Thornhill product reviews

I have read a few books in the past that tell two tales in one book and usually really enjoy it but find it takes a while to sort the different times in my head but with the way this book is done it was really easy to read. At first I thought it was a diary with pictures for illustration purposes but soon realised the pictures told their own story. I could clearly tell what was happening at any given time and it was easy to follow the story of Mary although no details were given I found that I was sympathetic to how she was treated by the unnamed bully and I spent most the story hoping that she got away and had a "happy ever after" but it was made clear that she never had the chance but no details were given so a big question is what happened to her and how did it happen?

I get my love of books and reading from my mum and I came home from work one day to find she had started reading the book but she said she found it hard to follow the story as she hadn't realised the pictures were a story on their own.

I will definitely read this book again as it was easy for me to finish in a few hours even with kids busy around me and needing my attention and would gladly let my sons read it as I think it is something that parents should always be teaching kids, not to be nasty and how to handle situations that can be uncomfortable, you don't have to keep quiet when someone is being mean to you and sometimes it is easier if they feel they are discussing a book/story.

The price and the weight of this volume are quite hefty, but there again it packs a lot of pages into one story and is a book I will read many times so it is important that the binding will stand up to lots of handling. The reason I will read it again is due to the quality of the images - black and white, and amazingly detailed. If pictures could talk ... but then again, they do!

Neither a graphic novel nor a prose work, this story combines the two in separate narratives that become closer as the story progresses. This is the first time I have encountered a novel with this sort of layout, but I found it very easy to follow. I read a similar book recently where the two strands were separated by the fonts used - one strand was written in roman script and the other in italic. That was actually harder to read because my eyes kept adjusting to the script. In Thornhill, the divisions could not be more obvious.

The theme of the book is that of isolation and its long term effect on a young person. Neither Mary nor Ella is alone by choice; circumstances have forced them into providing their own entertainment by pursuing an activity they enjoy. For Mary, it is crafting dolls; for Ella, it is exploring her surroundings and uncovering the mysteries they conceal. The adults in both of their lives have something to answer for as they fail in their duty to provide for their children and ensure they are happy and safe.

This is essentially a ghost story and one which over tens will enjoy if they are into this genre. It is not too scary; although the subtext is quite dark, there are no gory details included to upset a young reader. The cruelty shown by Mary's companions towards her it something any child who is familiar with bullying will recognise. The emotion generated will be sympathy for Mary rather than fear at her situation, although some readers may wonder why the grown-ups in her life were not more proactive in dealing with the bullies.

I found the ending of the book predictable, but I was left with one unanswered question - what happened to Mary? There are hints all the way through the story, but no firm indication as to the precise outcome. I think one more graphic chapter combining the stories and including a definitive explanation to wind up the mystery would have rounded it off more successfully. I still had questions after two readings, and I am no wiser. However, it is a beautifully produced work and one which as an adult I enjoyed every bit as much as a younger person would.