Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Book review - The Tale of Angelino Brown

Title: The Tale of Angelino Brown
Author: David Almond
Genre: magical realism
Similar books: Matilda by Roald Dahl
                      Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGhee
Rating:
better than I expected

Summary (provided by publisher): Do you believe in angels? Bert and Betty Brown do, because Bert discovered one in his shirt pocket the other day while he was driving his bus. All of a sudden they had a little boy of their very own to care for — how heavenly! Bert and Betty’s friends think Angelino is lovely. So do Nancy and Jack and Alice from school. But the Head Teacher, Mrs. Mole, is not so sure. Neither is Professor Smellie. And who is the mysterious Man in Black who claims to be a School Inspector? Or the big, lumbering Basher Malone? What could all these sneaky adults possibly have against such a perfect little angel?

My opinion: Generally speaking, I find Almond's writing too weird, representational, and generally dark. This one bucks that trend. Firstly, it skews a little younger, though it will land with older audiences as well. This story has messages about the state of modern schools and how perception affects behavior. Can be read and enjoyed several times.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

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