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Emily May's Reviews > Cuckoo Song
Cuckoo Song
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4 1/2 stars. Okay, we need to talk about Frances Hardinge. Despite seeing positive review after positive review, I have been putting her books off for years. Partly because they're supposed to be "middle grade" and partly because I couldn't really make sense of the blurbs - they sounded just... weird.
Well, Tatiana finally made me read The Lie Tree, which gave way to a weekend full of Hardinge madness. Because oh, her books are weird, but in the best possible creative, original way. Sometimes I guess "I have never read anything like this" is the best kind of compliment.
Cuckoo Song is best described as a dark fairy tale. The main characters are young and there is nothing unsuitable for children, and yet this is far from your typical middle grade book. It is inventive and clever. The story is full of metaphor, genuinely creepy scenes and an underlying tale about family and war.
It's like a paranormal historical horror mystery. And it is fantastic. The writing is gorgeous, full of lush but scary descriptions and the plot is so layered and thought-provoking. I would recommend this for children, teens and adults alike.
The story opens with Triss awakening after a mysterious accident. There are things she can't quite remember, and things that just don't seem right. Her sister refuses to believe she is really Triss. She begins to see and hear things that she shouldn't. And she is unable to quench her insatiable hunger.
As Triss "recovers", she discovers more about her life, her family, and its secrets. Soon, it's unclear whether Triss is losing her mind or whether her accident triggered something horrific. It's a frightening supernatural tale on the surface, and a quiet, moving story about grief underneath.
Read it.
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Something bad happened here, something that should never have taken place.
I've changed my mind. I don't want to remember.
4 1/2 stars. Okay, we need to talk about Frances Hardinge. Despite seeing positive review after positive review, I have been putting her books off for years. Partly because they're supposed to be "middle grade" and partly because I couldn't really make sense of the blurbs - they sounded just... weird.
Well, Tatiana finally made me read The Lie Tree, which gave way to a weekend full of Hardinge madness. Because oh, her books are weird, but in the best possible creative, original way. Sometimes I guess "I have never read anything like this" is the best kind of compliment.
Cuckoo Song is best described as a dark fairy tale. The main characters are young and there is nothing unsuitable for children, and yet this is far from your typical middle grade book. It is inventive and clever. The story is full of metaphor, genuinely creepy scenes and an underlying tale about family and war.
It's like a paranormal historical horror mystery. And it is fantastic. The writing is gorgeous, full of lush but scary descriptions and the plot is so layered and thought-provoking. I would recommend this for children, teens and adults alike.
The story opens with Triss awakening after a mysterious accident. There are things she can't quite remember, and things that just don't seem right. Her sister refuses to believe she is really Triss. She begins to see and hear things that she shouldn't. And she is unable to quench her insatiable hunger.
As Triss "recovers", she discovers more about her life, her family, and its secrets. Soon, it's unclear whether Triss is losing her mind or whether her accident triggered something horrific. It's a frightening supernatural tale on the surface, and a quiet, moving story about grief underneath.
Read it.
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Reading Progress
September 26, 2015
–
Started Reading
September 26, 2015
– Shelved
September 27, 2015
–
Finished Reading
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heather ||-//
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Sep 27, 2015 01:59PM
this cover.... i'm crying
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It's like a paranormal historical horror mystery.I added this book a LONG time ago, but that you said pretty much convinced me to read it ASAP. Sounds right up my alley. Fantastic review, Emily. :)
I love books like this; will be checking it out. You might like Abarat by Clive Barker, it's one of my fave books of all time and even though it's super strange and doesn't really fit into a genre, it sounds a bit like this--a "middle grade" book that really transcends that label.
This is my number one read of 2015. As I was reading it, I just knew it would catapult to my favourite books ever list. I can see myself rereading this and enjoying it again and again. It's really, really, really great.
Okay, I'm intrigued! Do you have a recommendation as to which one is better to start with?
Vane wrote: "It's like a paranormal historical horror mystery.I added this book a LONG time ago, but that you said pretty much convinced me to read it ASAP. Sounds right up my alley. Fantastic review, Emily. :)"
Thank you! :)
Nora wrote: "I love books like this; will be checking it out. You might like Abarat by Clive Barker, it's one of my fave books of all time and even though it's super strange and doesn't really fit into a genre,..."I've seen that book around before and always been curious about it... maybe it's time to check it out :)
Octavia wrote: "Okay, I'm intrigued! Do you have a recommendation as to which one is better to start with?"Ah, that's hard to say. All her books seem to be very different. I like that she doesn't do the same thing twice, but it makes it hard to compare them. If you like darker, creepier stories, then I would suggest this one.
:) you should!! Just make sure you get the version with his oil painting illustrations!
oh that sounds so good. I will definitely check this out before Halloween!
I truly enjoy your reviews, even if I don't always agree with them, your reviews are so articulate it's very hard not to like them. However, because of this review I really want to get to know this author and what she is all about. So now I have a new author to try, thank you.
Krystal wrote: "I truly enjoy your reviews, even if I don't always agree with them, your reviews are so articulate it's very hard not to like them. However, because of this review I really want to get to know this..."Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy Hardinge's books too :)
I think you caught me when you described this as "a dark fairy tale". This has been on my TBR list for awhile - probably when you first added it, Emily.I'm hungrier for this one thanks to your concise but delectable review. I shall make a note to look at Hardinge's other books.
Well now I HAVE to read this!!
OK, you've persuaded me. I didn't want to read it from the blurb, but your review has pushed me over the top, so here I go. :)
welcome to the Frances Hardinge fan club! The woman is a genious.
The cover is positively scary. I am so spooked of puppets and masks!I will read the author for sure after reading your review! :)
SO glad you liked this one! I've had it on my TBR pile for a while, a little hesitant to pick it up, but after your review I feel a little better about starting it sooner!
Isn't she a wonderful writer? and very 'dark fairy tale' indeed, especially for the age-group she is marketed for. A great read, even for those in their 40's (*ahem!)...refreshing story lines, twisted fairy tales and great writing. The Lie Tree is next for me.
I'd highly, highly recommend The Lost Conspiracy by her! Colonialism, pseudo-Pacific Islander/Polynesian mythology, an amazing sister relationship.... It's fantastic all around. :)
Christine wrote: "I'd highly, highly recommend The Lost Conspiracy by her! Colonialism, pseudo-Pacific Islander/Polynesian mythology, an amazing sister relationship.... It's fantastic all around. :)"It's next on my list!
I thought this book was great, I'm glad you liked it as well.
I have no idea why I didn't see this review at the time O_O. Anyway, it sounds amazing!
