Books
by Geraldine McCaughrean
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Not the End of the World |
What was it really like at the Flood? Timna is Noah's daughter - she doesn't appear in the traditional story, but she was there. Then there is the family - tyrannical Noah, his long-suffering wife, her insufferable brothers and their wives. Their views present an alternative vision of a familiar story. This is an uncomfortable book aimed at young readers but well worth the effort. McCaughrean is a good writer who is not afraid to be different.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 29 April 2005) |
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Peter Pan in Scarlet |
"Something is wrong in Neverland . . . we must go back". So Wendy, John and the other Lost Boys (despite being Grown Up) find themselves back under the leadership of Pan. Neverland is dying as dreams are leaking out. Can they save it? Full of amazing characters and surreal adventures, McCaughrean captures both the spirit and tone of Barrie's original. And the strangeness. This is the official sequel. Not everyone will like it. But worth a try.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 39 April 2007) |
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The Death Defying Pepper Roux |
Pepper is destined to die on his fourteenth birthday; St Constance revealed this to his aunt at his birth. So on the great day, Pepper walks out and keeps walking into adventures, keeping one step ahead of his fate until he finds his life. McCaughrean never disappoints in her imaginative flights as immaculate plotting takes Pepper from one situation to the next, while weaving a sparkling web of words to capture her readers.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 60 Spring 2011) |
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The Supreme Lie |
Geraldine McCaughrean is one of my favourite authors currently writing for a young audience - but she is not necessarily the most popular. Her writing is razor sharp, replete with glorious vocabulary, her wit is as keen and her settings always a surprise. Here we are in Afalia, a country threatened by a cataclysmic flood. People rely on the News. But is it the truth? Clever, percipient, challenging - and often funny.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 102 Autumn 2021) |
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The White Darkness |
This is a challenging novel, well worth reading; McCaughrean, an outstanding writer for young people, makes no concessions to her audience. Sym, awkward, lonely, intelligent and deaf finds herself on a bizarre journey to the ends of the world - literally, as she travels across Antarctica. Sym has always been fascinated by the continent and in Scott's final journey; her best friend is Captain Titus Oates - but he died ninety years ago. Intriguing? Read it.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 33 February 2006) |
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Where the World Ends |
I make no apology for once more recommending Geraldine McCaughrean; she is one of the finest writers for young people today, always original. Her latest is no exception. We are transported to St Kilda. The community relies on harvesting the sea birds each summer for livelihood. A group of boys with three adults set off to Warrior Stac; but no one comes to bring them home. Read on.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 85 Summer 2017) |
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