Thursday's Child is an outstanding and original story. It is a complex and haunting tale that will mesmerise readers of all ages. The narrative style and characterisation are excellent. The story is told from Harper's point of view but in a way that enables the reader to enter into the silent earthworld that her brother, Tin, inhabits as he seems to transofrm from his human form into a subterranean being. Although he hardly ever joins the family, he is there when needed and plays his part by finding Caffy the baby brother who had fallen into the well. Only he, Harper, and their father know the secret of what happened to the bully Vandery Cable a source of trouble for the family, especially Audrey, Harper's older, attractive sister.

Thursday's Child is a book to be read on many different levels. Each character has their own story. Tin's story is so fantastic - because of his family's acceptance that he must be allowed to 'dig' so that at times he seems more animal than boy but the tone is authentic and the reader is left in no doubt that this could happen. Sonya Hartnett's novel MUST be read and must surely be an award winner.

2008-01-04