This is a beautifully written, lyrical book that challenges the reader to investigate layers of meaning and the blur between fantasy and reality. While it is marketed for young teens, it would be best appreciated by advanced readers who are prepared to take up these challenges.

The central character, Michael, is trying to deal with so many things - a desperately sick baby sister in hospital, preoccupied parents, shifting house, and the expectations of friends - when he finds someone, something, Skellig, at the back of the old shed. Without knowing who or what he has found, but understanding his weakness and need, Michael and his new friend Mina care for him and try to understand this creature from another life.

Through this Michael observes the events and issues around his own troubles: his parents, helpless and floundering in the face of their baby’s illness, the cold authority of the hospital, characterised by Michael’s perception of “Doctor Death”, the inability of everyday friends to communicate. All of this flows around Michael as he grapples to find his own secure understandings.

The language of Skellig is not difficult, though it does reflect its English setting. Much of the book is sparely written conversation rather than long descriptive passages, so the reader must fill in expression and mood. This works very well to build a highly personal awareness of Michael’s feelings.

David Almond often uses references to details such as William Blake’s poetry or the life cycle of birds which may require some extension of younger readers, but this is one more of the challenges of this book.

The story ends optimistically, as Michael and Mina discover as much about themselves as their rescued Skellig. Readers willing to take up the challenges that David Almond presents will find this book an extremely moving and though-provoking examination of such discoveries. 

Review by David Beagley

Other books by this author:
The Fire-Eaters (Hodder, 2003)

Review by David Beagley

© 1999 David Beagley