Monday, October 25, 2010

REVIEW: The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan

Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive? This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night...

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan got right under my skin. My heart was pounding and I was starting to feel really, really anxious. It got to the point where I was so scared, I had to stop reading it and pick the book up again in the daytime - you know, when it's safe. I was SO worried about these boys. What would happen?! A big thanks goes to Michelle Harrison, who kindly sent me a copy of this book.

Sam has just moved to town and he's feeling pretty lucky to have made a friend in Lloyd. He doesn't feel all new-boyish with Lloyd to hang around with. They play football together and have a laugh. And then they make the stupidest decision ever, which didn't even feel like a decision. Sam and Lloyd, both 11, have just gotten into car with a stranger. And they've been taken to a huge house in the middle of nowhere. They've been separated and are now at the mercy of a very sinister man. Will they make it to safety?

See, I'm getting chills just writing this review and remembering how much these two boys go through. I love how authentic it feels. I completely and utterly believed the way in which these boys end up in the car. First Sam and then Lloyd realise the mistake they've made and they go through stages of denial and trying to convince themselves it'll all be OK and things are fine and 'maybe it's all just a surprise, this weekend away to meet a famous band.' And then things start to go from bad to worse. And I'll tell you, I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. The pacing of the novel was spot-on, everything from the thoughts, decisions and actions that these two go through and do feels real.

And Kalhan is not pandering to a younger audience here. Bad things happen. Terrible things, and it's gritty and painful to read at times. At times, both boys just broke down and cried at the hopelessness of their situation. But I loved the resourcefulness of Sam and how he had the people he loved the most in his head helping him to think clearly.

Fantastic book. I'm so glad that I had the chance to read it. If you're looking for a book to scare the pants off you, look no further.

5 comments:

  1. This sounds fantastic but I dont know whether I could read the subject matter. Something I might have to force myself to do like The Chosen One. Terrific review

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  2. I completely agree with this fab review. This book is so so scary. It was so believeable. And Kalhan didn't compromise at all. How nice of Michelle to send you a copy! Mine came from Savita! Definitely not a book for younger readers.

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  3. Although I'd go along with nerve-racking,compelling and gritty for this novel, what shone out for me was Sam's action hero response. He was absolutely wonderful - like a junior John McClane.

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  4. I want this book! I love books that scare the hell out of you and keep you on the edge of your seat. Can't watch films like it but books are a different matter.

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  5. Emma - It is a little difficult to read in parts, a lot of the terror that I felt was down to the circumstances of the boys. I don't want to say more and spoil it though.

    Becky - I still think it was a weird coincidence that we posted reviews on the same day :)

    maryom - I still don't see Sam as a super hero at all! :)

    Vivienne - Oh, totally. I can't watch a film like this at all, but the book? I can manage that!

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