The Beaconsfield School

The Bone Sparrow is one of the most horrifically depressive, yet beautifully written books I have ever read. At first the book focuses on the innocence of a child living in a dark place. It then zooms into the inhumane conditions of an immigration detention centre, with none of the usual resources we are used to, the uncomfortable weather and meals. But then the story puts all of these into a different perspective, one of someone who doesn’t know anything apart from these conditions.

The book constantly switches from light-hearted friendships and people, but then switches to dark pasts and devastating mistreatment. This could possibly represent making the best of the worst places, or, maybe it could represent general life; how at times we will experience terrible things, but also moments thay are beautiful and how we must focus on the good things.

In my opinion, this story is amazing and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read bitter-sweet books on current world problems.

This book is quite unusual as it tells the story of seven ghosts at the stately Grimstone Hall. Ten children who have won a story-writing competition have a tour of the house and are told a story by Mrs Fox about the different ghosts that live there. As each ghost story is told, Jake, who is one of the finalists sees elements of the ghosts such as water on the floor or hearing the piano. At the end of the book there is a twist when something is revealed about Jake, his memories of being at Grimstone Hall many years ago and his relationship with Mrs Fox. It was unexpected and surprising. 

Overall I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars!