The Great Harlequin Grim - Softcover

Thompson, Gareth

3.63

35 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099487659 ISBN 13: 9780099487654

Publisher: Definitions (Young Adult), 2007

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Glenn Jackson is thirteen and has moved with his father from Burnley to Torbeck in the Lake District. His Mum has not come with them and Glenn's father is avoiding Glenn's questions. From the moment Glenn meets Laura, quiet and overshadowed by her vindictive adoptive sister, he is bewitched.

Harlequin is a seven-foot eighteen-year-old living rough in an abandoned shack, disguising himself behind clown's make-up and an old felt hat and hiding in terror whenever the fighter jets have practice runs over Torbeck. When Harlequin rescues Glenn from falling into the old slate mine the two form an unusual friendship and Glenn comes closer to discovering the secret that Harlequin is running away from.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Product Description:

Glenn Jackson's world has fallen apart..A new home, new school, his mum has disappeared and his dad is avoiding his questions. Then he meets Laura...and Harlequin.

Review:

"Harlequin is one of those rare characters from books that find their way right under your skin, never to leave" (Jill Murphy thebookbag.co.uk)

"In the doomed and brilliantly-drawn character of the vulnerable Harlequin, Thompson explores the consequences of cruelty and ignorance. The novel crackles with menace amidst the vividly-drawn background of a Cumbrian autumn as it hurtles to a satisfying close" (The School Librarian)

"A tense, humane story . . . An exciting, raw read which is firmly rooting for the outsider" (TES)

"A memorable read by a splendid writer" (Lindsey Fraser The Bookseller)

"His very modern take on Lake District life may surprise people who think they know Cumbria well . . . Gareth achieves a real tour de force in his depiction of Harlequin, a genuinely original creation . . . it's gripping stuff whatever your age . . . One day we'll see the film of this book" (Cumbria Life)

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.