Poor plot development

This read like an excellent short story, spread out thinly to make a novel. The repeated attacks on Kingshaw become monotonous and his terror seems dull and unappealing as it reduces him to two dimensions. The eventual ending is obvious from the beginning and there is nothing substantial to dissuade the reader/listener. The climax seems to occur about half way through the book, leaving the reader simply waiting for the resolution.

However, as character portraits, and as a depiction of the interactions of pre-teens, it is practically perfect. Certainly enough for 3 stars all on its own.

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1 person found this helpful

I usually love Susan Hill...

This was just unremittingly miserable. Beautifully written, but what a bleak message. It made me desolate.

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2 people found this helpful

strangely compelling

A dark and broody book. I didn't know where it was heading until finally it got there all too soon.Having read other Susan Hill books i was surprised by the content and as it went on i thought it may have been a childrens book, however the reality was that this was a book about the bullies,the fears and unsureness of juveniles growing up and about the nasty relationships which are so often hidden from most of our lives.
Very enjoyable, even if the ending was a little abrupt!

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10 people found this helpful

Powerful, cruel, heartbreaking and disturbing.

I first read this book as a 16 year old boy at school. It didn't really resonate with me but I knew that I would have been better off reading it as I matured. Susan Hill has an unbeatable skill of draining all hope out of the reader as she has done in many of her other books. Read it and let it stay with you. it will stay with you for a long time.

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Somewhat disappointed

I have listened and read quite a number of Susan Hill's books, mostly the Simon Serrailler ones all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately I felt whilst there were excellent complexities to the characters which certainly maintained interest there seemed to be relative lack of strength to the overall storyline and conclusion.
I was tiring of the book towards the end.
I appreciate that this may only be my opinion, but that's how it is.
Do check the other Susan Hill books out, especially Woman in Black.

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5 people found this helpful

Pure misery

A wretched tale in which the underdog never wins, a study in bullying and hatefulness. A sad waste of time.

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4 people found this helpful

Unrelenting Suffering and Sadness

I usually like Susan Hills books but this one was very depressing with absolutely no cheer or hope for humanity. One good and kindly character wold have helped to keep me going but I struggled to bear the bullying and harshness the poor little central character had to experience . A cheerful listen is needed for a dose of happiness after this dirge. I kept on thinking it will end with some warmth and humanity but no...

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2 people found this helpful