Skellig by David Almond (novel #245)

 

“What are you?” I whispered.

He shrugged again.

“Something,” he said. “Something like you, something like a beast, something like a bird, something like an angel.” He laughed. 

“Something like that.”

Skellig is a young adult novel of magical realism set in Newcastle, England, in the late 1990s. It tells of 10-year-old Michael and his family. Michael has a lot to deal with: a move to a new neighborhood, a seriously dilapidated home, a newborn sister fighting for her life, and the lack of attention his parents can afford him at the moment. Oh, and he discovers Skellig, an otherworldly creature in the garage. 

Both Skellig and the garage appear to be in their final moments.

It's a charming story, probably suitable for children of Michael’s age and older. There is some eerie suspense, but nothing frightening. It is more about faith, wonder, courage, and friendship. Michael manages to make one new friend, independent-minded Mina, who becomes his one confidant regarding Skellig.

 

And Skellig? Well, he has something to offer…perhaps, if he lives long enough to show it

...he [Skellig] reached out and touched Mina's face, then mine.

"But i'm getting strong, thanks to the angels and the owls." 

 

My rating: 3 1/2 stars

 

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