The Land of Decoration

A Novel

By: Grace McCleen

Narrated by: Kate Harbour

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Ten-year-old Judith McPherson is a believer. She sees the world with the clear Eyes of Faith. Where others might see rubbish, Judith finds possibility and traces of the divine.

But at school, Judith’s difference marks her only for persecution at the hands of her classmates. And lately, even at home she struggles to find connection in a house filled with relics of a mother she’s never known. To escape, Judith makes things in the Land of Decoration, a model in miniature of the Promised Land made of collected scraps. Piece by piece, the world in her room mirrors the town outside: a discarded shoelace is a garden hose, an orange peel a slide. But in the Land of Decoration, nothing is what it once was, and nothing is quite as it seems.

As ominous forces disrupt the monotonous everyday - a strike threatens her father’s factory job, and the taunting at school slips into dangerous territory - Judith makes a miracle in the Land of Decoration that solidifies her blossoming convictions. She is God’s chosen instrument. But such a gift is difficult to control, its origins uncertain, and its consequences may threaten the very foundations of Judith’s world.

A debut as intimate and original as it is electrifying, The Land of Decoration casts startling light on how far one extraordinary young girl will go to protect the people she loves most.

©2012 Grace McCleen (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Tragic, sad, well written.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. It was a beautiful book that made me sad. I think the writing was probably one of the more beautifully written novels I have read in a long time. The metaphors, though difficult to believe a 10 year old would come up with them, were so visual and visceral and really well written and thought out.

Would you be willing to try another book from Grace McCleen? Why or why not?

Yes, as I said, the book was one of most beautifully written things I've ever read.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hm...probably the final few scenes. From when Judith awakes on the floor until the end. I can't say more because it would give away the ending of the book, which I will not do.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

That's a tough question. Probably. But I think it would be very very difficult to capture the interior thoughts of this tragic little girl in a film version. So much relied on her thoughts...her inner most secrets...

Any additional comments?

the book was beautifully written. the words were beautiful. the descriptions were lovely. reading this book was like stepping into another world, one that was so electric and vibrant and alive around me. however, the fact that it was narrated by a 10 year old gave me difficulty -- because of the metaphors that inhabited every single page -- they just didn't seam 10 year old to me.

An amazing novel, an amazing narrator

If you could sum up The Land of Decoration in three words, what would they be?

A psychological crucible.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Land of Decoration?

Judith's description of our place in the universe (it involves the Eiffel Tower).

Which scene was your favorite?

The most delicious fish and chips I never ate!

If you could rename The Land of Decoration, what would you call it?

Let's keep the title.

Any additional comments?

An astounding book and a perfect performance by Kate Harbour.