Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Candlewick (2012), Edition: 0, Hardcover, 464 pages
Description
When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their great Auntie Ida in an isolated village in 1958, they discover that they are in danger from a centuries-old evil and, along with village boys Roger and Peter, strive to uncover the horrifying truth before it is too late.
User reviews
LibraryThing member elliepotten
This amazing debut novel opens with the ballad of Long Lankin - a tale of murder, witchcraft and supernatural menace that immediately sets the tone of the story to come. Cora and her little sister Mimi aren't exactly thrilled when they're sent to live with their great-Auntie Ida at the creepy old
But what Cora doesn't know is that there is a dark evil lurking in Bryers Guerdon - an evil that has been haunting the village for hundreds of years and has ripped her family apart down the generations. Why are the children forbidden from visiting the old church, and who is the man in black in the graveyard? Why do all the doors and windows have to be kept permanently locked, and what are the long scratches marking more than one local door? Together with her new friends Roger and Pete, Cora must uncover the mystery of Bryers Guerdon before it's too late for her little sister - maybe even for them all...
Although this is a young adult book, for me it bordered on Stephen King-esque in the way it preyed on my mind and used psychological thrills to build tension. In some ways it reminded me of the film 'Signs'. You know, the one with Mel Gibson and the alien threat and the crop circles? You weren't sure what was happening, but you knew it was evil, you knew it was out there - and you knew that sooner or later it was coming for you. Barraclough excels at building unbearable fear in the reader using tantalising clues, a slow reveal of the truth, and terrifying glimpses of the menace on the marshes, skilfully bringing the whole story to a macabre and gritty climax in the inevitable final encounter between Lankin and the last of the long-suffering Guerdons.
I can't recommend this highly enough. It is an outstanding first novel that had me absolutely gripped, weaving a complex tale that spanned centuries yet never felt dull or over-written. It captures post-war rural England beautifully, and has a refreshing thread of humour through it that owes much to Barraclough's wonderful eye for the little things children say and do that always make adults smile! The Long Lankin ballad is a haunting theme that preys on our deepest fears, and I raced to the end of the book, heart pounding in my chest, winding up absolutely exhausted, weeping, as I finished the final chapter. Read it!
Show More
Guerdon Hall, but with their mother falling apart and their father unable to cope they have little choice in the matter. Things get even worse when they arrive on her doorstep and are met with a barrage of threats, warnings, rules and the bitter knowledge that she wants them gone as soon as humanly possible.But what Cora doesn't know is that there is a dark evil lurking in Bryers Guerdon - an evil that has been haunting the village for hundreds of years and has ripped her family apart down the generations. Why are the children forbidden from visiting the old church, and who is the man in black in the graveyard? Why do all the doors and windows have to be kept permanently locked, and what are the long scratches marking more than one local door? Together with her new friends Roger and Pete, Cora must uncover the mystery of Bryers Guerdon before it's too late for her little sister - maybe even for them all...
Although this is a young adult book, for me it bordered on Stephen King-esque in the way it preyed on my mind and used psychological thrills to build tension. In some ways it reminded me of the film 'Signs'. You know, the one with Mel Gibson and the alien threat and the crop circles? You weren't sure what was happening, but you knew it was evil, you knew it was out there - and you knew that sooner or later it was coming for you. Barraclough excels at building unbearable fear in the reader using tantalising clues, a slow reveal of the truth, and terrifying glimpses of the menace on the marshes, skilfully bringing the whole story to a macabre and gritty climax in the inevitable final encounter between Lankin and the last of the long-suffering Guerdons.
I can't recommend this highly enough. It is an outstanding first novel that had me absolutely gripped, weaving a complex tale that spanned centuries yet never felt dull or over-written. It captures post-war rural England beautifully, and has a refreshing thread of humour through it that owes much to Barraclough's wonderful eye for the little things children say and do that always make adults smile! The Long Lankin ballad is a haunting theme that preys on our deepest fears, and I raced to the end of the book, heart pounding in my chest, winding up absolutely exhausted, weeping, as I finished the final chapter. Read it!
Show Less
LibraryThing member Equestrienne
This is the best dark fiction I have read so far this year.
While I was reading it, I compared it to the Stephen King novel, It, as both books had a very similar theme. I thought that this book was better.
Why? Because it was strictly British with no boomercentric pop culture references; even though
The monster is better. I really loved the Beowulf reference during the final battle with Long Lankin.
I am just a sucker for a novel with a moldering old manor house, a Domesday Book family with a curse and an ancient monster out of legend. You just can't get much better than that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a traditional, creepy ghost story.
Pet Lover's Advisory: SPOILER!
A good dog dies a brave death in this story. The death is not a gratuitous manipulation of the reader's emotions, but integral to the story. Not bloody, gory, disgusting, but he does die......so be warned!
While I was reading it, I compared it to the Stephen King novel, It, as both books had a very similar theme. I thought that this book was better.
Why? Because it was strictly British with no boomercentric pop culture references; even though
Show More
these two novels are set in the same time period. Also, we don't delve into the details of the characters lives and learn a lot of personal things that have nothing to do with the story.The monster is better. I really loved the Beowulf reference during the final battle with Long Lankin.
I am just a sucker for a novel with a moldering old manor house, a Domesday Book family with a curse and an ancient monster out of legend. You just can't get much better than that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a traditional, creepy ghost story.
Pet Lover's Advisory: SPOILER!
A good dog dies a brave death in this story. The death is not a gratuitous manipulation of the reader's emotions, but integral to the story. Not bloody, gory, disgusting, but he does die......so be warned!
Show Less
LibraryThing member Bellydancer
Cora and her little sister Mimi are sent to stay with their elderly aunt Ida in the isolated village of Bryers Guerdon. But Aunt Ida is not keen to have the girls stay with her and is desperate to send them back to London.
Cora wanders why the windows and doors are always bolted shut, and discovers
She meets two local boys Roger and Peter, like Cora they are interested in finding out the old mystery that surrounds the graveyard and house. Together they uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries but hey need to beware of Long Lankin, who lives in the moss.
This is Stephen King for teenagers …. It is superbly written and had me on the edge of the seat, I loved the retelling of the folk song intertwining witchcraft, murder and the story of revenge.
Cora wanders why the windows and doors are always bolted shut, and discovers
Show More
that Aunt Ida's life was devastated the last time two young girls were at Guerdon Hall; she is just trying to keep them safe, But safe from what?. As Cora explorer the big old house she finds haunting voice in an empty room. She meets two local boys Roger and Peter, like Cora they are interested in finding out the old mystery that surrounds the graveyard and house. Together they uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries but hey need to beware of Long Lankin, who lives in the moss.
This is Stephen King for teenagers …. It is superbly written and had me on the edge of the seat, I loved the retelling of the folk song intertwining witchcraft, murder and the story of revenge.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bacillicide
Thanks to netgalley for the copy!
This is an interesting book. I love horror that stretches back into history, and this is one of those. The story was awesome! It had quite a few creepy parts, Long Lankin is definitely deserving of being creep of the year (I also love long, lanky monsters though
My main beef with this story is the point of view shifting so much. Sometimes it would shift two or three times in a page, which is really distracting, and sometimes I either have to double check who "I" is, or guess based on context, which can get annoying. Really, with the amount of times the author changes narrators it would have been more successful to have just done it in third person. There's also a few times the author slips into a scene that takes place in the past with little warning and it's a bit disorientating and jarring.
Overall though, I think it was worth the read, but you're also not missing anything in particular by skipping it over. Not bad though!
This is an interesting book. I love horror that stretches back into history, and this is one of those. The story was awesome! It had quite a few creepy parts, Long Lankin is definitely deserving of being creep of the year (I also love long, lanky monsters though
Show More
they're nothing new) and there were quite a few startling moments, though not a lot of suspense until the end. I'm especially fond of the part where Cora looks out the window and sees Lankin in the yard. It wasn't terribly scary for me, but for us older folks that's to be expected, it's geared to a younger audience and I think it'd be quite frightening for preteens. My main beef with this story is the point of view shifting so much. Sometimes it would shift two or three times in a page, which is really distracting, and sometimes I either have to double check who "I" is, or guess based on context, which can get annoying. Really, with the amount of times the author changes narrators it would have been more successful to have just done it in third person. There's also a few times the author slips into a scene that takes place in the past with little warning and it's a bit disorientating and jarring.
Overall though, I think it was worth the read, but you're also not missing anything in particular by skipping it over. Not bad though!
Show Less
LibraryThing member AmberFIB
Wow, this book was creepy! I didn't think it'd be that scary since it's a YA novel, but it was. I feel like bricking up all of my windows, just to be safe. Do not read this book alone at night, whatever you do. Trust me. You will be sorry. Barraclough will trick you into thinking you're safe when
Long Lankin is one of those novels that gets into your head, and while you're reading it, the outside world disappears. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, and every single character was well-developed. Aunt Ida was a bit unsettling, to say the least, but most of the characters were quite enjoyable. Cora was a very intriguing and brave character. It was clear that she'd do anything for her little sister, Mimi. She never backed down, and she was willing to do what it took to save Mimi. Roger served as the comic relief, of sorts. I'm glad that someone was there to lighten the mood, or the book may have been to intense for me. Roger was a sweet kid, though, and I really enjoyed his and Cora's interactions.
The plot was compelling, intriguing, and horrifying. This is one of those books that you can't put down, and even though some parts are scary, so you sit there making horrified faces at the book while you read, and hold the book as far away from your face as you can in order to "protect yourself" from it, you still can't put it down. That's the mark of a good horror story, if you ask me. I'm pretty sure my cat thought I was having some sort of facial muscle spasms/nervous twitches while I was reading this book. At least I read it during daylight hours.
The pacing for this book was pretty spot on, but the ending did feel rushed. I felt like the entire ending could have been explained more and slowed down a bit. Overall, though, the pacing worked for me. I never felt like the story was dragging, and it only moved too quickly at the very end. The information was woven gracefully into the narrative, and I didn't feel like there weren't any massive info dumps to break up the flow of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even if it did creep me out. Barraclough is obviously a master of suspense, and she did a terrific job of alternating back and forth between giving the reader a false sense of security and scaring them. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good scary story!
Show More
you're really not. She does this repeatedly throughout the novel, yet somehow, you never learn. Don't say I didn't warn you. Long Lankin is one of those novels that gets into your head, and while you're reading it, the outside world disappears. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, and every single character was well-developed. Aunt Ida was a bit unsettling, to say the least, but most of the characters were quite enjoyable. Cora was a very intriguing and brave character. It was clear that she'd do anything for her little sister, Mimi. She never backed down, and she was willing to do what it took to save Mimi. Roger served as the comic relief, of sorts. I'm glad that someone was there to lighten the mood, or the book may have been to intense for me. Roger was a sweet kid, though, and I really enjoyed his and Cora's interactions.
The plot was compelling, intriguing, and horrifying. This is one of those books that you can't put down, and even though some parts are scary, so you sit there making horrified faces at the book while you read, and hold the book as far away from your face as you can in order to "protect yourself" from it, you still can't put it down. That's the mark of a good horror story, if you ask me. I'm pretty sure my cat thought I was having some sort of facial muscle spasms/nervous twitches while I was reading this book. At least I read it during daylight hours.
The pacing for this book was pretty spot on, but the ending did feel rushed. I felt like the entire ending could have been explained more and slowed down a bit. Overall, though, the pacing worked for me. I never felt like the story was dragging, and it only moved too quickly at the very end. The information was woven gracefully into the narrative, and I didn't feel like there weren't any massive info dumps to break up the flow of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even if it did creep me out. Barraclough is obviously a master of suspense, and she did a terrific job of alternating back and forth between giving the reader a false sense of security and scaring them. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good scary story!
Show Less
LibraryThing member GreatImaginations
I requested this book from NetGalley because the blurb really caught my attention. It sounded gothic, creepy, and atmospheric, which is something I usually like. This book was NO exception. I had no expectations going into reading this, I was just hoping I would like it a lot, and I did. It was
I think my tastes are pretty transparent to all who read my reviews. I usually like strong world-building, a fair amount of descriptive passages (but not over-the-top description), and strong characterizations. These are the things I am usually always looking for while reading. And this book hit all of them except for the strong characterizations. While I think the characters were written well, I felt they were lacking depth. They were definitely more than just a name with a face, but I know that I didn't care for them as much as I should. It didn't feel right. Something was missing.
This is a very creepy book. While it's not gory in the least, there are some moments that really messed with my head. It's the atmosphere and tension that work together to really involve the reader in the story. I would read pages and pages of what I thought were unimportant conversations and scenes, and then something would happen that made it all worthwhile. I don't scare easily but this book made my skin crawl in a couple of places. It doesn't happen immediately though, which leads to my next point.
The pacing...is a bit slow. If you are looking for a quick payoff, this may not be the book for you. A lot of YA readers look for books that are quickly paced with a lot of plot. If that sounds like you, you may not like this one. It's not that there isn't a plot--there is, it just takes awhile to get there. Atmospheric settings and building tension are extremely important to the author and she takes her time telling the story. Once you get to the end, the payoff is worth it (although the last page left me a little confused).
I can't actually talk about the plot and what happens without revealing things that would be best left to the reader to discover. This is a book that needs to be experienced and definitely not rushed. I am extremely glad I read most of this on my vacation. It really enhanced the experience. Word of warning though--if you scare easily, I would not recommend reading this in the dark. Muahahahaha.
Also, apparently they are Americanizing the language for the US release. This makes me have a sad. Don't get me wrong, I understand WHY they are doing it, but part of the appeal for me was the British English. It somehow made the atmosphere that much more atmospheric. I read the British version. That's the one I really liked. So I hope they don't change it too much.
Show More
absolutely amazing. Not a perfect read for me, but I really enjoyed Long Lankin and savored every page, taking my time.I think my tastes are pretty transparent to all who read my reviews. I usually like strong world-building, a fair amount of descriptive passages (but not over-the-top description), and strong characterizations. These are the things I am usually always looking for while reading. And this book hit all of them except for the strong characterizations. While I think the characters were written well, I felt they were lacking depth. They were definitely more than just a name with a face, but I know that I didn't care for them as much as I should. It didn't feel right. Something was missing.
This is a very creepy book. While it's not gory in the least, there are some moments that really messed with my head. It's the atmosphere and tension that work together to really involve the reader in the story. I would read pages and pages of what I thought were unimportant conversations and scenes, and then something would happen that made it all worthwhile. I don't scare easily but this book made my skin crawl in a couple of places. It doesn't happen immediately though, which leads to my next point.
The pacing...is a bit slow. If you are looking for a quick payoff, this may not be the book for you. A lot of YA readers look for books that are quickly paced with a lot of plot. If that sounds like you, you may not like this one. It's not that there isn't a plot--there is, it just takes awhile to get there. Atmospheric settings and building tension are extremely important to the author and she takes her time telling the story. Once you get to the end, the payoff is worth it (although the last page left me a little confused).
I can't actually talk about the plot and what happens without revealing things that would be best left to the reader to discover. This is a book that needs to be experienced and definitely not rushed. I am extremely glad I read most of this on my vacation. It really enhanced the experience. Word of warning though--if you scare easily, I would not recommend reading this in the dark. Muahahahaha.
Also, apparently they are Americanizing the language for the US release. This makes me have a sad. Don't get me wrong, I understand WHY they are doing it, but part of the appeal for me was the British English. It somehow made the atmosphere that much more atmospheric. I read the British version. That's the one I really liked. So I hope they don't change it too much.
Show Less
LibraryThing member booktwirps
Said my lord to my lady, as he mounted his horse,
Beware of Long Lankin that lives in the moss.
As soon as I read the creepy little poem that kicks off Lindsey Barraclough’s Long Lankin, I knew I was going to love it. A unique tale blending mystery, horror and family drama, Long Lankin kept me
It’s summer, 1958 and young Cora and Mimi are sent to live with their Aunt Ida. It’s quite clear early on that Aunt Ida is not interested in the girls, and does not want them there. It doesn’t help that Cora is quite precocious and has a flare for doing exactly what she’s told not to. When she meets Roger and his brother Peter, the four children find themselves in all sorts of trouble. When Aunt Ida insists that the youngsters stay away from the church, they of course go investigate and find themselves investigating an old legend that just may be the death of them.
The book is very creepy and atmospheric. Ms. Barraclough knows tension and creates it masterfully. She’s also created a cast of memorable characters, and since the book is told in alternating viewpoints between Aunt Ida, Cora and Roger we get to see several sides of the story which adds a richness to it.
While the book did seem to stall out a bit about halfway through, it eventually picked up and lead to one of the most tense finales I have read in a long time. That Long Lankin is a scary mo-fo!
If you are a fan of “creep you the hell out” stories, then you definitely need to check this one out. I, myself, will definitely purchase a copy and force all of my friends to read it.
Beware of Long Lankin that lives in the moss.
As soon as I read the creepy little poem that kicks off Lindsey Barraclough’s Long Lankin, I knew I was going to love it. A unique tale blending mystery, horror and family drama, Long Lankin kept me
Show More
glued to the pages well after bedtime.It’s summer, 1958 and young Cora and Mimi are sent to live with their Aunt Ida. It’s quite clear early on that Aunt Ida is not interested in the girls, and does not want them there. It doesn’t help that Cora is quite precocious and has a flare for doing exactly what she’s told not to. When she meets Roger and his brother Peter, the four children find themselves in all sorts of trouble. When Aunt Ida insists that the youngsters stay away from the church, they of course go investigate and find themselves investigating an old legend that just may be the death of them.
The book is very creepy and atmospheric. Ms. Barraclough knows tension and creates it masterfully. She’s also created a cast of memorable characters, and since the book is told in alternating viewpoints between Aunt Ida, Cora and Roger we get to see several sides of the story which adds a richness to it.
While the book did seem to stall out a bit about halfway through, it eventually picked up and lead to one of the most tense finales I have read in a long time. That Long Lankin is a scary mo-fo!
If you are a fan of “creep you the hell out” stories, then you definitely need to check this one out. I, myself, will definitely purchase a copy and force all of my friends to read it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member librarybrandy
Oh, man, the world needs more scary stories that aren't all slasher-grossness, and this one delivers. It's a little overlong and occasionally info-dumpy, but the infodumps are well integrated into the story and the overlong parts build atmosphere, so I can live with both those things. It's creepy
Show More
and scary and well-written, but the pacing may be a little slow for younger teens. I'd pitch this to high school and up. Show Less
LibraryThing member molliekay
I read this book just in time for Halloween. The spooky plot sneaks up behind you, and just when you think you're safe, it jumps out and yells, "Boo!"
I'm not sure if I'll be able to fall asleep tonight…
I'm not sure if I'll be able to fall asleep tonight…
LibraryThing member 68papyrus
Horror is one of my favorite genres although I don't read it as often as I did when I was a teen. Long Lankin is a Gothic Horror novel based on an English folk song. The pace of the book is slow but not in a way where there is no action and you want to abandon the book but in a way that enhances
Show More
the story and leaves you wanting more. The story is told in multiple points of view which I think enhances the story and helps build up the suspense. Cora and Mimi are sent to live with their reclusive Aunt Ida while their mother is in the hospital. Their aunt lives in the family estate Guerdon Hall which is located in the village of Bryers Guerdon. Guerdon Hall is a decaying mansion on the edge of a marsh that holds centuries of secrets some of them not only tragic but terrifying. Long Lankin kept me reading late into the night. It is an amazing debut from a talented author. I am excited to see what Lindsey Barraclough writes next. Check out this book! You will not be disappointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member morandia
I tried to like this book. I really did, but at the halfway point, I just gave up.
LibraryThing member Mirandalg14
Lindsey Barraclough has written a wonderful story. The setting is amazingly written, deep and lush, and draws the reader into the character's world. The characters are also well written. They are extremely easy to identify with and leave you pulling for them in the end.
The story may start out
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good gothic horror.
The story may start out
Show More
slowly, but it is only to pull you in even tighter. It unfolds piece by piece until the puzzle is put together and the picture is visible to the reader.I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good gothic horror.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Goldengrove
A terrific, scary novel in the long and glorious tradition of story telling for (older) children.
In time-honoured fashion, Cora and Mimi are separated from their parents in the very first chapter; their mother has disappeared and their father can't cope, so the girls are sent to their eccentric
The very first sentence sets the reader on the right track: "There's too much sky, and the further out of London we go, the more of it there is." The further out of London, the further these two girls travel from the familiar and safe, into the dark, mysterious countryside where even the landscape is against them. We know from the unnerving folk song printed at the front that this will not be a cosy book, and it lives up to expectation as the atmosphere becomes progressively more threatening and fearful, following the shape of the song in clever and unexpected ways.
Telling the story from several different points of view is an approach that can be problematic, but Lindsey Barraclough manages it neatly, with names heading each section. She writes well, and each character has a distinctive voice.
The story comes to a satisfactory climax and explanation, although some questions are not answered - I'm looking forward to reading the sequel 'The Mark of Cain'.
In time-honoured fashion, Cora and Mimi are separated from their parents in the very first chapter; their mother has disappeared and their father can't cope, so the girls are sent to their eccentric
Show More
(and reluctant) great-aunt in the country.The very first sentence sets the reader on the right track: "There's too much sky, and the further out of London we go, the more of it there is." The further out of London, the further these two girls travel from the familiar and safe, into the dark, mysterious countryside where even the landscape is against them. We know from the unnerving folk song printed at the front that this will not be a cosy book, and it lives up to expectation as the atmosphere becomes progressively more threatening and fearful, following the shape of the song in clever and unexpected ways.
Telling the story from several different points of view is an approach that can be problematic, but Lindsey Barraclough manages it neatly, with names heading each section. She writes well, and each character has a distinctive voice.
The story comes to a satisfactory climax and explanation, although some questions are not answered - I'm looking forward to reading the sequel 'The Mark of Cain'.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jjaylynny
An engrossing young adult book which takes its inspiration from an ancient poem/ballad. I enjoyed very much the care the author took in building the setting (middle class English countryside late 1950s), with a delicious mouldering manse, crazy aunt and wicked local legends. I also enjoyed the
Show More
surprisingly (for a young adult book) complete musings on the power of ancient places and their legacies upon places of worship, of the all too common way evil is born of cruelty. I rather liked how unsweet the characters were and how the horror was presented matter of factly, as children would see it. No woowoo stuff-- just a real monster. The only thing that keeps it from being a true favorite is some raggedness and times the novel didn't seem cohesive, as if it was getting away from itself. An impressive debut, though. Show Less
LibraryThing member RaeLynn_Fry
Long Lankin
Lindsey Barraclough
YA Thirller
Rating: PG-13 (for potentially scary content for some readers)
Coffee Beans: 5/5
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
Publisher’s Summary
A chilling, beautiful debut novel inspired by a
My Review
I’m never waiting this long to write a review for a book I love again. It was so good I thought I’d always remember about its detailed awesomeness, but I was wrong. Life intervened and I forgot most of what made this book great except for the blinding fact that it is great.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I hardly ever get scared reading books. I’m more of a visual person when it comes to being scared. But Long Lankin broke that curse. I can’t even tell you how many times that book gave me goose bumps and just that all over creepy feeling. This is one of those books that I will recommend to everyone I come in contact with and it’s one that will be added to The Shelf.
The story is told from the point of view of three different people: Cora, Roger, and Aunt Ida. Each adding different pieces of the puzzle to the eerie tale of Long Lankin and the old church in the Marshes. The point of view is mostly from Cora, with Roger coming up as a close second. Aunt Ida’s voice only makes an appearance when some especially creepy revelation needs to be made. But with all of these characters, even the ones whose voices we don’t hear, the reader is given a good, round sense of who they are and what they’re like as people.
The setting is also what makes this story. 1940’s English countryside in a small town filled with small-minded people. A haunted church that’s half sunk into the marshes, ghostly children, a scary painting, doors and windows sealed shut (let me tell you, while I was reading this, all the doors and windows in our house were shut tight), a crazy aunt, witches…the list goes on.
Be prepared for this, though: It’s a long book, and a heavy book. At 450 pages, don’t expect to just breeze through it. There’s a lot of history, names, events, etc that need to be kept track of. Half the time I felt like I needed to be taking notes to keep everything straight and to make sure I got the full impact of the storytelling.
But it was worth it. I will for sure be reading this again.
Happy Reading!
Lindsey Barraclough
YA Thirller
Rating: PG-13 (for potentially scary content for some readers)
Coffee Beans: 5/5
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
Publisher’s Summary
A chilling, beautiful debut novel inspired by a
Show More
haunting folk song about murder, witchcraft and revenge. Beware of Long Lankin, that lives in the moss ...When Cora and her little sister Mimi are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Bryers Guerdon, they receive a less than warm welcome, and are desperate to go back to London. But Auntie Ida's life was devastated the last time two young girls were at Guerdon Hall, and now her nieces' arrival has reawoken an evil that has lain waiting for years. A haunting voice in an empty room ...A strange, scarred man lurking in the graveyard ...A mysterious warning, scrawled on the walls of the abandoned church ...Along with Roger and Peter, two young village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries - before it is too late for Mimi. Intensely atmospheric and truly compelling, this is a stunning debut.My Review
I’m never waiting this long to write a review for a book I love again. It was so good I thought I’d always remember about its detailed awesomeness, but I was wrong. Life intervened and I forgot most of what made this book great except for the blinding fact that it is great.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I hardly ever get scared reading books. I’m more of a visual person when it comes to being scared. But Long Lankin broke that curse. I can’t even tell you how many times that book gave me goose bumps and just that all over creepy feeling. This is one of those books that I will recommend to everyone I come in contact with and it’s one that will be added to The Shelf.
The story is told from the point of view of three different people: Cora, Roger, and Aunt Ida. Each adding different pieces of the puzzle to the eerie tale of Long Lankin and the old church in the Marshes. The point of view is mostly from Cora, with Roger coming up as a close second. Aunt Ida’s voice only makes an appearance when some especially creepy revelation needs to be made. But with all of these characters, even the ones whose voices we don’t hear, the reader is given a good, round sense of who they are and what they’re like as people.
The setting is also what makes this story. 1940’s English countryside in a small town filled with small-minded people. A haunted church that’s half sunk into the marshes, ghostly children, a scary painting, doors and windows sealed shut (let me tell you, while I was reading this, all the doors and windows in our house were shut tight), a crazy aunt, witches…the list goes on.
Be prepared for this, though: It’s a long book, and a heavy book. At 450 pages, don’t expect to just breeze through it. There’s a lot of history, names, events, etc that need to be kept track of. Half the time I felt like I needed to be taking notes to keep everything straight and to make sure I got the full impact of the storytelling.
But it was worth it. I will for sure be reading this again.
Happy Reading!
Show Less
LibraryThing member EmpressReece
Perfect name for the book too because it is long but good though
LibraryThing member amyghilton
Way too slow paced for my taste. Much of the dialogue is completely unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot. I really, really wanted to like this story because books based on legends are intriguing to me and contain that creepy goodness, but it just didn't do anything for me. :(
LibraryThing member teresa1953
This is a terrific debut novel by new children's author Lindsey Barraclough. Set in the late 1950s, it tells the tale of two young sisters, Cora and Mimi, who are sent to stay with their Great Aunt Ida whilst their Mother is indisposed.
Probably aimed at children of 11 years and above, the story is
After befriending two local boys, Roger and Pete, the reasons become much clearer. Cora learns about the legend of Long Lankin who feeds on the blood of young children.....told you it was scarey didn't I? It becomes apparent that Mimi's life is in danger, but, of course, the children have to go down to the old churchyard to find out for themselves!
Being of "a certain age" and growing up in the 1950s and 60s, I particularly liked the references to times past and can easily see children asking their grandparents all about "Fairy Snow" and "Spangles".
Told alternately by Cora and Roger, with an occasional narrative by Aunt Ida, this tale has been lovingly researched and written and there are several historic references too.
I thank the publishers and nbm for sending me this novel for review.....higly recommended.
Probably aimed at children of 11 years and above, the story is
Show More
atmospheric and suitably scary. The big, old house in an isolated village in Essex, is frightening and stiflingly hot. Cora, the eldest girl, wonders why the windows are all nailed shut and they are forbidden to go down to the old churchyard.After befriending two local boys, Roger and Pete, the reasons become much clearer. Cora learns about the legend of Long Lankin who feeds on the blood of young children.....told you it was scarey didn't I? It becomes apparent that Mimi's life is in danger, but, of course, the children have to go down to the old churchyard to find out for themselves!
Being of "a certain age" and growing up in the 1950s and 60s, I particularly liked the references to times past and can easily see children asking their grandparents all about "Fairy Snow" and "Spangles".
Told alternately by Cora and Roger, with an occasional narrative by Aunt Ida, this tale has been lovingly researched and written and there are several historic references too.
I thank the publishers and nbm for sending me this novel for review.....higly recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Tip44
Couldn't get into it.
Awards
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2012)
Branford Boase Award (Shortlist — 2012)
UKLA Book Award (Shortlist — 2012)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2013)
Language
Original publication date
2011
Physical description
464 p.; 5.83 x 1.5 inches
ISBN
0763658081 / 9780763658083