Book Review: The Graveyard Book

Book Blurb: "When a baby escapes a murderer intent on killing the entire family, who would have thought it would find safety and security in the local graveyard? Brought up by the resident ghosts, ghouls and spectres, Bod has an eccentric childhood learning about life from the dead. But for Bod there is also the danger of the murderer still looking for him - after all, he is the last remaining member of the family. A stunningly original novel deftly constructed over eight chapters, featuring every second year of Bod's life, from babyhood to adolescence. Will Bod survive to be a man?"

Review: Some children get raised by a whole village (or so the saying goes), this one gets raised by a whole graveyard. Despite the fact that it starts off with a triple murder (which includes a child), this book is ultimately incredibly sweet and moving.

The characters are all very well developed, and I really felt for all of them. I also appreciated the fact that Bod (the main character) is far from perfect. He has flaws and he has moments when he messes up, yet these serve to show the strength of family ties. It also highlights the fact that family is not necessarily made up of those people bound to us by blood, but by those who have chosen to love us and support us unconditionally, and whom we have chosen to love and support in return.

This novel is as much about belonging, acceptance, forgiveness, fighting for what you believe in and protecting the things and the people you hold dear, as it is about loss and the unexpected things life can throw at you. And that is something everyone (whether alive or dead!!!) can relate to.

The 'ivy-covered marvel' that is Highgate Cemetery West, which partly inspired parts of the book.

Photo credit:Paul Grover/ Rex Features

Favourite quotes:

"'It is going to take more than just a couple of good-hearted souls to raise this child. It will,' said Silas, 'take a graveyard.'"

"'It must be good,' said Silas, 'to have somewhere where you belong. Somewhere that's home.'"

"If you dare nothing, then when the day is over, nothing is all you will have gained."

Overall score: 5/5