What do you think?
Rate this book
The Borrible Trilogy #1
The Borribles
What is a Borrible? Borribles are runaways who dwell in the shadows of London. Apart from their pointed ears, they look just like ordinary children. They live by their wits and a few Borrible laws-the chief one being, Don't Get Caught! The Borribles are outcasts-but they wouldn't have it any other way....
One night, the Borribles of Battersea discover a Rumble-one of the giant, rat-shaped creatures who are their ancient enemy-in their territory. Fearing an invasion, an elite group of Borrible fighters set out on what will become known in legend as The Great Rumble Hunt. So begins the first of the three epic adventures in Michael de Larrabeiti's classic trilogy, where excitement, violence, low cunning, greed, generosity, treachery, and bravery exist side by side.
One night, the Borribles of Battersea discover a Rumble-one of the giant, rat-shaped creatures who are their ancient enemy-in their territory. Fearing an invasion, an elite group of Borrible fighters set out on what will become known in legend as The Great Rumble Hunt. So begins the first of the three epic adventures in Michael de Larrabeiti's classic trilogy, where excitement, violence, low cunning, greed, generosity, treachery, and bravery exist side by side.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
27 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Michael de Larrabeiti
28 books37 followersMichael de Larrabeiti was an English novelist and travel writer. He is best known for writing The Borrible Trilogy, which has been cited as an influence by writers in the New Weird movement.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 24, 2009
I'm giving this a 5 because it's so unlike any other kid/YA book I've read before. The Borribles are a cross between the "sinners" in Pinnochio and Peter Pan. They are runaways who cheat, lie, and steal, but they will never turn into adults unless they are captured by an adult and their ears are clipped. The book is pretty violent, with some grisly death scenes that made me wince a little. However, the Borribles do have a code that they live by and are loyal to the death to their friends. Anyway, I recommend this book if you like YA books that are a little gritty. They're also pretty old, written in the 70s, but besides the horse-drawn carts (were those really around in London in the 70s?), there's not much to tell them apart from a novel written today.
February 11, 2016
As someone else mentioned in their review, this is exactly the kind of book I used to think "Mum would kill me if she caught me reading this!"
And it's exactly the kind of book I'd love my kids to read (which is actually what made me think of it - I'm digging up books to recommend to them.)
I remember it as a violent modern urban take on the Lost Boys (the originals, not the 80's vampires), and it honestly scared the heck out of me as a kid, but again, like someone else said, I spent half my teenage years wishing I could run away and be a borrible.
It's solidly written, tightly paced and just the right urban fantasy mixture of familiar and alien at the same time. Highly recommended, for kids who can handle a little violence and characters that are far from black and white.
And it's exactly the kind of book I'd love my kids to read (which is actually what made me think of it - I'm digging up books to recommend to them.)
I remember it as a violent modern urban take on the Lost Boys (the originals, not the 80's vampires), and it honestly scared the heck out of me as a kid, but again, like someone else said, I spent half my teenage years wishing I could run away and be a borrible.
It's solidly written, tightly paced and just the right urban fantasy mixture of familiar and alien at the same time. Highly recommended, for kids who can handle a little violence and characters that are far from black and white.
July 2, 2019
Recensione su FantasyAmo
I Borrible sono ragazzini scappati di casa, che si sono ribellati alla noiosa vita degli adulti e ora vivono per strada, in edifici abbandonati. Le loro orecchie si sono appuntite, mostrando la loro intelligenza e furbizia. La loro sussitenza è il furto, facile nelle strade strette, tra i mercati, nei negozi affollati.
I Borrible hanno un loro codice di vita e d'onore, la loro cultura. E a parte rubare e vivere alla giornata, passano la vita a scappare dai Rimbasbirri: se fossero beccati, ai Borrible verrebbero tagliate le punte delle orecchie, e i poveri fuggiaschi sarebbero reinseriti nel mondo che così caparbiamente cercano di evitare.
Peculiari, questi Borrible, ma forse la cosa più strana è che non hanno un nome: il Nome è una cosa importante, e i Borrible possono conquistarne uno solo tramite un'avventura.
È qui che comincia il nostro libro, dall'avventura più grande che qualsiasi Borrible abbia mai visto: i Rumble, nemici giurati dei Borrible, stanno entrando di nascosto a Londra, in particolare nelle zone di Battersea. Randello, vedetta dei Borrible della zona, ne riesce a catturare uno, e così Pugno, che è uno dei Borrible più rispettati di Battersea, decide di contattare tutti gli altri Borrible e di organizzare un'incursione a Rumbledonia, la città principale dei Rumble. Qui, i Borrible scelti dovranno uccidere i capi dei Rumble. Insomma, un'avventura da cui potrebbero anche non tornare.
Vengono scelti otto Borrible, uno da ogni parte di Londra, a cui vengono dati i nomi dei capi Rumble per distinguerli e dare loro un obiettivo preciso: Bingo, Bombardone, Chalotte, Orococco, Stivale di Napoleone, Sydney, Torreycanyon e Volgare.
I piccoli Borrible si allenano per poche settimane, e poi è il momento di partire: a loro si unisce anche Randello, che li ha allenati, e poi Adolf, un Borrible tedesco. Entrambi questi due hanno già un nome, ma vogliono conquistarne un altro.
È qui che comincia l'avventura.
Come potete sicuramente vedere, c'è molto background da capire in questo libro per poter comprendere i personaggi e le loro azioni. Il tutto, però, viene inserito benissimo attraverso il libro e quindi non diventa pesantissimo. Ho voluto comunque darvi un'idea generale all'inizio della recensione, altrimenti non si sarebbe capito nulla della storia o del libro in sé.
Siamo di fronte a un libro che va inserito nel contesto in cui è stato pubblicato per la prima volta (1976), poiché in alcuni casi ci troviamo di fronte a commenti da parte di alcuni personaggi (in particolare Randello) che sanno di razzismo e misoginia, sebbene all'interno del romanzo siano totalmente normalizzati.
Personalmente all'inizio ci sono rimasta un po' male, soprattutto tenendo conto che siamo di fronte a un libro per ragazzi, ma facendo un po' di ricerche sul romanzo ho avuto informazioni ulteriori sul contesto e, in particolare, sull'ispirazione che ha dato vita ai satirici Rumble: i Wombles, piuttosto popolari in Inghilterra.
Lasciando da parte tutto questo, la storia in realtà è molto lineare e avventurosa, di sicuro interessante per un ragazzino ma anche per chi, come me, è un po' più cresciuto. Com'è giusto che sia, in fondo.
Non è un libro voluminoso, e le parti in cui viene spiegata la cultura Borrible si intrecciano bene con le parti in cui si combatte o, comunque, è presente dell'azione. Ciò lascia la possibilità di respirare e di leggere il libro con calma.
Io personalmente ho trovato la storia semplice nel suo complesso, ma ho trovato davvero interessante la cultura Borrible che ci viene spiegata e che trapela. È uno dei miei punti deboli, quello delle culture nei libri. Molte volte ne rimango affascinata.
Peccato che ogni volta che leggo un libro sono i miei personaggi preferiti a morire (presumibilmente).
Per quanto riguarda i personaggi, i Borrible sono tutti ragazzini spigliati e avventurosi. Hanno voglia di vivere e di ottenere un nome che li farà ricordare. Insomma, completamente diversi da me, ecco. Hanno comunque delle peculiarità loro, come l'amore di Sydney per gli animali, o l'interesse per la meccanica di Torreycanyon, ma i Borrible che mi hanno più colpito sono Randello e Pugno. Perché?
Be'... Pugno mi sembra un manipolatore, uno che trama di nascosto per far andare le cose come vuole lui. Un Borrible che a volte non sembra più tale. Voglio vedere come viene portato avanti questo personaggio, e anche che fine farà. Proprio come Testadisasso, il capo dei Borrible di Wandsworth.
Randello, invece, parte come un ottimo Borrible, se ne discosta, e poi, a mia opinione personale, torna tale. È il personaggio che, assieme a Stivale di Napoleone, ha in sé più conflitto degli altri.
In particolare mi piace la relazione di inimicizia tra questi ultimi due, che comunque cercano di collaborare per portare avanti la missione.
Lo stile è molto leggero, adatto per dei ragazzi, e il libro si legge molto bene. È un libro che si ha voglia di prendere in mano e continuare a leggere, e personalmente mi sembra strano che questa trilogia non sia più popolare tra i ragazzi. O forse sono solo io che non la conoscevo?
Nel complesso, un ottimo libro che vi consiglio!
January 24, 2012
I first read this book when I was twelve, and was instantly captivated. I even went through a phase of wanting to run away and become a Borrible (in fact, I still do now). I recently read it again, many years later, and found all of the magic was still there. This is the perfect boys' book- fast paced, exciting, violent and just rude enough for you to think 'Mum will kill me if she finds me reading this'. Every twelve year old should have a copy to treasure.
Read
September 9, 2014This was awesome.
It was children's fantasy without the cheese, set in a wonderfully dark and grimy London of the late 70s. The Borribles are...kinda like the Lost Boys, but better. And their mortal enemies are kinda like the Wombles of Wimbledom Common, but far far worse.
Seriously, I loved every second of this, and I need to read the next book because NOOOOOO that can't be how it ended.
It was children's fantasy without the cheese, set in a wonderfully dark and grimy London of the late 70s. The Borribles are...kinda like the Lost Boys, but better. And their mortal enemies are kinda like the Wombles of Wimbledom Common, but far far worse.
Seriously, I loved every second of this, and I need to read the next book because NOOOOOO that can't be how it ended.
March 13, 2015
Borribles? Great idea. Loved 'em, would've wanted to be one, would've been a little frightened of being one. And great use of geography -- this is 'urban' fantasy Peter Pan-style, as drawn from the kids hanging around Tottenham High Street, as soaked in London geography, as it is a punky, proletariat reworking of Edith Nesbit or Narnia.
I'm torn, because I loved the premise, I loved the ideas. Where it falls down -- and perhaps I wouldn't have noticed this as a child -- is the execution. It's all very well to want to write your reaction to staid, safe, edifying upper-middle-class children's literature, but it has to stand as a plot on its own. If as a child you loathed and feared the Wombles, this is the blood-spattered revenge fantasy you've been looking for. If you're not in on the 'Rumbles' joke, it's a long and gleefully gory battle between Our Heroes and some vague antagonists who...well, haven't really been established as any nastier than the Borribles themselves.
The soapbox-free sideplots were much more entertaining, and so I'll probably get around to the sequels at some point; it'll be interesting to see what Larrabeiti does with a bit more original worldbuilding. But the first book? A brilliant, brilliant idea, which in attempting to fill a niche sorely in need of filling, almost collapses under the weight of that responsibility.
I'm torn, because I loved the premise, I loved the ideas. Where it falls down -- and perhaps I wouldn't have noticed this as a child -- is the execution. It's all very well to want to write your reaction to staid, safe, edifying upper-middle-class children's literature, but it has to stand as a plot on its own. If as a child you loathed and feared the Wombles, this is the blood-spattered revenge fantasy you've been looking for. If you're not in on the 'Rumbles' joke, it's a long and gleefully gory battle between Our Heroes and some vague antagonists who...well, haven't really been established as any nastier than the Borribles themselves.
The soapbox-free sideplots were much more entertaining, and so I'll probably get around to the sequels at some point; it'll be interesting to see what Larrabeiti does with a bit more original worldbuilding. But the first book? A brilliant, brilliant idea, which in attempting to fill a niche sorely in need of filling, almost collapses under the weight of that responsibility.
Read
August 25, 2022I read this book in middle school or hi school and loved it. Such a strange book for me to actually think about over the years. I should probably reread it to see if I can see why it made an impression.
November 16, 2015
A fast-paced action fantasy for adolescents/YA in which the author enjoyed doing a takeoff of the Wombles...except his Rumbles are unpleasant and materialistic instead of being gentle off-the-grid recycling hippies. They run afoul of the Borribles, Dickensian street kids who inhabit abandoned buildings and scavenge (ie steal) a living off the markets--and never grow up. Any reader too young to remember the Wombles will be a bit lost, and a knowledge of Oliver Twist would be of help.
It held my attention, as the writing just sweeps you along, but. It's a big "but". A little too much is put down to "luck was with them", a phrase that was so often repeated as to become annoying. The second part of that "but" is that during the "war" scenes, the Borribles are a wee bit too indestructible. For what it is, it's an OK read, but it could have been a bit better. The last paragraph made me very angry indeed, but then I suppose it was meant to. Another "but" is that for kids (and yes, they live for years, but live as kids) they're a bit verbose; the dialogue was less than convincing. No street slang (and the author could have invented his own)--not even much in the way of Cockney. Where does slang come from? From young people. Duh. Apparently the author didn't know many.
Thanks to Krazykiwi, my GR friend, for recommending this.
It held my attention, as the writing just sweeps you along, but. It's a big "but". A little too much is put down to "luck was with them", a phrase that was so often repeated as to become annoying. The second part of that "but" is that during the "war" scenes, the Borribles are a wee bit too indestructible. For what it is, it's an OK read, but it could have been a bit better. The last paragraph made me very angry indeed, but then I suppose it was meant to. Another "but" is that for kids (and yes, they live for years, but live as kids) they're a bit verbose; the dialogue was less than convincing. No street slang (and the author could have invented his own)--not even much in the way of Cockney. Where does slang come from? From young people. Duh. Apparently the author didn't know many.
Thanks to Krazykiwi, my GR friend, for recommending this.
October 9, 2015
Where has this book been my whole life? I LOVED the Borribles, and to be honest with you I'm not sure why.
I don't know if it's the adventure, the unique world, or strange characters that just... kept me reading, but I loved it.
********************************
It is time to jump in the way back machine and take a look at another 'oldie but goodie' book. This time I am featuring The Borribles, which is the first book in The Borrible Trilogy. The Borrible Trilogy is a gritty children's/YA urban fantasy series.
I am surprised at the amount of people who have not heard about The Borribles. When I first read the book in 2012, I was over the moon about it. It was unlike anything I had read at the time and that was almost 36 years after it was first published. Immediately upon finishing it, I started talking about it to others and it was surprising the amount of people who answered with "What are Borribles?" or "I have never even heard of this book".
To answer the question - a Borrible is a runaway child. They look just like regular children, but they have tiny pointed ears (which are easily covered by knitted hats). Once their ears are pointed, they stay a child forever unless their ears are clipped. Borribles are smart, witty, and capable of surviving in the world without the assistance of adults. Their biggest fear is being captured by adults and having their ears clipped, which will turn them into boring, dull individuals.
Borribles form their own groups, which are like tiny little clans. These groups protect each other at all costs and even have their own claimed territory.
The first novel, Borribles, starts off with the Borribles of Battersea encountering a giant rat-like creature. These rat-like creatures is typically only found in enemy territory, so the fact that it ventured into the Borribles of Battersea land is frightening and could be an indication that an invasion is near. In an effort to prevent an invasion, several brave Borribles volunteer to go on an epic journey. The Borribles tells the tale of this epic adventure.
One of the first things that stands out about The Borribles is it is an extremely violent, gritty novel. I was surprised when I learned that many people classified it as a children's book. It definitely has a lot of violent, bloody scenes and the life the Borribles live is not all rainbows and butterflies. This book would probably be classified as a YA book by today's standards.
What is there to like about The Borribles? It has a detailed, solid plot that moves at warp speed. It was amazing just how fast I was getting through the novel and before I knew it, it was over. The adventure scenes are detailed, but not to the point that they are over-fluffed up. Readers are given a sense of adventuring alongside The Borribles, but they aren't experiencing every, single mind-numbing part of the adventure.
When the novel ends, there is a desire to pick up the second book right away. And I highly recommend doing that, as one novel completes and blends right into the second novel. It also helps to relieve some of the nagging questions some readers may have about the Borribles and their world.
In addition to the detailed plot and fast paced action, the characters are surprisingly fleshed out. Considering the length of the book and the sheer number of characters (there are a lot more than 6 or 7), one would assume that the characters would be just one-dimensional individuals, but they really weren't. I honestly formed true bonds with the characters and by the end of the book, I have to admit there was a small part of me that wished I could become a Borrible.
There is another aspect of The Borribles that I really enjoyed. It was the social commentary within the book. I read the novel as an adult, so I was able to appreciate the subtle hints and examples of social inequalities, pure greed, and other social problems. Many times authors try to beat the reader over the head with their point-of-view and opinions, but I didn't really get that with The Borribles. It was enough to make you think about things, but it didn't interfere with the plot or go overboard.
Now, there is probably a concern that a book written in 1976 might not be relevant in today's world, especially an urban fantasy. The Borribles really fits in with today's world. Sure, some of the social commentary might be a bit dated, but for the most part, The Borribles is just as good when read today as it was back in 1976. This is probably because the world in the novel is unique. People will be able to relate it to London, but there are aspects that make it unique and fun to read.
Overall, I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed The Borribles. It wouldn't have been a book I would have thought I'd have enjoyed as much as I did. I wish more people knew about it and gave it a try, but I really think in terms of urban fantasy it is a classic. So hope in your time machine and give it a try, you won't regret it!
I don't know if it's the adventure, the unique world, or strange characters that just... kept me reading, but I loved it.
********************************
It is time to jump in the way back machine and take a look at another 'oldie but goodie' book. This time I am featuring The Borribles, which is the first book in The Borrible Trilogy. The Borrible Trilogy is a gritty children's/YA urban fantasy series.
I am surprised at the amount of people who have not heard about The Borribles. When I first read the book in 2012, I was over the moon about it. It was unlike anything I had read at the time and that was almost 36 years after it was first published. Immediately upon finishing it, I started talking about it to others and it was surprising the amount of people who answered with "What are Borribles?" or "I have never even heard of this book".
To answer the question - a Borrible is a runaway child. They look just like regular children, but they have tiny pointed ears (which are easily covered by knitted hats). Once their ears are pointed, they stay a child forever unless their ears are clipped. Borribles are smart, witty, and capable of surviving in the world without the assistance of adults. Their biggest fear is being captured by adults and having their ears clipped, which will turn them into boring, dull individuals.
Borribles form their own groups, which are like tiny little clans. These groups protect each other at all costs and even have their own claimed territory.
The first novel, Borribles, starts off with the Borribles of Battersea encountering a giant rat-like creature. These rat-like creatures is typically only found in enemy territory, so the fact that it ventured into the Borribles of Battersea land is frightening and could be an indication that an invasion is near. In an effort to prevent an invasion, several brave Borribles volunteer to go on an epic journey. The Borribles tells the tale of this epic adventure.
One of the first things that stands out about The Borribles is it is an extremely violent, gritty novel. I was surprised when I learned that many people classified it as a children's book. It definitely has a lot of violent, bloody scenes and the life the Borribles live is not all rainbows and butterflies. This book would probably be classified as a YA book by today's standards.
What is there to like about The Borribles? It has a detailed, solid plot that moves at warp speed. It was amazing just how fast I was getting through the novel and before I knew it, it was over. The adventure scenes are detailed, but not to the point that they are over-fluffed up. Readers are given a sense of adventuring alongside The Borribles, but they aren't experiencing every, single mind-numbing part of the adventure.
When the novel ends, there is a desire to pick up the second book right away. And I highly recommend doing that, as one novel completes and blends right into the second novel. It also helps to relieve some of the nagging questions some readers may have about the Borribles and their world.
In addition to the detailed plot and fast paced action, the characters are surprisingly fleshed out. Considering the length of the book and the sheer number of characters (there are a lot more than 6 or 7), one would assume that the characters would be just one-dimensional individuals, but they really weren't. I honestly formed true bonds with the characters and by the end of the book, I have to admit there was a small part of me that wished I could become a Borrible.
There is another aspect of The Borribles that I really enjoyed. It was the social commentary within the book. I read the novel as an adult, so I was able to appreciate the subtle hints and examples of social inequalities, pure greed, and other social problems. Many times authors try to beat the reader over the head with their point-of-view and opinions, but I didn't really get that with The Borribles. It was enough to make you think about things, but it didn't interfere with the plot or go overboard.
Now, there is probably a concern that a book written in 1976 might not be relevant in today's world, especially an urban fantasy. The Borribles really fits in with today's world. Sure, some of the social commentary might be a bit dated, but for the most part, The Borribles is just as good when read today as it was back in 1976. This is probably because the world in the novel is unique. People will be able to relate it to London, but there are aspects that make it unique and fun to read.
Overall, I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed The Borribles. It wouldn't have been a book I would have thought I'd have enjoyed as much as I did. I wish more people knew about it and gave it a try, but I really think in terms of urban fantasy it is a classic. So hope in your time machine and give it a try, you won't regret it!
February 27, 2019
I remember this as being a lot better than it was.
Honestly I barely remember reading it, although certain details were familiar when I got to it.
One of my issues is the inclusion of the map at the front of the book. Yes, it's nice to have one, but it also made me realise that they essentially cover 3, maybe 4 miles (as the crow flies)... a distance that could very probably be walked by a moderately fit adult in an hour, hour and a half tops. And it takes the Borribles multiple DAYS to cover the same ground.
Essentially they could have walked to Rumbledom the first day.
Also, the ending is both very anticlimatic and very "tell don't show"... it's also totally setting up the first of the two sequels that emerged from this book.
On top of that I find barely any of the characters memorable, beyond Knocker and Napoleon Boot... you have a cast of ten "main" characters... they should be unique and distinct, but they just don't feel that way, especially the girls. Also, side note, I know this was written in 1976 but there is some serious casual sexism going on in this book... firstly, why is it really only the two female Rumbles/Borribles who have gendered names (Napoleon notwithstanding, he's named after a historical person, so I'm not counting him)... one of the male Rumbles/Borribles is named after a river for goodness sake, but no, the girls have to be girls and go after the girl Rumbles because they have girl names.
And then the only really character trait given to either of the girls is that she loves horses. Well, a specific horse. And I can't even remember which of the girls. And both the female Rumbles are found and defeated in the kitchen. Because women.
Pfffft.
It's a weird book, the action seems to given slightly more weight outside of the actual battle with the Rumbles (the sequence before with the Snatcher and the sequence after with the Wendles), and the Rumble battles don't feel particularly thrilling because there isn't really even a threat of anyone dying (and I don't even think that I was just remembering that part of the story).
And the end just handwaves and says "oh, yeah, everyone was fine but now these four totally die offscreen by the way... unless they show up in the sequel for some reason... then they don't".
Yeah, while the writing isn't bad, the concept of the book of these feral "Peter Pan" children who never grow up but become Borribles instead is fascinating, but the whole thing is just disappointing.
Honestly I barely remember reading it, although certain details were familiar when I got to it.
One of my issues is the inclusion of the map at the front of the book. Yes, it's nice to have one, but it also made me realise that they essentially cover 3, maybe 4 miles (as the crow flies)... a distance that could very probably be walked by a moderately fit adult in an hour, hour and a half tops. And it takes the Borribles multiple DAYS to cover the same ground.
Essentially they could have walked to Rumbledom the first day.
Also, the ending is both very anticlimatic and very "tell don't show"... it's also totally setting up the first of the two sequels that emerged from this book.
On top of that I find barely any of the characters memorable, beyond Knocker and Napoleon Boot... you have a cast of ten "main" characters... they should be unique and distinct, but they just don't feel that way, especially the girls. Also, side note, I know this was written in 1976 but there is some serious casual sexism going on in this book... firstly, why is it really only the two female Rumbles/Borribles who have gendered names (Napoleon notwithstanding, he's named after a historical person, so I'm not counting him)... one of the male Rumbles/Borribles is named after a river for goodness sake, but no, the girls have to be girls and go after the girl Rumbles because they have girl names.
And then the only really character trait given to either of the girls is that she loves horses. Well, a specific horse. And I can't even remember which of the girls. And both the female Rumbles are found and defeated in the kitchen. Because women.
Pfffft.
It's a weird book, the action seems to given slightly more weight outside of the actual battle with the Rumbles (the sequence before with the Snatcher and the sequence after with the Wendles), and the Rumble battles don't feel particularly thrilling because there isn't really even a threat of anyone dying (and I don't even think that I was just remembering that part of the story).
And the end just handwaves and says "oh, yeah, everyone was fine but now these four totally die offscreen by the way... unless they show up in the sequel for some reason... then they don't".
Yeah, while the writing isn't bad, the concept of the book of these feral "Peter Pan" children who never grow up but become Borribles instead is fascinating, but the whole thing is just disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2017
lol so old it didn't have a bar code and there probly not sold any more
July 26, 2013
Intro: Borribles are generally skinny and have pointed ears which give them a slightly satanic appearance. They are pretty tough-looking and always scruffy, with their arises hanging out of their trousers. Apart from that they look just like normal children
Summary: The Borribles of Battlesea discover a Rumble tunneling inside of Battersea. Now, for clarification a Rumble is really just another type of Borrible but with two distinct differences: 1) They are from Rumbleton and 2) they prefer to live in burrows instead of old boroughs.
Skiff the commander of the Battersea Borribles takes the trespass of the Rumble and uses that as an excuse to invade the main burrow in Rumbleton as a preemptive attack instead of waiting to be attacked. In reality Spiff is wanting to steal a great treasure that is hidden in the Rumleton's commanders living quarters.
8 Borribles are chosen to go on this adventure. One additional is included to be the "historian" but in reality is secret mission is to steal the treasure box. 9 take out on this misfit adventure and the meet a german Borrible along the way.
Such a wonderful tale that I do not want to go into further details for fear of ruining this simple and easy read.
If you like adventure and a quick easy read then this is the book for you.
Summary: The Borribles of Battlesea discover a Rumble tunneling inside of Battersea. Now, for clarification a Rumble is really just another type of Borrible but with two distinct differences: 1) They are from Rumbleton and 2) they prefer to live in burrows instead of old boroughs.
Skiff the commander of the Battersea Borribles takes the trespass of the Rumble and uses that as an excuse to invade the main burrow in Rumbleton as a preemptive attack instead of waiting to be attacked. In reality Spiff is wanting to steal a great treasure that is hidden in the Rumleton's commanders living quarters.
8 Borribles are chosen to go on this adventure. One additional is included to be the "historian" but in reality is secret mission is to steal the treasure box. 9 take out on this misfit adventure and the meet a german Borrible along the way.
Such a wonderful tale that I do not want to go into further details for fear of ruining this simple and easy read.
If you like adventure and a quick easy read then this is the book for you.
August 18, 2017
I knew of 'the Borribles' thanks to China Miéville,who aknowledges de Larrabieti as one of the inspirations for his own work.
After having read the first of the three novels of the trilogy I can say that I really enjoyed most of it but there was a very important flaw that really spoilt the pleasure of exploring this other literary alternative London. When I was reading it I could not believe that that part had been written by the same author as the rest of the book.
As it is a central part of the plot, I cannot give the book more than three stars, eve though apart from that I really appreciated those characters and their adventures. In fact I'm already reading book 2...
After having read the first of the three novels of the trilogy I can say that I really enjoyed most of it but there was a very important flaw that really spoilt the pleasure of exploring this other literary alternative London. When I was reading it I could not believe that that part had been written by the same author as the rest of the book.
As it is a central part of the plot, I cannot give the book more than three stars, eve though apart from that I really appreciated those characters and their adventures. In fact I'm already reading book 2...
April 6, 2018
I read this book back in the mid-'80s and remember enjoying very much. I wanted to read again as I've ordered the third book in this series and wanted to refresh my memories. Basically an adventure where a group of Borribles (edgier Borrowers) are tasked to take a trip into Rumble (furry ratlike creatures) territory to cause much havoc and prevent a Rumble invasion into Borrible territory. The story is set in London and an adventure like this will grant the tasked Borribles a name. The eight will be given the names of the eight Rumble leaders they kill in their adventure. On the way, they encounter plotting Borribles who want the treasure that will be acquired, Borrower kidnappers, who like to use Borribles for their dirty deeds and of course, the Rumble kingdom. A fast-paced adventure that is easy to read. It's not necessarily a child-friendly adventure, but good for teens and adults. The Borribles is an interesting adventure and worth giving a try. Not as good as my memories but still entertaining.
April 25, 2014
I hated this book. Don't ask me why because I don't know. The plot was murky. The ending leaves more questions than answers as if the author is trying to force you to read the next book (I won't be) The Borribles are suppose to be human yet they exhibit no human nevermind childlike characteristics. We are never given a reason as to what makes there adversaries so evil or the nature of the Rumbles's origins. The author takes the reader on too many side quests with a Borrible catcher named Dewdrop who ultimately serves no purpose to the greater plot. And Dewdrop isn't the only character who seems to serve no purpose. Granted this is the first book in a trilogy and maybe these questions will be answered in subsequent books, but I won't be reading them because this book left me so frustrated and confused that I no longer care what the answer to these questions are.
May 25, 2025
Planning to re-read this one eventually but it was a favorite childhood of mine and I'll indulge once more one day
Incredible that it was translated in my language or I would have never discovered it, so I had to read the original one when I had a chance
Twitter leftist with revolutionary aspirations would love this one captioning "borribles say acab" - which they do
Anyway, if you want to see an original middle grade with children who become eternally youthful city goblins but without magic - just slingshot - while they commit manslaughter and questionable mass murder on humanoid rat people... that's the book for you
Incredible that it was translated in my language or I would have never discovered it, so I had to read the original one when I had a chance
Twitter leftist with revolutionary aspirations would love this one captioning "borribles say acab" - which they do
Anyway, if you want to see an original middle grade with children who become eternally youthful city goblins but without magic - just slingshot - while they commit manslaughter and questionable mass murder on humanoid rat people... that's the book for you
March 16, 2014
This is one of the more unique (and I mean that in the *best* possible way) fantasy books I've read. The Borribles are child-sized and live by their thieving and cunning in and around London. Their enemy, the Rumbles, have made an incursion into the Battersea area initiating a grand adventure. It is a well told story with a large number of characters but its always clear who is doing/saying what. It is the first in a YA trilogy which explains why all questions in this book weren't answered right away.
April 13, 2011
What could be more out-there and cool thank a group of 1970's British street-punk kids similar to runaway elves? Not much, especially when Micheal De Larrabeiti does it. The Borrible stories are full of action, great characters, and strange sayings I have never heard anywhere else. As a warning, there is some language, plenty of violence, and some sewers, so this is a 14+ sort of trilogy- unless parental decisions are a factor. However, it's still a good story. I rather liked it. :)
July 4, 2016
Hmm. People looooooove this, but I'm not certain I did.
I was pretty put off by the violence. There's talk of goo coming out of skulls! While we don't see the "other side" really do anything bad at all, we see the Borribles do some pretty bad things.
I'm going to keep reading the series, but if the first book wasn't a setup to show corruption and peer pressure and xenophobia, I'll probably stop after the next one.
I was pretty put off by the violence. There's talk of goo coming out of skulls! While we don't see the "other side" really do anything bad at all, we see the Borribles do some pretty bad things.
I'm going to keep reading the series, but if the first book wasn't a setup to show corruption and peer pressure and xenophobia, I'll probably stop after the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2018
I first read "The Borribles" when I was 11, and fell in love with the anarchic tale of scruffy street kids launching a commando-style assassination strike on a race of subterranean rat-creatures. I'm still a fan as an adult, even if I do now tend to notice some of the probability-stretching conveniences of the plot, and the rather inconsistent characterisation of the antagonists (though at least, as an adult, I realise who they are a pastiche of).
Don't get caught!
Don't get caught!
August 11, 2020
A curious book!
I found it difficult to get into because the characterization was rather slim, but I kept on for the cleverness strategies and intensely physical nature of the obstacles. There was nothing heroic in the violence, just grim determined killing. And it had a very intent focus on money as the root of all evil. And then the end-- a curious turn. I think I will be chewing on this book for a while.
Glad I finished it!
I found it difficult to get into because the characterization was rather slim, but I kept on for the cleverness strategies and intensely physical nature of the obstacles. There was nothing heroic in the violence, just grim determined killing. And it had a very intent focus on money as the root of all evil. And then the end-- a curious turn. I think I will be chewing on this book for a while.
Glad I finished it!
June 6, 2017
I re-read this after 30 years, having dug it out for my daughter. Enjoyed it more than ever. For some reason I did not make the connection between Rumbles and Wombles as a child (Wombles were just a little before my time) - getting the joke now just makes it more fun. There should be more murderous effin' street urchins in modern kid's books, and less fairy princess unicorns.
March 18, 2009
A fun, yet violent romp. Street urchins, who are a mix of Peter Pan's lost boys and the pick pockets from Oliver Twist, plan revenge on the nasty Rumbles. Plodding around London with their trust catapults they fight to perserve their way of life and to earn their names.
February 16, 2021
Old school YA / MG - as in before vampires and "which boy will I choose" becomes the real internal stakes of the novel. That said, old school. Dated references, but it's still a lot of fun and a good adventure.
January 11, 2010
This was one of the last books I read from the children's section of the library. It was also one of the first books that made me cry. It stood up fairly well when I re-read it as an adult.
May 4, 2018
What an ending; loss after loss. It was most definitely not a Disney ending - which in some ways is more satisfying.
June 3, 2023
River, river, windin' ferever,
I reckon you've seen it all before.
Wot's night's endin' ter you, river?
Just one daybreak more.
I reckon you've seen it all before.
Wot's night's endin' ter you, river?
Just one daybreak more.
July 8, 2024
Very much the sort of book I would have loved as a kid.
April 18, 2022
This re-read was a blast from the past, though I didn't enjoy it as much as I did when I was twelve, and it didn't feel quite as daring as I remembered it to be.
For me, the stand-outs of this book are its real and grimy setting, fast pace, and extensive and inventive world building. The anti-greed and anti-establishment made a big impact on me as a child, and still feels effective today.
With its large group of adventurers, plot, magical England and themes, I think this would be a good read for anyone who enjoys Tolkien, especially if the Hobbit and The Fellowship of the ring are favourite books of yours. I can see a lot of parallels and cannot help but assume that Tolkien was an inspiration to de Larrabeiti.
But, for those who enjoy more contemporary fantasy, this might feel lacking. Though diversity isn't completely lacking—one of the main borribles is black and two of them are female—it cannot compare to more recent books. Though I feel these three characters are handled pretty respectively, the book is extremely white and male to the point it was distracting, felt hard to believe as well as untrue to 20th century England. Also, the only disabled character is shown to be evil and is murdered, which was pretty upsetting. If these are dealbreakers for you, maybe give the book a miss.
As I rated this 4 stars, this clearly didn't ruin the story for me and I still think it is great.
For me, the stand-outs of this book are its real and grimy setting, fast pace, and extensive and inventive world building. The anti-greed and anti-establishment made a big impact on me as a child, and still feels effective today.
With its large group of adventurers, plot, magical England and themes, I think this would be a good read for anyone who enjoys Tolkien, especially if the Hobbit and The Fellowship of the ring are favourite books of yours. I can see a lot of parallels and cannot help but assume that Tolkien was an inspiration to de Larrabeiti.
But, for those who enjoy more contemporary fantasy, this might feel lacking. Though diversity isn't completely lacking—one of the main borribles is black and two of them are female—it cannot compare to more recent books. Though I feel these three characters are handled pretty respectively, the book is extremely white and male to the point it was distracting, felt hard to believe as well as untrue to 20th century England. Also, the only disabled character is shown to be evil and is murdered, which was pretty upsetting. If these are dealbreakers for you, maybe give the book a miss.
As I rated this 4 stars, this clearly didn't ruin the story for me and I still think it is great.
January 4, 2021
If ever you wanted to read Peter Pan's Lost Boys vs The Wombles, then this is the book for you. Borribles (runaway kids who turn feral and never grow up) live and forage in the shadows of London (the back cover says this is set in the future, though nothing really substantiates this—it's all very 1970s grim), and protect their territory from the underground dwelling, rat-like Rumbles; when a group of untried and unnamed Borribles are sent on a quest—The Great Rumble Hunt—to seek and destroy the encroaching enemy, the adventure begins.
Better in concept than execution, unfortunately. Pace and interest ironically flags as the quest (according to the frontispiece map, only about eight miles there and back again) begins, and it's oddly paced; there's an imprisonment interlude—bizarrely, supposedly months in duration—that seems unlikely and out of place, especially against the final confrontation, in which everything happens easily enough, with very few hiccups.
And then the book ends with half the characters stuck on a cliffhanger ending which is never addressed. Maybe that's what the sequel's about?
Better in concept than execution, unfortunately. Pace and interest ironically flags as the quest (according to the frontispiece map, only about eight miles there and back again) begins, and it's oddly paced; there's an imprisonment interlude—bizarrely, supposedly months in duration—that seems unlikely and out of place, especially against the final confrontation, in which everything happens easily enough, with very few hiccups.
And then the book ends with half the characters stuck on a cliffhanger ending which is never addressed. Maybe that's what the sequel's about?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews