Sign of the Raven [US Edition of 'Follow Me Down'] - Hardcover

Hearn, Julie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689857349 ISBN 13: 9780689857348

Publisher: Atheneum, 2005

Synopsis

When he meets a group of circus "freaks" in 18th century London who beg him for his help, time-traveler Tom agrees to assist them in their plans to escape from a masochistic doctor who seeks to purchase them for his unusual experiments.

About this title

Review

Reading Julie Hearn's first novel for children is a fascinating experience. Inventive and well-researched, Follow Me Down spirals from modern times to the historic, from the grotesque to the life-affirming, from thunderingly exciting to painfully dramatic, all the while putting its lead character, Tom, on an emotional roller-coaster in two very different dimensions, in ways that are at times hard to digest.

Tom and his ill mother, Catherine, are visiting East London in the modern day to stay with his gran near Smithfield Market. It is an area rich with the sort of history that Tom never ever expected to experience for himself--until he wanders down into his gran's basement and is transported back, somehow, through a "gap" to the 18th century. Here he meets a group of people who are commonly displayed as freaks at the Bartholomew Fair: Machi Twist, the Bendy Man, and the Gorilla Woman. Strangest of all is Astra, a tiny child who Tom is determined to save from her unfortunate circumstances. It is also a time when doctors trade in the sinister acquisition of bodies to experiment on--with Tom's new found "monster" friends all being prime targets.

It's exciting stuff, but with very dark overtones indeed. Tom is able to help his friends with their terrible problems but at the same time he faces the realities of his own shattered family life. Ultimately, he learns to look beyond appearances.

Follow Me Down is adorned with the kind of prestigious endorsement, in this instance from Philip Pullman no less, that guarantees it a certain level of attention. Between the covers, however, is where it matters and Hearn's writing duly sparkles. Her stimulating novel is sure to stay with the reader long after it has been read. (For ages 12 and over) --John McLay

Review

This book is gripping, gentle, funny, and downright scary at times. It also captures brilliantly the gulf between children's concerns, and what their parents think is on their minds. (The Guardian)

A beautifully crafted, spine-tingling story by first time novelist Julie Hearn. (The Daily Telegraph)

A corker of a novel, original and rambunctious.... Fantastical, yet down to earth, funny and ripe with details of eighteenth century life. (The Observer)

A wonderful novel (The School Librarian)

So here's a new, wild, free voice. (Books for Keeps)

Edition details

• Publisher: Atheneum
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0689857349
• ISBN 13: 9780689857348
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 328