The Savage

This story seems to me the best thing David Almond has written since The Fire-Eaters. It tells (in a brief compass) of a boy who overcomes bitter resentment towards a bully (who mocks him over his father's death) by writing a story, which then comes partially to life in the real world, about a feral child who lives like a wild animal and with whom he can half identify himself. Almond fans will recognize a number of themes that Almond has made peculiarly his own -- family affection, bereavement, the need to come to terms with the darker side of human character, and the strange borderline between fantasy and reality. The numerous illustrations (which are an integral part of the work and not just an accompaniment) have an appropriate roughness to them, though writer and artist should have come to an agreement over the savage boy's dress -- skins in the text, but jeans in the illustrations.

Chilling. Or hilarious. Or both, or neither. Is magic real? Is this the Holographic Matrix? Can you create reality merely by speaking or writing new characters and scenarios? A book for kids. As Dave read the review, he felt oddly compelled to get back in touch with an old friend. "I really must do another project with Neil before it's too late," he mused. Some miles away, one of Neil's dogs pricked up its ears and barked, once.

Excellent product

This really caught my son's imagination (and mine). Almond's writing is sharp and the striking illustrations add to the atmosphere. The story confronts young readers with harsh subjects but that is what we liked about the story - it is real and gritty and full of positive and negative emotion. A book I would recommend to all children of a strong disposition and an interest in the real world. Just marvelous.

Great book

Haven't read yet but blurb looks gr8

This book was an ex-library edition and was covered with plastic covering and library stamps inside. I suppose it's not really a problem, but its a constant reminder that it's a library book.

Read this one summer holiday and decided to use it as a text for my Year 6 class. Just fantastic. Amazing pictures and story which really grip you and sparks your imagination. Hooks the boys especially (as well as the girls) right in. The children absolutely love it and even those who hate reading come in with their own copies. What more can I say?