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98th out of 290 books
—
192 voters
The Shell House
Greg’s casual interest in the history of a ruined mansion becomes more personal as he slowly discovers the tragic events that overwhelmed its last inhabitants. Set against a background of the modern day and the First World War, Greg’s contemporary beliefs become intertwined with those of Edmund, a foot soldier whose confusion about his sexuality and identity mirrors Greg’s...more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
April 13th 2004
by Laurel Leaf
(first published July 1st 2002)
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Oct 25, 2011
El Templo de las Mil Puertas
added it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
05-eltemplo,
que-no-leerás-en-español
"Muchas veces se ha pretendido aleccionar a los jóvenes a través de novelas “de maduración”, pobladas con todo tipo de traumas adolescentes, rabietas y clichés exagerados con los que supuestamente debían sentirse identificados. Sin embargo, pocas veces se ha escrito sobre jóvenes de verdad, a los que se les permita ser espirituales, reflexivos, maduros, curiosos… “The Shell House” es una de esas excepciones. Cuando Greg, un joven aficionado a la fotografía, se topa por casualidad con las ruinas...more
The Shell House is a young adult book about a teenage boy named Greg, who stumbles across the ruins of the Graveney Hall mansion whilst looking for subjects to photograph. Greg slowly becomes intrigued by the house's former inhabitants, not realising that his own life is paralleled by that of the last heir to Graveney, WW1 soldier Edmund. Whilst Greg struggles with his unexpected feelings for a classmate - a boy named Jordan - Edmund was facing a struggle in his own time, being unable to declare...more
It is impossible not to compare this book to this year's Carnegie Award winner, for it is the perfect companion novel to Aidan Chamber's winner Postcards from No Man's Land (Dutton Books, 2002). Both books delve into issues of world war and burgeoning sexuality with passion, elegance and authentic characters.
In The Shell House, shutterbug Greg is lured to the ruins of a mansion, where he meets a girl whose family is intent on a volunteer project to restore it. Faith becomes a pillar between his...more
In The Shell House, shutterbug Greg is lured to the ruins of a mansion, where he meets a girl whose family is intent on a volunteer project to restore it. Faith becomes a pillar between his...more
I couldn't get myself to finish this book. I kept trying and trying in hopes that the novel would get better--especially with so many high reviews on Goodreads. The only plot line I found somewhat interesting was Edmund's storyline. Unfortunately, it was a minor storyline because it mostly focused on Greg and Faith.
I didn't like Newberry's writing style, which is probably one of the main reasons I put the book down. I couldn't connect with it--at times I thought the prose was too sentimental and...more
I didn't like Newberry's writing style, which is probably one of the main reasons I put the book down. I couldn't connect with it--at times I thought the prose was too sentimental and...more
This book (I assume this is the audio CD?) is a very good read, bouncing between modern day and one of the world wars. The caharaters are amazingly deep and the two stories reflect one another.
I wasn't quite sure how many stars to give this book. The tie was between two and three, but in the end I decided to give it three.
There were parts of the book that I really liked and that made me want to go on. Chief among those things was the Edmund!storyline.
But then there were also endless discussions about God and faith. I have no problem with the topic itself, just to make that clear. The way it was done just seemed really forced and unnatural. I would have preferred for the author to be m...more
There were parts of the book that I really liked and that made me want to go on. Chief among those things was the Edmund!storyline.
But then there were also endless discussions about God and faith. I have no problem with the topic itself, just to make that clear. The way it was done just seemed really forced and unnatural. I would have preferred for the author to be m...more
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Loved this book. The way Newberry changes from past to present is so intriguing and refreshing, it gives the book so much more interest. I loved the way Edmund's story has a blind effect on greg's own sexuality and it's only at the very he end he discovers this.
The ending is also perfectly constructed in subtly hinting what happens after the story ends.
Great read!
The ending is also perfectly constructed in subtly hinting what happens after the story ends.
Great read!
A parallel story – Edmund in WWI falls in love with Alex, a fellow soldier. This remains a hidden love until Alex is killed in the trenches. Greg, sixty years later, is puzzled by the mystery surrounding Edmund’s burned-out estate and the disappearance of Edmund while dealing with his own adolescent nature.
Interesting. Main modern character is not resolved enough in the end and the ending leave you wanting. The modern and historic characters and not connected enough. But it is compelling. Note content in this book may not be suitable for all readers
I really enjoyed this book, thought the ending did confuse me a little. I think I know what happened (I'm not saying anything that could be a spoiler) and I must say it was a little disappointing to me. I still loved the book and I will definitely recommend it.
Absolutely beautiful. Sensitively and clearly written. Full of tenderness and expression. All about seeking identities.
This book didn't go far enough. Engaging and fascinating at times, it had so much potential it ignored..
I always dislike when anyone says "this book will change you". Inevitably, I always get my hopes up and they are always disappointed. it didn't change me.....
It isnt my favourite book, but a good read :)
Eeeeeh, I'm torn with the rating. Part of this was a four and part was a three...
Review eventually.
Review eventually.
May 13, 2013
Emily
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2013
Nancy
marked it as to-read
Apr 26, 2013
Hope Clough
added it
Apr 25, 2013
Larissa
marked it as to-read
Apr 09, 2013
Kathleen
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's The Name o...: YA- set in Europe male MC late teens [s] | 3 | 18 | Jan 16, 2013 12:16pm |
