Heaven Eyes (Laurel-Leaf Books Readers Circle) - Softcover

Almond, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0440229103 ISBN 13: 9780440229100

Publisher: Laurel Leaf Library, 2002

Synopsis

Erin Law and her friends are Damaged Children. At least that is the label given to them by Maureen, the woman who runs the orphanage that they live in. Damaged, Beyond Repair because they have no parents to take care of them. But Erin knows that if they care for each other they can put up with the psychologists, the social workers, the therapists -- at least most of the time. Sometimes there is nothing left but to run away, to run for freedom. And that is what Erin and two friends do, run away one night downriver on a raft. What they find on their journey is stranger than you can imagine, maybe, and you might not think it's true. But Erin will tell you it is all true. And the proof is a girl named Heaven Eyes, who sees through all the darkness in the world to the joy that lies beneath. "From the Hardcover edition."

About this title

Review:

"We come into the world out of the dark. We haven't a clue where we come from. We've no idea where we are going. But while we're here in the world, if we're brave enough, we¹ll flap our wings and fly".

David Almond's first book for children--Skellig--won the 1998 Whitbread Children's Book of the Year and the Carnegie Medal, and was shortlisted for the Guardian Award. His second novel, Kit's Wilderness was published to widespread critical acclaim and it seemed that he had created a pretty tough act to follow. However, follow it he did, and this exceptional writer has produced another original, thought- provoking and awe-inspiring book with Heaven Eyes.

Heaven Eyes tells the story of a group of youngsters embroiled in a system which takes as much care as it can of the lost souls of children who, for whatever reason, cannot be with their parents, but falls short of giving the love and warmth they really need in order to grow and prosper. Erin is one such child, and along with her friends January Carr and Mouse Gullane she decides to run away from her care home, embarking on an adventure which not only pushes their ability to survive to the limits, but also introduces them to the dark and lonely world of Heaven Eyes, a young girl who has grown up in the care of an old man who found her abandoned as a child, hidden away from the world, but constantly seeking some kind of salvation in the form of other human contact.

The tale is at times incredibly bleak, and the despair the children feel in the lonely world they encounter is tangible. But, in true Almond style, there is light amid the darkness, and as the relationships between the children develop, so too does a warmth and understanding that leaves the reader with the certain knowledge that behind every shadow there is hope.

Heaven Eyes is an outstanding novel from an outstanding author, which cleverly balances the passion and delicacy which is fuelled by the impeccably drawn characters, each of them battling with their own will to survive in a world which may never fully understand them, but each of them realising that there is, after all, a reason to live. Be prepared to cry--only the hardest of hearts could fail to be touched by this stunning novel. (Age 11 and over)--Susan Harrison

Review:

"Almond's fans will willingly follow him on yet another journey into a surreal, murkey world that may be dream or reality." - Kirkus Reviews

About this edition

• Publisher: Laurel Leaf Library
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0440229103
• ISBN 13: 9780440229100
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 256