Book of Lost Things Illustrated Edition

The main protagonist is 12 year old David; he has just lost his mother who has been ill. After having his world turned upside down by his father's remarriage and the birth of his brother, David retreats more and more into his books which he shared a great love for with his mother. After a particularly upsetting day for David he manages to find himself in a land of fairy-tales after stepping through a hole in the garden. He then has to navigate himself through this world in order to somehow find his way back and he starts to lose his innocence as he does so.I tried to describe this book several times to my husband while reading it and in the end I realised that it reminded me of the films 'Pans Labyrinth', 'The Brothers Grimm' and 'The Never Ending Story' but far freakier and twisted.This book is well written and structured as the author packs in the tiny details which makes the world David has entered come alive while still maintaining the fast pace of the book. There is some strong imagery throughout and most of the book creates some vivid scenes. The creatures David encounters are recognisable from old fairy-tales you would have read as a child but reworked to become more frightening and sinister. There is also however some light relief in places and David's encounter with the seven dwarfs (who seem hell bent on ridding themselves of Snow White) made me laugh out loud.I admit that I lapped up the grim tales within the story with great glee, I revelled in the whole atmosphere of the book and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I wrote an earlier review saying how disappointed I was with this book but I persevered and am so glad I did. This is the weirdest book I think I have ever read. It is a horror/fairy tale that goes to some very dark places. I loved it and would definitely recommend. I would love to see a film made of it, it would be terrifying!!

The green cover one arrived as I accidentally ordered the 'illustrated' addition. Great in terms of writing, but the tangible book is poor quality, flimsy card cover. Not many illustrations (don't believe you need illustrations with such a story) My friend has the red a red copy, of much better material quality and more presentable.

I became hooked on the Parker series and have since found a new favourite author. The Book of List Things and its distorted world introduces a new malevolent presence for children’s parents to fear.So enjoyable I had to buy another copy after my sister borrowed it and wouldn’t give it back.

If you like fairytales then this will hark back to your childhood and you'll enjoy it, I certainly did. It was interesting but not overly enthralling. My edition was a 500 page book but the story seemed to come to a conclusion with 150 pages to go, I turned the page to find that the rest was additional information from the author which I may read if I'm bored but 150 pages worth is having a laugh.