What do you think?
Rate this book
Bird Boy
'The crow's harsh voice cut through Con's dream, and his eyes flew open. The big bird was standing on the window sill, staring in.'Con and his family have moved to a huge rambling house deep in the Suffolk countryside. They are hoping for a new start. But instead they are caught up in a tragedy that took place many years before. The tragedy of a mother driven to madness, and her son mysteriously murdered. When the crow starts visiting Con, he knows he must unravel the mystery of their disappearance, or his family will never find peace. But obstacles stand in his way . . . The Bird Boy is waiting . . .
168 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2000
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 14, 2023
Alison Prince is such an underrated writer. I really enjoyed this book.
Synopsis:
When Conan's Aussie grandmother wins the lottery, his parents choose to buy a Manor house with a connection to his mother's ascendants. The house has only recently gone on the market after 50 years of waiting, due to the heir to the house having gone missing.
As Conan moves to the area, he learns more about his missing relative (who was also named Conan) and the mystery surrounding his Great Uncle who the village referred to as 'Bird Boy'. Present day Conan meets his neighbour, Maggie, and a crow who whispers hints in his head, directing him towards clues to solve the mystery, whilst Barker the local builder is acting suspicious around the home.
Reluctant to confess to his parents about the strange voices in his head and his suspicions around Barker trying to scare them away from the home, Conan and his friend Maggie try to solve the mystery of the missing Bird Boy, before Barker scares of his parents for good.
Opinion (minor spoilers)
Yes, the book could do with some updates now - I wasn't keen on the references to the Suffolk accent. I think Prince meant well, but it felt a little condescending at times. I also felt like I wanted to know more about exactly what had happened to Bird Boy. Was it an accident or intentional? Was he literally caged growing up, or was he referring to his current status? Also, was the crow Bird Boy? I thought they were up until the end and then it was implied they were not. Also, why does Conan refer to his parents by their first names? That was a little strange, though I did adjust to it eventually.
Despite these gaps in the plot, I loved the writing, especially all the descriptions of nature. I was rooting for Conan and I liked the character of Maggie too. They reminded me a little of the characters in Bridge to Terabithia.
Synopsis:
When Conan's Aussie grandmother wins the lottery, his parents choose to buy a Manor house with a connection to his mother's ascendants. The house has only recently gone on the market after 50 years of waiting, due to the heir to the house having gone missing.
As Conan moves to the area, he learns more about his missing relative (who was also named Conan) and the mystery surrounding his Great Uncle who the village referred to as 'Bird Boy'. Present day Conan meets his neighbour, Maggie, and a crow who whispers hints in his head, directing him towards clues to solve the mystery, whilst Barker the local builder is acting suspicious around the home.
Reluctant to confess to his parents about the strange voices in his head and his suspicions around Barker trying to scare them away from the home, Conan and his friend Maggie try to solve the mystery of the missing Bird Boy, before Barker scares of his parents for good.
Opinion (minor spoilers)
Yes, the book could do with some updates now - I wasn't keen on the references to the Suffolk accent. I think Prince meant well, but it felt a little condescending at times. I also felt like I wanted to know more about exactly what had happened to Bird Boy. Was it an accident or intentional? Was he literally caged growing up, or was he referring to his current status? Also, was the crow Bird Boy? I thought they were up until the end and then it was implied they were not. Also, why does Conan refer to his parents by their first names? That was a little strange, though I did adjust to it eventually.
Despite these gaps in the plot, I loved the writing, especially all the descriptions of nature. I was rooting for Conan and I liked the character of Maggie too. They reminded me a little of the characters in Bridge to Terabithia.
July 29, 2018
Creepy! If you're a Poe fan, you'll probably enjoy this one :D Alright for pre-teen holiday reading.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews