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Joe Quinn's Poltergeist
A dark, powerful and moving short story from the internationally acclaimed author of Skellig. Joe Quinn tells everyone about the poltergeist in his house, but no one believes him. No one that is, except for Davey. He’s felt the inexplicable presence in the rooms, he’s seen random objects fly through the air. And there’s something else … a memory of his beloved sister, and a feeling deep down that somehow it might be possible for ghosts to exist.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published March 7, 2019
6 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
David Almond
121 books820 followersDavid Almond is a British children's writer who has penned several novels, each one to critical acclaim. He was born and raised in Felling and Newcastle in post-industrial North East England and educated at the University of East Anglia. When he was young, he found his love of writing when some short stories of his were published in a local magazine. He started out as an author of adult fiction before finding his niche writing literature for young adults.
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 29, 2019
Book reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Davey doesn’t really like Joe Quinn as Joe is one of those boys who always makes things up, like he has the best things or does the most amazing things. He likes to tell little white lies in an attempt to get people to like him.
One afternoon whilst Davey and his friend are watching the girls play tennis Joe appears and tells them that he has a Poltergeist in his house and asks him and his friend round for tea to see it in action. The two friends don’t believe him so they decided to go and take a look for themselves.
At first, it’s noises, then bread flying above their heads. Soon Mrs. Quinn is becoming restless and yelling at the poltergeist to stop. Davey and his friend leave not sure what they have witnessed. Before going Mrs. Quinn asks Davey to ask the local priest to attend her home to rid it of the spirit.
Whilst Davey isn’t convinced that it wasn’t Joe making things move, part of him wants it to be real as it means that his younger sister that died could be out there somewhere.
I’m not much of a graphic novel reader, I think this is only the second or third I have read. However, I feel that this book worked because it was written in graphic novel form.
Davey is a teenager who has been through a lot with the death of his sister. He’s not sure he believes in the afterworld or in God but he wants to believe so that he knows that his sister isn’t really gone for good.
The book reads as if the author David Almond wanted to express his thoughts on his past and especially as in the introduction he tells us about the death of his sister Barbara at just one year old. It feels like this book was a kind of fictional memoir for him, as if he’s trying to express his younger years or even come to terms with them.
The dialect in the book is very northern so if you are not used to the way we northerners speak you may struggle with some words. It’s also set, I would guess, around late 70’s early 80’s judging by some of the references – Such as, front doors left open and stripy plastic curtains dangling to keep the flies out.
The illustrations really bring the book to life and made it so enjoyable to read. They capture the moments and the feelings of the characters perfectly. They also give the book that edgy feeling.
My only tiny criticism is that I don’t think the cover does the book justice. I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but people do and I don’t want people to be put off buying this book based on the cover as it really is worthy of reading. It might be called Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist but it’s not a scary book, it’s a book that makes you stop and think about life.
Davey doesn’t really like Joe Quinn as Joe is one of those boys who always makes things up, like he has the best things or does the most amazing things. He likes to tell little white lies in an attempt to get people to like him.
One afternoon whilst Davey and his friend are watching the girls play tennis Joe appears and tells them that he has a Poltergeist in his house and asks him and his friend round for tea to see it in action. The two friends don’t believe him so they decided to go and take a look for themselves.
At first, it’s noises, then bread flying above their heads. Soon Mrs. Quinn is becoming restless and yelling at the poltergeist to stop. Davey and his friend leave not sure what they have witnessed. Before going Mrs. Quinn asks Davey to ask the local priest to attend her home to rid it of the spirit.
Whilst Davey isn’t convinced that it wasn’t Joe making things move, part of him wants it to be real as it means that his younger sister that died could be out there somewhere.
I’m not much of a graphic novel reader, I think this is only the second or third I have read. However, I feel that this book worked because it was written in graphic novel form.
Davey is a teenager who has been through a lot with the death of his sister. He’s not sure he believes in the afterworld or in God but he wants to believe so that he knows that his sister isn’t really gone for good.
The book reads as if the author David Almond wanted to express his thoughts on his past and especially as in the introduction he tells us about the death of his sister Barbara at just one year old. It feels like this book was a kind of fictional memoir for him, as if he’s trying to express his younger years or even come to terms with them.
The dialect in the book is very northern so if you are not used to the way we northerners speak you may struggle with some words. It’s also set, I would guess, around late 70’s early 80’s judging by some of the references – Such as, front doors left open and stripy plastic curtains dangling to keep the flies out.
The illustrations really bring the book to life and made it so enjoyable to read. They capture the moments and the feelings of the characters perfectly. They also give the book that edgy feeling.
My only tiny criticism is that I don’t think the cover does the book justice. I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but people do and I don’t want people to be put off buying this book based on the cover as it really is worthy of reading. It might be called Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist but it’s not a scary book, it’s a book that makes you stop and think about life.
February 19, 2020
This is one of those boy-coming-of-age stories that's meant for adults looking back, not for teens dealing with their immediate issues.
3 stars for the text
4 stars for the art -- that ugly cover is NOT representative, no idea why that image was selected.
3 stars for the text
4 stars for the art -- that ugly cover is NOT representative, no idea why that image was selected.
August 4, 2019
None of the boys believe Joe Quinn when he tells them about the poltergeist at his house. Davie starts to believe when he goes to the house and sees plates, food, tea cups and just about anything else fly through the air mysteriously. He isn't sure it's a poltergeist...it might just be Joe or his mom throwing things, but he's still drawn to the story. Ever since his little sister died, Davie has been looking for some sort of meaning in things. Joe and his mom, a conflicted local priest, and a supposed poltergeist help Davie put his thoughts about the meaning of life, what might come after, and his dreams of the future into a more clear picture.
This story is a bit odd, but has a very deep meaning. I think perhaps the author is delving into his thoughts on his own life, emotions, and ponderings about existence. I found it very thought provoking and maybe just a little bit disturbing. The artwork by Dave McKean is wonderful!
All in all, a very thought provoking read. I enjoyed it! I'd be interested in seeing more by David Almond...and definitely would love to see more of Dave McKean's art! This book was not what I expected at all....but an enjoyable surprise! I'm very glad I read this! Coming from a former Catholic background, it brought back some memories and provoked some deep thoughts.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This story is a bit odd, but has a very deep meaning. I think perhaps the author is delving into his thoughts on his own life, emotions, and ponderings about existence. I found it very thought provoking and maybe just a little bit disturbing. The artwork by Dave McKean is wonderful!
All in all, a very thought provoking read. I enjoyed it! I'd be interested in seeing more by David Almond...and definitely would love to see more of Dave McKean's art! This book was not what I expected at all....but an enjoyable surprise! I'm very glad I read this! Coming from a former Catholic background, it brought back some memories and provoked some deep thoughts.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Candlewick Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
August 3, 2019
I thought I'd like this one more than I did. If the artwork within had been more like what's on the cover, I think I would have. The inside, however, is mostly rough-looking drawings combined with a bit of photographic collage and painted backgrounds.
The story is also a little thin for me. The explanation for the poltergeist, while plausible, isn't that interesting. This book is more about the characters than the story, really.
This appears to be marketed as a "graphic storybook" for children, but it's really more of a short graphic novel for young adults. The themes are heavy, some of the plot points are rather mature, and the inclusion of local slang could make this a tricky book for younger readers.
I suppose I was expecting something more fanciful and supernatural, especially from this duo. I found it neither "lively" nor "hopeful", as was promised by the synopsis; it is instead rather dreary and gritty, with some fairly creepy behaviour on the part of the adults in the story. At its heart, Joe Quinn's Poltergeist is just a coming-of-age sort of story about the chaotic emotions of teenage boys.
Perhaps I'm just not the right audience for this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.
The story is also a little thin for me. The explanation for the poltergeist, while plausible, isn't that interesting. This book is more about the characters than the story, really.
This appears to be marketed as a "graphic storybook" for children, but it's really more of a short graphic novel for young adults. The themes are heavy, some of the plot points are rather mature, and the inclusion of local slang could make this a tricky book for younger readers.
I suppose I was expecting something more fanciful and supernatural, especially from this duo. I found it neither "lively" nor "hopeful", as was promised by the synopsis; it is instead rather dreary and gritty, with some fairly creepy behaviour on the part of the adults in the story. At its heart, Joe Quinn's Poltergeist is just a coming-of-age sort of story about the chaotic emotions of teenage boys.
Perhaps I'm just not the right audience for this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing a digital ARC.
September 12, 2019
I liked the art, but the story was just okay. Also, "bliddy" was used way too many times, it got annoying.
June 20, 2024
This was an interesting little tale. A look into belief, grief, and growing up, I thought it told its story well. I wasn’t incredibly connected to any of the characters but I was still entertained and wanted to know what happened. The illustration style was the perfect choice to bring this book to life as well. I’m glad I read this!
May 22, 2020
Listened as an audiobook and missed out on the graphic novel art work. Not the spooky story i thought it was going to be, yet a hopeful type of tale. Definitely personal to the author.
February 27, 2019
A very unusual but clever read. It doesn't matter if you don't believe in ghosts, the illustrations and story have been put together very well to tell the story of Joe Quinn's Poltergeist. David Almond is without doubt a rare author, being a special one at that, who writes about the strangest of things that pops into his mind. He writes for adults and children within mind. I watch anything on TV about ghosts/poltergeist that's why I wanted to read book. I have read some ghost story books, but not one like Joe Quinn's Poltergeist. This book is loosely based on certain things that have been in David Almonds life. I would like to thank Walker books for sending me this great book to read.
Read
September 3, 2019Perhaps because of Britain's headlong retreat into postwar shabbiness (except this time minus the consolations of the welfare state), there seems to have been a revival of interest in the phenomenon of the council house poltergeist. I'm not convinced David Almond has much new to add for his part - although there's something charmingly wholesome about the vices of the Catholic priest brought in for the exorcism, who seems to restrain himself to whisky, atheism and maybe knobbing adult parishioners, but is entirely fine to be left unattended with the child protagonists. No, the real attraction is Dave McKean's art. All these years on, those distorted figures and mixed media collages could never have the shock they once did, and I'm not convinced these would ever have been among his best and boldest work, but when he wants to depict a stifling summer suburb, you can feel the heat haze.
(Netgalley ARC)
(Netgalley ARC)
March 2, 2019
This was an interesting little graphic novel. The straightforward writing style and mature-looking artwork paired well together to create a nuanced story. Though the target age range is obviously quite young, I'd say readers of any age can take something away from this one.
I appreciated the mild North East dialect and humour, while at the same time finding this to be a thought-provoking read. The ending makes it clear that this is a story brimming with metaphor.
I would have liked it to be a tiny bit longer as I feel like it was just getting started and then it was over. But it was a fast and enjoyable read that I would recommend.
I appreciated the mild North East dialect and humour, while at the same time finding this to be a thought-provoking read. The ending makes it clear that this is a story brimming with metaphor.
I would have liked it to be a tiny bit longer as I feel like it was just getting started and then it was over. But it was a fast and enjoyable read that I would recommend.
August 28, 2019
Solidifies that I really don't get David Almond like I don't get Andrew Smith even though I try numerous times and turning it into a graphic novel with an illustrator doesn't help. I didn't like the illustrations nor the way the story was told. It wasn't creepy, dark, twisted, or disturbing like I wanted it to be.
July 8, 2021
More like 2.5 stars.
November 13, 2019
While watching his crush, Josephine Minto, playing tennis, his friend Joe Quinn comes along and tells Davie and another friend Geordie that his house in haunted by a poltergeist. Naturally, both boys are skeptical but curious. After all, Joe and his mother are known for making up stories. But Joe insists that the poltergeist is real and invites Davie and Geordie to come over for tea and see for themselves.
Sure enough, when they get to Joe's house, they see a broken window and bits of broken cups and plates all over the kitchen. While they are eating the chips that Mrs. Quinn serves them, a slice of bread with butter flies across the room, followed by more crockery. Geordie is convinced that Joe and his mother are making things sail across the room, and refuses to believe that there is a ghost. Davie, on the other hand, isn't so sure, and Mrs. Quinn is certain that he can also feel strange forces in the house.
Davie may be susceptible to her suggestions. His younger sister Barbara, with whom he was close, had died a few years ago and he's never really come to terms it that and, additionally, with his faith. And lately, he has been dreaming about Barbara and wondering whether her spirit could ever come back.
Later, Joe returns to the Quinn's house, bringing Father Kelly, an Irish priest who has already lost his religion, with him. Ironically, after spending time at the home of Mrs. Quinn, and despite his inebriated state and lack of faith, Father Kelly, manages to give to help Davie find some peace of mind when he tells him "There is not Heaven to go to. And no Hell...There's only us, and this...But what an usness and a thisness." Ultimately, Davie concludes that there is no poltergeist, but that "...the poltergeist is all of us, raging and wanting to scream and to fight and to start flinging stuff; to smash and to break. It is all of us wanting to be still, to be quiet, to be in love, to be at peace." Usness and thisness?
What do you think?
I first read Joe Quinn's Poltergeist in a book of short autobiographical stories by David Almond called Half a Creature from the Sea. I found it interesting, but now as a graphic novel, I find it even more so. It is a story about the existential angst of a teenager asking for answers to questions about life and afterlife, and Almond captures his inner turmoil so well. And leaves it to the reader to decide if Davie's conclusions are right, or maybe we each have our own conclusions about these questions.
I think, however, what really removes this book from being an exception short story in prose and puts it into the realm of wonderfully dark graphic novels are the illustrations. As you will see, Dave McKean's angular mix-media illustrations are as haunting and emotional throughout the book as is the illustration on the cover.
David Almond has always been a favorite of mind and this story, that borders on horror, has not failed my expectations one bit. The short story is worth reading (and re-reading as I recently did) and so is the graphic novel. The different formats almost make each one feel like a different story.
This book is recommended for readers age 13+
This book was an EARC received from Candlewick Press through NetGalley
Sure enough, when they get to Joe's house, they see a broken window and bits of broken cups and plates all over the kitchen. While they are eating the chips that Mrs. Quinn serves them, a slice of bread with butter flies across the room, followed by more crockery. Geordie is convinced that Joe and his mother are making things sail across the room, and refuses to believe that there is a ghost. Davie, on the other hand, isn't so sure, and Mrs. Quinn is certain that he can also feel strange forces in the house.
Davie may be susceptible to her suggestions. His younger sister Barbara, with whom he was close, had died a few years ago and he's never really come to terms it that and, additionally, with his faith. And lately, he has been dreaming about Barbara and wondering whether her spirit could ever come back.
Later, Joe returns to the Quinn's house, bringing Father Kelly, an Irish priest who has already lost his religion, with him. Ironically, after spending time at the home of Mrs. Quinn, and despite his inebriated state and lack of faith, Father Kelly, manages to give to help Davie find some peace of mind when he tells him "There is not Heaven to go to. And no Hell...There's only us, and this...But what an usness and a thisness." Ultimately, Davie concludes that there is no poltergeist, but that "...the poltergeist is all of us, raging and wanting to scream and to fight and to start flinging stuff; to smash and to break. It is all of us wanting to be still, to be quiet, to be in love, to be at peace." Usness and thisness?
What do you think?
I first read Joe Quinn's Poltergeist in a book of short autobiographical stories by David Almond called Half a Creature from the Sea. I found it interesting, but now as a graphic novel, I find it even more so. It is a story about the existential angst of a teenager asking for answers to questions about life and afterlife, and Almond captures his inner turmoil so well. And leaves it to the reader to decide if Davie's conclusions are right, or maybe we each have our own conclusions about these questions.
I think, however, what really removes this book from being an exception short story in prose and puts it into the realm of wonderfully dark graphic novels are the illustrations. As you will see, Dave McKean's angular mix-media illustrations are as haunting and emotional throughout the book as is the illustration on the cover.
David Almond has always been a favorite of mind and this story, that borders on horror, has not failed my expectations one bit. The short story is worth reading (and re-reading as I recently did) and so is the graphic novel. The different formats almost make each one feel like a different story.
This book is recommended for readers age 13+
This book was an EARC received from Candlewick Press through NetGalley
September 12, 2019
"There's only us, and this.".... "I know that, Father.".... "But what an usness, and a thisness."
It's interesting that in the U.S. this book is blurbed as a "lively, hopeful graphic storybook" and in the U.K. it's described as "a dark, powerful and moving short story". I think it is a dark, powerful, and yet hopeful meditation, so I guess both publicists got it partly right.
Forget about Joe Quinn. He just gets the story started by telling Davie about the poltergeist in the Quinn home. Forget about the poltergeist; this isn't a horror or supernatural tale. This is Davie's story. Actually, Davie and the parish priest, (who drinks, smokes and bemusedly blasphemes his way through the story while serving as a foil and interlocutor for Davie's awakening.) Davie is a teen, in the honorable angry-young-men style, who plays football, daydreams about girls, fights with his pals, lounges about, and is respectful of his mother. But Davie's secret grief, (which is touchingly drawn out in conversations with his Mom), is the early death of his sister Barbara.
Davie's turmoil is the engine that powers the poltergeist. The poltergeist is the outward manifestation of Davie's state of mind. As other characters - Quinn, Quinn's Mom, the priest - deal with the poltergeist they are also dealing with Davie. The various interactions, and their results, vary from amusing, to violent, to unnerving, to touching, and ultimately to redemptive. Is there a God, an afterlife, any point at all? Well, there's us and this.
Almond is always good for a head trip, and is a kind if demanding guide. "Skellig" was mystical and William Blakey; "Angelino Brown" was all sweetness and light; "The Boy Who Swam With Piranhas" was antic and whimsical. This book wrestles with bigger issues, but does so with poetic precision.
I think the book would work as a short story, but it wouldn't have anywhere near the punch it gets from Dave McKean's artwork. It's jazzy and impressionistic and has the dark jangling intensity to emphasize and focus every word of dialogue. I've always enjoyed and admired McKean's work, but this volume is special. He doesn't just illustrate or complement the story, here his art is a narrative all alone that runs in harmony with the text. Where Almond writes of life's "darkness and its light", McKean shows us just that.
So, a marvelous and rewarding collaboration that works wonderfully, (in all the meanings of that word). An excellent find.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
It's interesting that in the U.S. this book is blurbed as a "lively, hopeful graphic storybook" and in the U.K. it's described as "a dark, powerful and moving short story". I think it is a dark, powerful, and yet hopeful meditation, so I guess both publicists got it partly right.
Forget about Joe Quinn. He just gets the story started by telling Davie about the poltergeist in the Quinn home. Forget about the poltergeist; this isn't a horror or supernatural tale. This is Davie's story. Actually, Davie and the parish priest, (who drinks, smokes and bemusedly blasphemes his way through the story while serving as a foil and interlocutor for Davie's awakening.) Davie is a teen, in the honorable angry-young-men style, who plays football, daydreams about girls, fights with his pals, lounges about, and is respectful of his mother. But Davie's secret grief, (which is touchingly drawn out in conversations with his Mom), is the early death of his sister Barbara.
Davie's turmoil is the engine that powers the poltergeist. The poltergeist is the outward manifestation of Davie's state of mind. As other characters - Quinn, Quinn's Mom, the priest - deal with the poltergeist they are also dealing with Davie. The various interactions, and their results, vary from amusing, to violent, to unnerving, to touching, and ultimately to redemptive. Is there a God, an afterlife, any point at all? Well, there's us and this.
Almond is always good for a head trip, and is a kind if demanding guide. "Skellig" was mystical and William Blakey; "Angelino Brown" was all sweetness and light; "The Boy Who Swam With Piranhas" was antic and whimsical. This book wrestles with bigger issues, but does so with poetic precision.
I think the book would work as a short story, but it wouldn't have anywhere near the punch it gets from Dave McKean's artwork. It's jazzy and impressionistic and has the dark jangling intensity to emphasize and focus every word of dialogue. I've always enjoyed and admired McKean's work, but this volume is special. He doesn't just illustrate or complement the story, here his art is a narrative all alone that runs in harmony with the text. Where Almond writes of life's "darkness and its light", McKean shows us just that.
So, a marvelous and rewarding collaboration that works wonderfully, (in all the meanings of that word). An excellent find.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 11, 2019
This is such a unique book - told in graphic novel style, complete with fantastic illustrations and artwork throughout. It's without question a weird book, lacking resolution or real flow, ending pretty much as it really starts getting good, but something about the unique approach and eerie nature of it made it compelling enough to read in only one sitting.
Considering the creepy setting - this is a story of a poltergeist haunting after all - I didn't expect there to be humour, but this is actually pretty funny. I also think if you dig deeper into the story there's quite a lot of hidden undertone and implication the author is drawing from their own experiences, and that's quite nice to try and piece together.
Because of that though, the story leaves a lot to the imagination, particularly with the ending. I can imagine a lot of readers, particularly those of a younger age, finding a poor resolution quite a frustrating read - everyone wants to know what happens next, and it seems a bit of a shame to not wrap up a story fully when you've put so much effort into the presentation of it.
A quick, unusual read which is visually really quite impressive.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Considering the creepy setting - this is a story of a poltergeist haunting after all - I didn't expect there to be humour, but this is actually pretty funny. I also think if you dig deeper into the story there's quite a lot of hidden undertone and implication the author is drawing from their own experiences, and that's quite nice to try and piece together.
Because of that though, the story leaves a lot to the imagination, particularly with the ending. I can imagine a lot of readers, particularly those of a younger age, finding a poor resolution quite a frustrating read - everyone wants to know what happens next, and it seems a bit of a shame to not wrap up a story fully when you've put so much effort into the presentation of it.
A quick, unusual read which is visually really quite impressive.
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 18, 2021wonderful art & story. made me hurt :P would love to read more unconventional graphic novels like this. many topics I love: religion, existentialism, grief, the supernatural as a metaphor for the human experience, quirky and messy people, quirky and messy art. this managed to succinctly capture big feelings and arcs despite being short.
two quotes I want to keep:
“I watch the shadows getting longer down in the pale streets of Leam Lane. Somebody cries in joy or pain, and after an age I get up and move on. My body moves but I feel like I’m not part of it. What am I? Body, brain, soul, or all of these? Infant, boy, man, or all those things together? Or nothing, just nothing at all?”
“I know the poltergeist is all of us, raging and wanting to scream and fight and go start flinging stuff; to smash and to break. It is all of us wanting to be still, to be quiet, to be in love, to be at peace.”
two quotes I want to keep:
“I watch the shadows getting longer down in the pale streets of Leam Lane. Somebody cries in joy or pain, and after an age I get up and move on. My body moves but I feel like I’m not part of it. What am I? Body, brain, soul, or all of these? Infant, boy, man, or all those things together? Or nothing, just nothing at all?”
“I know the poltergeist is all of us, raging and wanting to scream and fight and go start flinging stuff; to smash and to break. It is all of us wanting to be still, to be quiet, to be in love, to be at peace.”
April 15, 2021
1,5 stars
Um ... am I the only one who found this story almost completely pointless?
It seems to strive for a philosophical air, but the brevity, combined with opaque and unlikeable characters and some of the most awful artwork I've ever seen, make "Joe Quinn's Poltergeist" a fruitless and frustrating reading experience.
Would not recommend.
Um ... am I the only one who found this story almost completely pointless?
It seems to strive for a philosophical air, but the brevity, combined with opaque and unlikeable characters and some of the most awful artwork I've ever seen, make "Joe Quinn's Poltergeist" a fruitless and frustrating reading experience.
Would not recommend.
September 28, 2020
Quinn's excellent lyrical narrative is paired with McKean's gorgeous artwork in a short graphic novel tale about how ghosts reside within as well as outside of us. Recommended to anyone who ponders the supernatural.
August 1, 2022
I didn't enjoy this one. I couldn't get anything out of the story and didn't connect to it.
I liked looking at the mixed media art though. It reminded me of the Sandman covers.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
I liked looking at the mixed media art though. It reminded me of the Sandman covers.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
July 7, 2019
3.5 stars
August 4, 2019
Bad storyline, badly written and badly illustrated. I would steer clear of this one. My feeling was this book was a complete dud and the storyline didn't seem to go anywhere either.
September 25, 2019
This felt so weird and real and familiar to me.
August 10, 2022
Beautiful as always from David Almond.
January 1, 2024
A subtly beautiful little book.
January 26, 2020
I don’t know that I /liked/ this book, but I didn’t dislike it and I’ll always look at anything in Dave McKean’s unique illustration style
March 24, 2019
I was sent an early copy from Walker Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
“My body moves but I feel like I’m not part of it. What am I? Body, brain, soul, or all of these? Infant, boy, man, or all those things together? Or nothing, just nothing at all?”
Joe Quinn is going around telling everyone he’s got a poltergeist in his house. Most people think he’s lying but not Davie. He’s felt the inexplicable presence in the rooms and seen objects flying through the air. And with the weight of his sister’s recent passing he’s hoping that maybe, just maybe, it’s possible for ghosts to exist.
Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist is a very short story, making it a quick read but not an amazing one. For me it felt a little too short for any of the characters to be fully fleshed out, making it difficult to make a connection to them and the story. If I were reading the story alone I don’t really think I would’ve felt anything, however, Dave McKean’s art gave this book an atmosphere that it would’ve lacked had it not been there. It builds tension. It elevates what I feel is a pretty weak story.
David Almond’s writing here is good - there are some beautiful quotes in this book but I feel this could’ve been so much more than it is.
This is not so much a ghost story as it is a story about dealing with life, loss and finding what you believe. None of which I think Almond does anything unique with. Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist felt no different from other books that have done the same thing (although others have done it a lot better in my opinion). I feel that if it had just been a bit longer I would’ve connected with these characters so much more and found this a much more affecting read.
“My body moves but I feel like I’m not part of it. What am I? Body, brain, soul, or all of these? Infant, boy, man, or all those things together? Or nothing, just nothing at all?”
Joe Quinn is going around telling everyone he’s got a poltergeist in his house. Most people think he’s lying but not Davie. He’s felt the inexplicable presence in the rooms and seen objects flying through the air. And with the weight of his sister’s recent passing he’s hoping that maybe, just maybe, it’s possible for ghosts to exist.
Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist is a very short story, making it a quick read but not an amazing one. For me it felt a little too short for any of the characters to be fully fleshed out, making it difficult to make a connection to them and the story. If I were reading the story alone I don’t really think I would’ve felt anything, however, Dave McKean’s art gave this book an atmosphere that it would’ve lacked had it not been there. It builds tension. It elevates what I feel is a pretty weak story.
David Almond’s writing here is good - there are some beautiful quotes in this book but I feel this could’ve been so much more than it is.
This is not so much a ghost story as it is a story about dealing with life, loss and finding what you believe. None of which I think Almond does anything unique with. Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist felt no different from other books that have done the same thing (although others have done it a lot better in my opinion). I feel that if it had just been a bit longer I would’ve connected with these characters so much more and found this a much more affecting read.
March 5, 2024
I don't feel like I got this story, but I feel like there's something profound here. I felt it, but I didn't understand it. Sometimes, that's enough. Maybe not this time, though. I love Dave McKean, and he has some good stuff in here, but it doesn't even rival Arkham Asylum.
December 16, 2020
To say that the work of Dave Mackean is godly would be an insult to dave himself
April 9, 2019
I really don’t know what to say about this book. It has some brilliant illustrations and an interesting story, if slightly different, but I’m not sure that this will be enjoyed by children, maybe those a little older instead. ‘Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist’ is a hardback book that’s around A5ish in size and is filled with glossy and thick pages of colourful images and text. The hardcover features a dust jacket which you can remove to show a different image underneath.
This book, although it features a short story, it’s very much a graphic novel, or graphic short story, with the way it is presented. Geordie and Davie (the narrator of the story) are watching some girls play tennis when Joe Quinn walks up to them and tells them that there’s a poltergeist in his home. He invites them to come and see it for themselves. The two boys do just that, and when they get to Joe’s house there’s bread and plates flying through the air. Although Geordie’s sceptical, Davie begins to believe that the poltergeist is real, and he wonders if it could be linked his dead sister.
The story is a strange one and I’m not sure it would be enjoyed by all children, as some reviewers have suggested. Joe Quinn is known to be a liar and wasn’t exactly kind to Davie in the past so when the boys first visit Joe’s house, Davie’s unsure what to think. But something makes him return to Joe’s house more than once, and he’s keen to figure out whether the poltergeist is real.
I was keen to read this story, given the creepy cover image and the fact that I love anything spooky or supernatural. But as I continued to read, it became clear to me that it’s less about the poltergeist in Joe’s house and more about the relationship between the boys and what’s going on in the minds of both Davie and Joe. I won’t give away what happens in the story but I can say that the ending is a strange one which, while it does conclude Davie’s story and the possibility of what the poltergeist really was, it doesn’t really feel like a completely finished ending. It felt like there could be more added to the ending to give it a better feel.
The problem I have with this book is that I really was hoping for a spooky story and what I got was more of a gritty drama. Joe has problems with his father who is in prison and it makes him lash out at Davie. At the same time, part of the story sees Davie talking to a priest, who not only smokes and drinks but he also states some questionable things about the existence of God. While this part of the story does make you think about things and would make for good discussion, I’m not sure all parents would be happy for their kids to read this sort of tale.
There is an introduction at the beginning of the book and it reveals that many parts of this story are clearly things that come from the authors own past, such as losing his sister at a young age. Some of the dialogue is written in a northern regional accent which did still feel a bit weird for me, coming from the south, but it isn’t difficult to read. While this book is marketed for ages 9+, I think this would be better suited to ones that are older, maybe teens or those just under. Although there’s nothing really scary in this story, the general feel of it, the questioning of God and the dark tone (including characters stating ‘bliddy’ – which sounds like a mild form of bloody, and the one use of the term ‘shagged’ are things that make me wonder whether this book should be aimed at kids or those older. I know not everyone will agree, but for me at the age of 9, I would have been too sensitive for this sort of story and would not have understood it until I was older.
The images in the book are brilliant and do give an atmosphere to this story. There’s a mixture of sketches, painting and photographs all mixed together on various different pages and different parts of the story give it a unique feel. All of the images are a bit creepy, even the way that some characters are depicted looks a bit creepy, and although there are some beautiful images of birds and green areas, there are also a lot of darker ones which just give this book a wonderful, if slightly disconcerting, atmosphere.
I’m not a fan of this book, primarily as it’s just not what I was expecting when I read the blurb. But having read through it twice I do think it’s a decent story to read and discuss some very serious issues though. The ending is still one that will either be enjoyed or not given its open nature. Overall I just didn’t enjoy this that much and it’s a shame as the cover is brilliant and the introduction made me believe I was going to get a brilliant and very spooky tale.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
This book, although it features a short story, it’s very much a graphic novel, or graphic short story, with the way it is presented. Geordie and Davie (the narrator of the story) are watching some girls play tennis when Joe Quinn walks up to them and tells them that there’s a poltergeist in his home. He invites them to come and see it for themselves. The two boys do just that, and when they get to Joe’s house there’s bread and plates flying through the air. Although Geordie’s sceptical, Davie begins to believe that the poltergeist is real, and he wonders if it could be linked his dead sister.
The story is a strange one and I’m not sure it would be enjoyed by all children, as some reviewers have suggested. Joe Quinn is known to be a liar and wasn’t exactly kind to Davie in the past so when the boys first visit Joe’s house, Davie’s unsure what to think. But something makes him return to Joe’s house more than once, and he’s keen to figure out whether the poltergeist is real.
I was keen to read this story, given the creepy cover image and the fact that I love anything spooky or supernatural. But as I continued to read, it became clear to me that it’s less about the poltergeist in Joe’s house and more about the relationship between the boys and what’s going on in the minds of both Davie and Joe. I won’t give away what happens in the story but I can say that the ending is a strange one which, while it does conclude Davie’s story and the possibility of what the poltergeist really was, it doesn’t really feel like a completely finished ending. It felt like there could be more added to the ending to give it a better feel.
The problem I have with this book is that I really was hoping for a spooky story and what I got was more of a gritty drama. Joe has problems with his father who is in prison and it makes him lash out at Davie. At the same time, part of the story sees Davie talking to a priest, who not only smokes and drinks but he also states some questionable things about the existence of God. While this part of the story does make you think about things and would make for good discussion, I’m not sure all parents would be happy for their kids to read this sort of tale.
There is an introduction at the beginning of the book and it reveals that many parts of this story are clearly things that come from the authors own past, such as losing his sister at a young age. Some of the dialogue is written in a northern regional accent which did still feel a bit weird for me, coming from the south, but it isn’t difficult to read. While this book is marketed for ages 9+, I think this would be better suited to ones that are older, maybe teens or those just under. Although there’s nothing really scary in this story, the general feel of it, the questioning of God and the dark tone (including characters stating ‘bliddy’ – which sounds like a mild form of bloody, and the one use of the term ‘shagged’ are things that make me wonder whether this book should be aimed at kids or those older. I know not everyone will agree, but for me at the age of 9, I would have been too sensitive for this sort of story and would not have understood it until I was older.
The images in the book are brilliant and do give an atmosphere to this story. There’s a mixture of sketches, painting and photographs all mixed together on various different pages and different parts of the story give it a unique feel. All of the images are a bit creepy, even the way that some characters are depicted looks a bit creepy, and although there are some beautiful images of birds and green areas, there are also a lot of darker ones which just give this book a wonderful, if slightly disconcerting, atmosphere.
I’m not a fan of this book, primarily as it’s just not what I was expecting when I read the blurb. But having read through it twice I do think it’s a decent story to read and discuss some very serious issues though. The ending is still one that will either be enjoyed or not given its open nature. Overall I just didn’t enjoy this that much and it’s a shame as the cover is brilliant and the introduction made me believe I was going to get a brilliant and very spooky tale.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
August 1, 2023
'Joe Quinn's Poltergeist', a short story for young adults by David Almond, illustrated by Dave McKean, is a beautiful short book (80 pages) about the unquantifiable yearning for something; whether that's the rush to grow up, or the always there ache at the loss of a sibling.
The Book
Davie is a boy whose friend Joe has a poltergeist, or maybe it's actually Davie who is carrying the poltergeist with him. Based on the author's experience of losing a sister at a young age, and of growing up in a poor community in the North, in a Catholic adjacent area; a dark mix of religion and the supernatural infuse the story.
Text is placed in opaque boxes, never quite obscuring the image, and pages vary from one to another in their layout - with McKean's confident, distinct collage style (I also loved his and Neil Gaiman's collaboration on 'The Wolves in the Walls' for much younger children).
This is not a book comprised of regular panels or grids - except on a couple of pages, quite different from the rest, hopeful and pretty in tone - with butterflies, birds and Davie's future, lovely, maybe-girlfriend. The images are rich; spreading out and meandering from spread to spread: a mix of photoreal backgrounds, lineart characters, and a mostly dark colour palette, all adding to the unease of the story.
Davie's mum believes that his sister came back once after she died, and Davie wants to believe too, so much that his churning hormones make some magic happen. Just like the two Davids have done with this book. One to buy and treasure whatever age you are.
The Book
Davie is a boy whose friend Joe has a poltergeist, or maybe it's actually Davie who is carrying the poltergeist with him. Based on the author's experience of losing a sister at a young age, and of growing up in a poor community in the North, in a Catholic adjacent area; a dark mix of religion and the supernatural infuse the story.
Text is placed in opaque boxes, never quite obscuring the image, and pages vary from one to another in their layout - with McKean's confident, distinct collage style (I also loved his and Neil Gaiman's collaboration on 'The Wolves in the Walls' for much younger children).
This is not a book comprised of regular panels or grids - except on a couple of pages, quite different from the rest, hopeful and pretty in tone - with butterflies, birds and Davie's future, lovely, maybe-girlfriend. The images are rich; spreading out and meandering from spread to spread: a mix of photoreal backgrounds, lineart characters, and a mostly dark colour palette, all adding to the unease of the story.
Davie's mum believes that his sister came back once after she died, and Davie wants to believe too, so much that his churning hormones make some magic happen. Just like the two Davids have done with this book. One to buy and treasure whatever age you are.
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