Secret
Heart
David Almond
David Almond
Hodder
Children's Books
202p pbk $29.95
0-340-76482-1
Joseph
Maloney is different and out of place in his town of Helmouth. His mother tells him he is "special", and he
believes her, but his only friend is nagging him to toughen up, and the
bullies from his school taunt him. Then
Joseph is visited by a tiger that only half exists and it leads him to
Corrina and the circus where she lives.
Together they learn of the things that bond their two worlds
together, and Joe truly becomes himself.
This
is an engaging book, with a strong and interesting start, a gripping story
line and a satisfying (if fairly predictable) ending. The story is
fascinating, perhaps too supernatural for some, and too dull for others,
but most will find that this blend of a realistic setting with a fantasy
theme is interesting and enjoyable to read. The style is fantastic:
gripping and descriptive without dragging on and easy to understand.
The characters are realistic and easy to picture, and as colourful
as the fantasy aspects in the plot.
The
fact that the story has many fantasy themes would at first lead one to
believe it is for a younger audience, but the style is likely to be more
interesting for older readers. I see this book as being a good read for any ages between 11
and 16, and possibly even older.
