By Dane Harrison
Described as a ‘Tim Burton-esque tale’ by CNN, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children had me hooked right away. It’s dark and strange tale is supported by a collection of odd and old photographs, collected by the author, which help make the tale descriptive and entertaining.
The story follows the young Jacob Portman who is brought up to strange tales and peculiar photographs by his grandfather, Abe. But years later, he is left pondering his sanity after seeing a monster kill his grandfather and disappear, leaving him wondering if the stories his deceased grandfather told him were true.
Our protagonist then follows a trail of clues left by his grandfather that lead him to a small island off the coast of wales where he explores a derelict and seemingly abandoned orphanage. As he explores the decaying house he realises that the children were more than peculiar; they could be dangerous and very much still alive, as impossible as it seems.
From the moment I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. Nothing excites me more than tales of strangeness and magic and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children certainly did not disappoint. Despite it being a children’s book, I found it darker than expected. But nevertheless I enjoyed it immensely. The plot is full of twists and turns, and is littered with photographs collected by the author that make it more engaging to the reader. The characters, although a little cliché, are pleasurable to read about and I personally find Emma Bloom my favourite. She is a daring and fiery individual that seems to be ready for anything and loyal down to the bone.
So if you are in need of something new to read and have a taste for the peculiar, then look no further because this book with be perfect for you. The book is only the first in a trilogy, and is also being produced as a film to be released in early 2016 starring famous actors including Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green and Judi Dench.
Dane is studying Multimedia Journalism and is often found reading or watching films. He aspires to be a film/book/TV critic.
Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes From Mirfield to Manchester, this Yorkshire-born four-piece bring their funk-interwoven indie rock to a sold-out Gorilla for their biggest headline show to date. Fresh off the back of their new single ‘Watch Life Burn’ and signing their first record deal with This Feeling/ LAB Records, there is already a…
Featured image and photography: Aaron Parsons / Press Haiden Henderson isn’t a name known to many in Manchester, but the Californian rockstar certainly made sure to leave a lasting impression. With sensual and sexy songs, Henderson really knows how to heat up a crowd in more ways than one. Unreleased track ‘Freak For You’ sets a…
Feature image: Press The Manchester Film Festival has wrapped its 12th edition, running over 11 days and showcasing a strong line-up of local and international talent from across the independent film industry. Festival director Neil Jeram-Croft reflected on this year’s programme, filled with a mix of features, shorts and documentaries spanning the cities’ cinema hotspots:…
Featured image: Press Toots and the Maytals return to Manchester for their ‘Reggae Got Soul’ 50th anniversary tour. Following their hugely successful 2025 tour, Toots and the Maytals return to Manchester to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their landmark album, Reggae Got Soul. Fronted for decades by Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert – named by Rolling Stone…
Leave a reply