up. It's what you do next that counts. There's no mess so bad it can't be cleared up... Sometimes you have to go back so you can go forward.'

'It's a funny thing, pain. When it happens, it's the most important thing in the world... You live inside the pain. The pain becomes you. You'd do anything to make it stop... And then it goes away and you forget it. It's as if you never had the pain. It must be because it's impossible to remember pain the way you remember other things... So all you can remember is how you felt about the pain, but not the pain itself. And even that comes back in a weak way, like orange squash with too much water in it. There isn't the horror you had the first time round.'

[Chris Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of David Almond's and Kevin Brooks's writing, and for me that is high praise indeed.
But it's entirely its own thing. Brutal (at times), plain, apparently simple, but actually very poetic in its own way.

You know how people say; 'it made me laugh, it made me cry' and it's just a thing they say? Well, this book did, actually, make me laugh out loud. And the ending... no spoilers, but I shed proper tears.

It does something all too rare (and here it reminded me of Brooks and Almond again): It is entirely honest.

My only regret is I didn't read the 3 that came before it in the series.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright.

The book was a bit too short and simple for me, however I’m aware that it’s primarily written for ‘struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers’ (which I’m not). As a result, I don’t want to judge it too harshly.

I know people have said that you don’t need to read the preceding books in this series before you read Lark, however I feel like it would help you develop more of a connection to the characters if you did.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how much emotion McGowan managed to pack into this book, especially as it isn't very long. This is the first book I have read by him, and it was a good read, but it didn't really grasp that much interest from me- although it does get better towards the end. 3/5

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classy end to this short series of novellas. Loved it!