Friday 25 January 2013

Artful Readers Club January ~ Sophie

Well, despite 3 snow days and 2 days of a poorly child being home, I have finished my first month's review and artwork on time....just!
 
The book I chose for January was 'Boneland' by Alan Garner.  Boneland is said to be the conclusion of the adventures of Colin and Susan which began with 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen' and 'The Moon of Gomrath'.  The Weirdstone of Brisingamen was fist published in 1960 so Boneland has been long-awaited.  I, on the other hand, only read it last year!  I decided to read it after coming across an article on the forthcoming publication on Boneland.  It caught my attention because although I really did not read a lot as a teenager (school put me off!), the one book I do remember reading and enjoying was another of Garner's books, 'The Owl Service'. I loved 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen' and read 'The Moon of Gomrath' straight afterwards.

So what about Boneland? Well the first thing to note is that the first two books are written for children but Boneland is aimed at adults which is unusual but works very well in this case.  I'd imagine, most fans, unlike myself, would have read the earlier books as children and now be long grown up.  This book is wonderfully mysterious.  There is not a lot happening and everything going on at the same time.  The writing is beautiful and eerie and I loved it :) It is about science and mythology, time and space, and our relationship to the land we inhabit.  There is layer upon layer of meaning (not sure that is the right word actually but can't think of a better one!) and at the end of the book you are none the wiser and left to think on. 

Since finishing Boneland, I have read a lot of articles and reviews to see how it had been received by others.  One of the main things that I came across from doing that was that although Boneland is the final book of 3, it really relates to a lot more of Alan Garner's books than just those so of course I now want to go and read all the rest. I knew this challenge would increase rather than decrease my 'to-read' list!
 
In terms of my piece of artwork, I decided to keep things quite simple as a really don't think I'm anywhere near to understanding what Boneland is about.  I picked a few things from the book that I felt drawn to and just played about with them.  Here is what I ended up with....

 
I realise this is quite a vague 'review' but I would definitely recommend Boneland.  It's an experience and I'm still thinking about it :)
 
I've already started my book for February, 'Game of Thrones' and I am quite pleased after this month to find it much more simplistic and have a couple of straightforward ideas for artwork already!
 


20 comments:

  1. oh i loved The Weirdstone of Brisingamen! thank u for telling me about the new book! great art as well, nice post

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  2. Oh interesting review and the artwork is fabulous!

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  3. Well the book sounds fascinating. I think :) LOVE your accompanying artwork.

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  4. love the artwork, very representative of what i imagine the book to be like. My favourite book of all time is the Weirdstone of Brisingamen. I have read it over and over. i did not like Owl Service much. I had no idea this 3rd book was out and I will def be reading it, thankyou.

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  5. I had not heard of this author before. Your review and art has piqued my interest.

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  6. Beautiful artwork Sophie... and love the sound of your book... I haven't read any of the trio... but being about mythology... am sure I would really enjoy it... great review...

    Jenny ♥

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  7. I love your bird and the background of stars! Wonderful! ♥ As for the book I'm not sure if it's my kind of book but I do like your review and it did make me curious. I'm just not waiting on another series to add to my to read-list! :)

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  8. I would be a bit hesitant about reading this book/series, but your review and people's comments persuade me to add it to my list of 'to read' books, though a long way down the long list.
    Your artwork is lovely, that beautiful background, which sets off the bird, and the text to make me think.

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  9. Thanks for your review of the book. It does sound intriguing but I think I would find it frustrating to read. Nevertheless it's resulted in some magical artwork from you - great job.

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  10. An author really does his or her job when a book can get you to want to read their other books! Really nice job on the artwork, too!

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  11. It sounds a wonderful book which I didn't know of its existence so thank you for sharing. Great artwork I get a real sense of mystery.
    manonX

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  12. I've never heard of this series of books and you make me want to read them all. I just adore your art work, I had an "oh wow" moment as I was ogling the starry background and then suddenly clocked the bird. Beautiful.

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  13. Beautiful, mysterious artwork...love the stars and color of the background...My list has definitely increased since reading all the FABulous reviews.

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  14. Another author and books I have yet to discover! Thanks for the review and the suggestions to read it. Adding it to my list. I enjoyed your art. It caught the mystery you mentioned in your review. Michelle Vanstrom

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  15. Interesting to read your review. Love your artwork!

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  16. Your review is very intriguing. I think the author has done well if he can get you to think about things long after you have finished the book. Lovely artwork.

    Janet xx

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  17. GAH! I read Weirdstone and Owl service as a teenager...ad started reading Moon of Gomrath during a house move and lost it before I finished. As a 13 year old I was really creeped out by the storylines, but totally enthralled. Must get this book!!!! :D XXX
    ps...your collage is fabulous :D

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  18. A great review that has made me really want to to read the series. Your art work has me really interested to know how it connects to the story. Well done.

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  19. Loved how your review included this phrase ' There is not a lot happening but everything going on at the same time,' it really sounds intriguing. Also good to stimulated to read other books in the series, definitely praise indeed. Great review and artwork, all those twinkling star are brilliant, hope you can excuse the pun!

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  20. Not sure this book is for me but great artwork - I particularly love the background. Game of Thrones is on my list too so I'll be reading your review with interest!

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