Book Review: 'A Monster Calls' By Patrick Ness
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Book Review: 'A Monster Calls' By Patrick Ness

Tearjerking at its finest.

68
Book Review: 'A Monster Calls' By Patrick Ness
Bing

"A Monster Calls" was written by Patrick Ness back in 2011. The idea of the book was conceived by the late young adult novelist, Siobhan Dowd, who passed away from cancer before she could even start the book. I picked it up at my local bookstore out of sheer curiosity, but I didn't know I was in for a surprise. I never thought a book meant for young readers would move me to tears.

"A Monster Calls" puts a very deep twist on the classic boogeyman. If sacrifices horror for a combination of coming-of-age and psychological thriller. The story follows 13-year-old Connor O'Malley. At first, he comes off as your typical 13-year-old boy, stubborn and annoying. He is visited every night by a tree-like monster. It's always seven minutes after midnight. 12:07 is a repeating time throughout the book, and I'll explain later. Anyway, the monster comes three times, to tell Connor three separate stories, and when he visits the fourth time, Connor must tell him the story as well as "The Truth." During the day, we get a deep look into his personal life. It is revealed that Connor's mother is suffering from an unnamed terminal illness, possibly cancer, and as the story progresses, so does her illness.

As I finished the book, I realized that Connor was going through the stages of grief. In the beginning of the book, he is in denial, thinking his mother is going to get better, and everything will be back to normal. Then he goes through the next stage: anger; the fact that he feels he is losing control of his life, and cannot stop his mother's illness fills him with frustration. This is only exacerbated by the bullying he receives in school. Then comes the bargaining stage. Connor's confidence seems to be restored when the doctors decide to try one more treatment on her mother. When that treatment doesn't work, he enters the fourth stage: sadness.

The book reaches its climax at this point, when Connor is forced to confront the nightmare he's been running from throughout the entire story. Throughout the story, the nightmare is vaguely emphasized, obviously to keep the reader intrigued, and the nightmare is in fact. While I won't describe what the nightmare is like, I can tell you it represents the harsh reality of Connor's situation. Connor's mother is dying, and he doesn't want her to, but at the same time, he does because he can't stand seeing her in pain. By finally confronting this, Connor enters the final stage, acceptance. The monster was the manifestation of Connor's grief, and the stories (which I won't go into due to spoilers) represent each of his emotions. The symbolism wasn't very subtle; in fact it was more then obvious from the beginning, but then again, it was a book meant for younger readers.

That's another thing I want to talk about. This book is meant for a younger audience, but the fact it left such an impact on me makes me think that adults should read it as well. The message the book is trying to convey is an upsetting one, but I admire Patrick Ness for it. This is a book that took a risk and delivered a certain story that other stories don't usually have. The horror of the story wasn't coming from the tree monster that visited Connor every night; it's reality that plays as the monster. When we are young, we like to think terrible things can't happen to us, and when they do, we are to scared to face it head-on. That's exactly what Connor was facing when it came to his dying mother. This book was certainly a page-turner and I recommend it to both children and adults. The concept might be upsetting, but then again, it's something we will have to face in life.

But these are just my opinions. Have you read the book? Do you love your mommy and daddy? If so, go hug them and tell them how much you love them! Comment below and have a fun week.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41647
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26120
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951401
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

135227
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments