A Monster Calls

Inspired by an Idea from Siobhan Dowd

De: Patrick Ness

Narrado por: Jason Isaacs

NOW A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor.

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting - he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd - whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself - Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.

©2011 Patrick Ness (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Compelling ... powerful and impressive." (Philip Pullman, author of the award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy)

“Brilliant and elegant, with all the thrills and ambition you would expect from the author of the Chaos Walking trilogy." (Frank Cottrell Boyce, award-winning author of Millions and Cosmic)

“Haunting, lyrical, powerful, and true. Patrick Ness has crafted a masterful story about grief and loss, love and hope that lingers in the heart like a ghost.” (Libba Bray, author of the Printz Award-winning novel Going Bovine)

"Exceptional ... this is storytelling as it should be - harrowing, lyrical, and transcendent." (Meg Rosoff, author of the Printz Award–winning novel How I Live Now)

Incredible that this is a one-person Narration

The best narration I've heard in my 30-book or so history. Hard to believe it was just one person, without any sound effects or special production. Listening to this book was a far better experience than the movie even, due to Jason Isaacs' performance (his monster voice would have been better than Liam Neeson's that was used in the movie). Innocence, power, fear and ultimately compassion are all present both in the narration and the story itself. This book will resonate with you for a long time.

Psychological Deep Dive into the Minds of Several

Author Patrick Ness takes you into uncertain territories of the minds of people of varying ages, states of mental and physical health, and what could be considered spiritual or mystic experiences. There is terror, all manner of fright, and subtle heroism. There is also a tree. It has personality. It has gifts. Its presence paints the narrative in hues of folklore.

All in all, this fresh approach to family dynamics, emotional/mental breakdown, and life and death digs deep and creates a very real experience for the reader/listener.

Jason Isaacs's narration was excellent. His performance reminded me of Neil Gaiman's high level of skill and superior style.

A Heart Warming Tale!

Where does A Monster Calls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

So far, "A Monster Calls" ranks toward the bottom because I think it was a great story, but it feels more suited for a middle schooler than a 25-year-old. The book was not what I thought it was going to be. I figured it would be scary, but it was more about grief and loss.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Conor, was my favorite character because I could feel the pain he must be going through with losing his mother to cancer. Luckily, I have never been through a situation like that, but the author did a great job of encompassing what a teenage boy would be internally and externally battling under these circumstances. I think the author did a good job of getting inside the realm of teenage-hood.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was at the end when he was hugging his mother tightly. I knew he was going to be alright because he finally faced his demons and allowed himself to feel what he was repressing for so long.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by the scene of Conor holding onto his mother over the cliff with the monster encouraging him to speak the truth. I could feel myself getting into the scene and being in suspense even though I knew what was going to happen. I could feel the tension of the battle that Conor was dealing with inside himself. When he finally broke down and spoke the truth; I felt a sense of relief and satisfaction because he let go of everything he had been holding in.

Any additional comments?

I think this book would be excellent for a middle schooler or high schooler to read if they are dealing with grief or loss of a loved one because they would be able to relate with what the main character is feeling and dealing with.

This is a great way to start the healing process for a young man or woman, who has lost its love one.

Lots to love and unpack

My Father died less than a year ago. As his LG it was the toughest thing in the world to do for him who not perfect by far had always done for me. Now my Mom… This book is a need for those of us adult children as well as for anyone loosing a loved one. Yet the truth of the story is how to let go, understanding that life will never be the same, being angry that we had to choose what was best… I know our father is proud of us. This gripping, sad, freeing story will touch every person out there who has lost a parent as the tree states who is flawed: both good and bad because that is what we humans are.

Recommended by a friend...

...and it turned into one that I would recommend to anyone. A heartbreaking story of pain and loss, A Monster Calls tells of a young boy who feels alone in dealing with his mother’s illness, and how he’s going to face his upcoming loss of her. His own monster within can strengthen him, if he can only learn to coexist with it. Narration by Jason Isaacs made for a truly wonderful and emotional experience. I’ll be listening again after I recover.

Yes, it's a powerful story

There’s no denying this is a really powerful book.

It’s about a boy. And his mother, who is dying of cancer. And a monster, in the form of a giant yew tree.

The monster claims he is there to help Conor. He promises to tell him some stories, and then he wants Conor to tell him his story – his truth – in return. The stories the monster tells are some of the strangest I have ever heard. They appear to mean one thing at first, but when you know more details about them, they suddenly mean something altogether different. And in the end, they do help.

This seems to be rather a tough book for children, but it apparently resonates with adults. And I expect that it would do the same for children whose life situations thrust them into a position to understand it.

Excellent narration, especially for the monster.

Deep story that's deathly truthful

This story can be dark for some, but provided many truths that the author was able to explore. Along with great narration, this amazing novel had me in tears by the end. The movie adaptation shall soon follow but it will probably not live it up to the amazing novel. Definite must read! And hear!

A hard but warming touch to the heart.

I first saw the movie of this book, and I found it extremely touching. So I thought it would be obvious to search for the book, and wow, I am not disappointed at all. The book carries such a great story and meaning to it , it's absolutely a amazing read or listen. I completely recommend this book to everyone, I really feel like there is a special place in this book for all.

A Poignant, Quick Listen

This story is deeply touching and poignant in such a short space. Found myself welling up with tears quite a few times reading this. It is a profound literary navigation of grief and the taboo that comes with it.

Jason Isaacs is a treasure of a reader. His narration of the prose is good, but it’s his commitment to the voices of the characters that makes for some of the peaks of this reading. Feels almost like a dramatization, but Isaacs never sacrifices reverence in pursuit of convincing portrayal.