A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls is a beautifully written book by Patrick Ness. What I thought to be an adult novel, was actually written for young adults - and works equally well for both. It reads like a fairy tale for anyone dealing with issues of loss and grief, the changes that come with illness in the family - children, or adults who are open to storytelling and fantasy.

Every night since thirteen year old Conor's mother started cancer treatments that are failing, he has had the same dream. The massive Yew tree outside his window takes on the form of a monster violently trying to get in. The strange thing is upon waking, there are tree saplings coming up through the floorboards. Soon the monster calls out that he has come to tell Conor three stories ("stories are the wildest things of all"), and the fourth story will be Conor's to tell the monster - the story of his truth. The first is about a Queen and Prince, the second about an apothecary, the third about an invisible man - all with the message that things don't always happen the way we want them to, sometimes they are out of control, but that will be OK. During the day, Conor deals with his estranged father, living with his stepmother and being bullied at school. The time comes for Conor to speak his truth - unleashing his own anger in monstrous ways.

This gem was the first book to win the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenway Medal.

NY Times reviewer John Boyne rightly claimed this will become a classic. It certainly has an emotional depth that rises above the fantasy storyline to encapsulate the fears and helplessness of both youth and the loss of a parent. Sad and beautiful, the unexpected tales soon begin to merge with Conors life in ways readers of any age will appreciate. If you are looking for a solid read, short enough for any reader to enjoy, this is highly recommended.

This was made into a film starring Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, and Liam Neeson in 2016 based on a screenplay by author Patrick Ness.

2011 / Tradeback / 225 pages