Tuesday, December 13, 2011

REVIEW: Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver is such a beautiful and sweet book. I'm not surprised - Lauren Oliver has quickly become one of my favourite authors after falling hard in love with both Before I Fall and Delirium. Whilst Liesl and Po is definitely aimed at a younger audience than her previous books, it's written in a really wonderful way with great feeling. Plus, it's also just a stunning book physically. I love that it's a small hardback book with gorgeous (seriously! gorgeous!) illustrations that suit the story perfectly. I think this book would make for a very wonderful present, both for Christmas or at any time of the year.

What I love so much about Liesl and Po is how the story and the characters overlap and connect to each other. It really put a smile on my face to see how all of the mishaps and events lead into each other. Plus the characters are all wonderful. I immediately felt emotionally connected to poor Liesl, who is grieving the loss of her father, and has been stowed in the attic by her evil stepmother. And also of Will, an overworked apprentice, who wonders about the sad-looking girl in the attic window.

One day, when Liesl is approached by two ghostly figures - Po and Bundle, it sets off this fun, and slightly sad series of events that changes so many lives. Everything combined, from the illustrations, the beautiful writing style, Liesl's grief, the adorable ghosts, the brief glance at the Other Side and the most powerful magic in the whole world make this a story that I won't forget.

I know I've been a bit scarce on the details of this book, but only because I really want people to experience the wonder of this book first hand. It really is a book not to miss!

7 comments:

  1. Hey, Clover!

    It's been a while, this looks lovely and reminds me slightly of the lovely Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Book.' I wonder which little sister I could buy this for? And sneakily read it...

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  2. I have this in my pile waiting to be read, I'm really looking forward to it.

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  3. I still haven't read any of Lauren Oliver's books yet -grfogghatynvsnshbhmph!!! :D Great review, this sounds amazing. By aimed at a younger audience, what age group are you thinking of?

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  4. I must get this for my kids! Thank you for the great review.

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  5. Hi Fiona :) Oh definitely do buy this one for a little sister. And as it's a hardback, it'll be EASY to read it beforehand!

    Jenni - It's wonderful! Really, really.

    Zoe - Just not teenage. Like 10-12, I guess. Maybe younger? I'm horrible with age ranges actually. And you should definitely read a book by Lauren Oliver soon :)

    Luisa - Great idea! :)

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  6. This is on my tbr, can't wait to get round to it!

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  7. Raimy - It's a really lovely book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)

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