I read this book in 2011, when it first came out. I still remember the day I came across it – my friends and I were roaming around in Indigo and I happened to find it on one of the shelves. Each of us took a copy of the book and just sat down on the carpeted floor to read it. We were so immersed in the story that we lost track of time and someone had to come and inform us that the store was closing. I bought this book that very day because it was too good to pass up. It’s a decision I am glad I made. Recently, I recommended it to my boyfriend, who also loved it immensely. And when he found the next 2 books in this trilogy were out, he bought me both – and bought himself a separate copy, too! I am so glad to see that this book is receiving notice from the public and I am excited to write this review… hopefully it encourages more people to give this novel a shot!
When Jacob’s beloved grandfather is found dead, Jacob is sent to a therapist for grief counselling. When this doesn’t work, the therapist recommends that Jacob and his father go on a trip. And so, Jacob and his father set off for a remote island near Wales – where Jacob discovers the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores the crumbling and abandoned orphanage, it becomes clear that there may have been more to these children than just being “peculiar”. In fact, they may have been dangerous. And they may still be alive.
This premise does not do justice to the amazing storyline in this gem of a book. The characters and the fantasy elements in this novel will take you on a journey to this island. I think what I really loved about this novel was the haunting vintage photography and the way in which they were incorporated into the story; it is such a unique concept and it is carried through in all of the books of this series. The blending of the past and the present is done seamlessly and every little thing is explained in a way that makes sense. I laughed, cried, and was on the edge of my seats throughout this novel. I cannot stop myself from recommending it so GO AND BUY IT AND SIT AND READ IT AND LOVE IT! This book is suitable for teens and adults alike and it is worth giving your full attention to. Now, I am going to go and reread it before I devour the sequel!
Happy reading (GO AND BUY IT NOWWWW!!!!) ~
