Some Thoughts on The Boggart, by Susan Cooper

The Boggart by Susan Cooper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I am a big Susan Cooper fan, especially of The Dark is Rising series. I read this book because I am interested in boggart lore and there is a fair amount here in this story of a Canadian family who travel to Scotland when the dad inherits a castle there. When they decide to sell the castle and go home to Toronto, they pack up some of the furniture. Inside a desk, the boggart was sleeping. Late 20th century Canada is a big surprise to the Boggart, practical jokester extraordinaire.

There is a fair bit of the story that is predictable, beginning with the family inheriting a haunted (sort of) castle, as well as the shock of a creature of Wild Magic when he encounters the modern world. Besides the strong writing and engaging story, I was struck by the boggart as a sympathetic character, especially when he is finally able to tell them he wants to go home. The use of a computer game was clever.

Middle school children and those a bit younger, 4th and 5th grade, who are interested in the fantastic, will like this book.



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