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Attica
Join Jordy, Alex, and Chloe as they cross the portal from our world to a strange and wonderful other place, accessible for just a moment in time through the trapdoor of the attic in their family home. From hat-stand forests to towering hills of old musical instruments, deserts of old books, and a great water-tank lake, the vast continent they stumble upon is one of limitless surprises—and that's before they meet the inhabitants—strange clans of small and lumpen people who live in homes constructed from all manner of found things and drive vehicles powered by old sewing-machine parts. It is against this remarkable backdrop that the three children will embark on a spellbinding adventure to recover a prized possession, save a life, and—somehow—find a way back home. A story of courage, loyalty, and friendship; of Browsers, Shadow-Tangles, and Tatterdermalions; of incredible landscapes, ingenious devices, and cunning plot twists; Attica has a richness and depth that will delight readers of all ages.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
18 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Garry Kilworth
224 books118 followersGarry Douglas Kilworth is a historical novelist who also published sci-fi, fantasy, and juvenile fiction.
Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.
Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 5, 2010
I am going to stop reading this. The description on the back of the book sounded so great and Narnia-ish. It is anything but. I find it cold and hard to get into and I've read over half the book. I've decided that I have better things to do than try and plod through this. Three kids stumble into some weird world in the attic of their new home and spend the novel trying to get back "home". They encounter strange creatures along the way, including a tribe of mannequins who live to capture humans and dress them in horrible, ill-fitting clothes (as they were made to wear) and then mock them. Right before I put the book down, the children were unknowingly being trailed by a horde of malevolent voo-doo dolls. Too creepy and weird (and poorly written) for me.
April 10, 2010
This book was, when I finished it, great. And it still is great and hopefully will always BE great. I sincerely hope moms read this to their kids, it's a wonderful exercise for your imagination...and kids, recommend this book to everyone you meet! It's amazing!
This book begins with the dedication: "To the memory of Nelson, a three-legged cat with a four-fold personality."
Obviously the author had a cat, or knew a cat named Nelson. Anyway, in the story there was a cat, also named Nelson. I liked that, it made it more...real, personal, I guess.
Nelson was one of my favorite characters. He was loyal, and brought Alex his first pigeon.
Speaking of Alex, he reminded me a lot of Charles Wallace from Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. Alex was also a character I got really mad at, and I've not gotten angry at a character for a long time. (Accept maybe Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). I was reading the last chapters of the book outside, and I sat muttering to myself, 'Don't become a board-comber, Alex! You JERK!'
As to if Alex really DOES, you will have to read the book to find out.
I hope this paragraph has motivated some Goodread's members.
In a way, you could say I was like all the kids--Chloe especially. She was a total bookworm, and even kept a list of her top 20 favorite books in her pocket. In the very beginning, Mr Grantham asked if she was reading 'One of them Harry Potters?' I laughed aloud, I LOVE the Harry Potter books. She responds, 'No, not this time,' and attempts to tell Mr Grantham about the book Holes.
Somewhere near the end of the book, she journeys to the underworld. I don't mean underworld as in Greek mythology, but as in the UNDER world; under Attica, under the adventures. I really liked that chapter, 'A Visit To the Under World', it was unusual and a little bit more than cool that, by entering the real world where one doesn't belong, one could change TIME and SPACE forever.
Speaking of time and space, yet another cool character was the board-comber and his bat. They were so...interesting, and the board-combers need to collect soapstone carvings was, in a word, cute. He follows newcomers to see if they have any carvings! Aww!
However, the board-combers can also be deadly, like when Alex meets up with Amanda, a girl board-comber who collects watches--Deadly if you support the Organist, an attic-dweller intent on plotting her doom. I think Amanda and Alex were so cute together, but alas, it wasn't meant to be...
'No, no--I'm not saying I want you for a girlfriend,' he added, 'I just think you're--you're really cool.'
This was not the first time he had used phrases or words which meant very little to her.
'I hope I am your friend, even though a girl.'
'Well, yes, I didn't mean that...'
'And I don't mean to be cool towards you, but you must understand a young woman like myself has to maintain some distance, some decorum. The organist didn't understand that.'
'What I meant was,' he said desperately, 'is that I like you and I think you're great company.'
She gave him an elvish grin. 'Thank you, that's a very nice compliment.'
This little excerpt was from the chapter 'Attack of the Music Makers!', another great chapter.
I also LOVED the idea of the TRAPDOORS, which could lead down to totally different worlds. I wish there was a sequel about that--but of course, the chapter 'A Visit To the Under World' fulfilled my wishes briefly.
I also liked Jordy. In the beginning, he saved a chocolate bar, and shared it with his siblings. It's a small thing, I know--but when you're lost in a strange world with no food, it's a BIG thing. Huge.
He was also very brave at the end, but I won't say! Again, if you wish to find out, read this awesome book!
Attica is a simply wonderful and amazing book about three kids who enter who the strange and dangerous world of Attica. They enter to find a pocket-watch, save a life--and all come out dramatically changed.
This book begins with the dedication: "To the memory of Nelson, a three-legged cat with a four-fold personality."
Obviously the author had a cat, or knew a cat named Nelson. Anyway, in the story there was a cat, also named Nelson. I liked that, it made it more...real, personal, I guess.
Nelson was one of my favorite characters. He was loyal, and brought Alex his first pigeon.
Speaking of Alex, he reminded me a lot of Charles Wallace from Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. Alex was also a character I got really mad at, and I've not gotten angry at a character for a long time. (Accept maybe Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). I was reading the last chapters of the book outside, and I sat muttering to myself, 'Don't become a board-comber, Alex! You JERK!'
As to if Alex really DOES, you will have to read the book to find out.
I hope this paragraph has motivated some Goodread's members.
In a way, you could say I was like all the kids--Chloe especially. She was a total bookworm, and even kept a list of her top 20 favorite books in her pocket. In the very beginning, Mr Grantham asked if she was reading 'One of them Harry Potters?' I laughed aloud, I LOVE the Harry Potter books. She responds, 'No, not this time,' and attempts to tell Mr Grantham about the book Holes.
Somewhere near the end of the book, she journeys to the underworld. I don't mean underworld as in Greek mythology, but as in the UNDER world; under Attica, under the adventures. I really liked that chapter, 'A Visit To the Under World', it was unusual and a little bit more than cool that, by entering the real world where one doesn't belong, one could change TIME and SPACE forever.
Speaking of time and space, yet another cool character was the board-comber and his bat. They were so...interesting, and the board-combers need to collect soapstone carvings was, in a word, cute. He follows newcomers to see if they have any carvings! Aww!
However, the board-combers can also be deadly, like when Alex meets up with Amanda, a girl board-comber who collects watches--Deadly if you support the Organist, an attic-dweller intent on plotting her doom. I think Amanda and Alex were so cute together, but alas, it wasn't meant to be...
'No, no--I'm not saying I want you for a girlfriend,' he added, 'I just think you're--you're really cool.'
This was not the first time he had used phrases or words which meant very little to her.
'I hope I am your friend, even though a girl.'
'Well, yes, I didn't mean that...'
'And I don't mean to be cool towards you, but you must understand a young woman like myself has to maintain some distance, some decorum. The organist didn't understand that.'
'What I meant was,' he said desperately, 'is that I like you and I think you're great company.'
She gave him an elvish grin. 'Thank you, that's a very nice compliment.'
This little excerpt was from the chapter 'Attack of the Music Makers!', another great chapter.
I also LOVED the idea of the TRAPDOORS, which could lead down to totally different worlds. I wish there was a sequel about that--but of course, the chapter 'A Visit To the Under World' fulfilled my wishes briefly.
I also liked Jordy. In the beginning, he saved a chocolate bar, and shared it with his siblings. It's a small thing, I know--but when you're lost in a strange world with no food, it's a BIG thing. Huge.
He was also very brave at the end, but I won't say! Again, if you wish to find out, read this awesome book!
Attica is a simply wonderful and amazing book about three kids who enter who the strange and dangerous world of Attica. They enter to find a pocket-watch, save a life--and all come out dramatically changed.
July 13, 2013
Received an audiobook copy of Attica for review from Downpour.com via Audiobook Jukebox
Attica was brilliantly narrated by Simon Vance. This was the first title that I have listened to by this narrator which is surprising since he has narrated over 700 popular novels such as The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. After listening to his outstanding narration of Attica, I will be searching out more titles read by Vance. I would say that Vance's performance of this audio was contributed significantly to my enjoyment and brought life to even the dullest moments of the story.
Attica introduces the reader to 3 siblings who find themselves on a quest to find a missing object in what they believe is an average old attic but find themselves exploring an ever expanding world of bizarre creatures & dangerous adventure. I found the story to be reminiscent of the dark & whimsical style of Neil Gaiman but lacking his crucial ability to build a connection between reader and characters. This also read a lot like Narnia without the intensity and religious overtones.
Middle grade readers will likely enjoy the strange creatures introduced,the sense of adventure, and the relationship between the kids. Older readers should enjoy reminiscing about the excitement of exploring an old attic and imagining all the hazards that may be lurking there and the treasure that may be waiting to be found.
Ultimately, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend for fans of whimsical middle grade fantasy. I would urge anyone considering reading Attica to listen to the audio. The fabulous narration by Vance adds personality and atmosphere to this story that distracts from any flaws in the plot or writing.
Attica was brilliantly narrated by Simon Vance. This was the first title that I have listened to by this narrator which is surprising since he has narrated over 700 popular novels such as The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. After listening to his outstanding narration of Attica, I will be searching out more titles read by Vance. I would say that Vance's performance of this audio was contributed significantly to my enjoyment and brought life to even the dullest moments of the story.
Attica introduces the reader to 3 siblings who find themselves on a quest to find a missing object in what they believe is an average old attic but find themselves exploring an ever expanding world of bizarre creatures & dangerous adventure. I found the story to be reminiscent of the dark & whimsical style of Neil Gaiman but lacking his crucial ability to build a connection between reader and characters. This also read a lot like Narnia without the intensity and religious overtones.
Middle grade readers will likely enjoy the strange creatures introduced,the sense of adventure, and the relationship between the kids. Older readers should enjoy reminiscing about the excitement of exploring an old attic and imagining all the hazards that may be lurking there and the treasure that may be waiting to be found.
Ultimately, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend for fans of whimsical middle grade fantasy. I would urge anyone considering reading Attica to listen to the audio. The fabulous narration by Vance adds personality and atmosphere to this story that distracts from any flaws in the plot or writing.
abandoned
July 16, 2014It's an interesting concept: kids go up into the attic of the new house to look for something and discover an entire world. I like the echos of Polly and Digory from The Magician's Nephew. What didn't work for me was how quickly the three kids accept that they are lost in this vast world, and how little effort they make to get home. They find water and a kind of food pretty easily, but with the most meager incentive they just keep going farther in.
July 1, 2025
5/5 stars ⭐ ✨
Ultimately, this book offers an enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone who appreciates whimsical middle-grade fantasy. I strongly encourage those considering reading Attica to opt for the audio version. Vance's exceptional narration infuses the story with vibrant character and atmosphere, allowing any minor plot or writing imperfections to fade away. This book I clearly remember reading in middle school (mid 2000s) and loving it, and it still holds up.
🏠 📦 🦇
Ultimately, this book offers an enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone who appreciates whimsical middle-grade fantasy. I strongly encourage those considering reading Attica to opt for the audio version. Vance's exceptional narration infuses the story with vibrant character and atmosphere, allowing any minor plot or writing imperfections to fade away. This book I clearly remember reading in middle school (mid 2000s) and loving it, and it still holds up.
🏠 📦 🦇
January 4, 2025
Czytałem to mając jakieś 10 lat ale mam giga sentyment do tej książki
October 3, 2020
Alice in Wonderland meets Homer’s Odyssey. There’s a dark whimsy in Kilworth’s story of three children journeying through a boundless attic, yet it does not evoke wonder so much as despondency. The characters grow but afford too little payoff at journey’s end.
March 30, 2009
Just like valuable antiques or meaningful mementos found buried amid junk in your attic, Attica is a rare treasure in an unassuming package, the kind you pick up without expectations and are blown away by. Seriously, I love this book, and what shocks me the most is how invisible it is. The Amazon record is dismal in its lack of reviews and the site I order books from for my library has barely any copies available. I think this is one of those British imports that snuck under the radar of Americans, and I hope reviewing it will get it a little more notice.
Step-siblings Jordy, Chloe, and Alex move into a duplex they share with their crotchety landlord. He sends them into the attic in search of a lost pocket watch – one that means a lot to him – and that’s where the adventure begins. One moment they are in their normal attic, searching through piles of dusty junk, but as they move further into the space, they begin to notice strange things. No matter how long they walk, the attic never ends. The walls to either side are no longer visible. Worse, they begin to feel that they are being followed. Soon, they are stumbling across villages of wardrobes and washtubs inhabited by strange, pale people who grow their own food with hydroponics, and they traverse all manner of terrain, including forests of coat racks, hills of typewriters, plains of empty floor boards, and a lake that is the largest water tank ever. They also run into all manner of creatures. Some are humans who abandoned their normal lives for the lure of Attica and became bortrekkers, adventurers and explorers, or board combers, treasure hunters who are obsessed with collecting one particular item. Some creatures are man-made objects that, after being mistreated by humans in the normal world, have developed malevolent personalities, like the mannequins who dress up their human prey in humiliating garments and mock them before killing them. Their search for the pocket watch becomes a search for the way home, but by the time they find it, one of them may not want to return.
There’s only one other library review source that seems to have reviewed this book, and it is not nearly as glowing as the review I wrote. In fact, it’s not even all that positive. (Oh well – that’s the problem with reviewing and reviewers in general. We don’t always agree. Maybe that’s also a strength, because it shows how varied readers can be in their likes and dislikes.) While I do agree with this other reviewer that the children accept their surroundings and survive in Attica too easily, that doesn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. And besides, the kids are plopped into this whole other world where they must adapt quickly, because there’s nothing gained by refusing to accept what’s right in front of you, especially when that will get you killed; the book would be tremendously boring if they spent the first 50 pages keening piteously about their fate or something. I focused on the sheer originality of the setting (seriously, I only wish I was this creative) and the realistic family dynamics between the three kids. Each one has different temperaments and interests and each reacts and adapts to Attica in their own way, learning necessary skills that they can share with the others. Alex's development in particular was well-done; he's always felt like an outsider, but in Attica, he's happy: he learns to rely on himself, and he feels like he belongs, so much so that he almost becomes first a board comber, then a bortrekker. I also found the pacing quite fast – I raced right through the book, eager to see what weird thing they were going to come upon next and what was going to happen.
It's a pity that this is such an invisible title, because I can't see it doing well without some hand selling by librarians and book store employees, but I also can't see kids not loving it when they pick it up.
Step-siblings Jordy, Chloe, and Alex move into a duplex they share with their crotchety landlord. He sends them into the attic in search of a lost pocket watch – one that means a lot to him – and that’s where the adventure begins. One moment they are in their normal attic, searching through piles of dusty junk, but as they move further into the space, they begin to notice strange things. No matter how long they walk, the attic never ends. The walls to either side are no longer visible. Worse, they begin to feel that they are being followed. Soon, they are stumbling across villages of wardrobes and washtubs inhabited by strange, pale people who grow their own food with hydroponics, and they traverse all manner of terrain, including forests of coat racks, hills of typewriters, plains of empty floor boards, and a lake that is the largest water tank ever. They also run into all manner of creatures. Some are humans who abandoned their normal lives for the lure of Attica and became bortrekkers, adventurers and explorers, or board combers, treasure hunters who are obsessed with collecting one particular item. Some creatures are man-made objects that, after being mistreated by humans in the normal world, have developed malevolent personalities, like the mannequins who dress up their human prey in humiliating garments and mock them before killing them. Their search for the pocket watch becomes a search for the way home, but by the time they find it, one of them may not want to return.
There’s only one other library review source that seems to have reviewed this book, and it is not nearly as glowing as the review I wrote. In fact, it’s not even all that positive. (Oh well – that’s the problem with reviewing and reviewers in general. We don’t always agree. Maybe that’s also a strength, because it shows how varied readers can be in their likes and dislikes.) While I do agree with this other reviewer that the children accept their surroundings and survive in Attica too easily, that doesn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. And besides, the kids are plopped into this whole other world where they must adapt quickly, because there’s nothing gained by refusing to accept what’s right in front of you, especially when that will get you killed; the book would be tremendously boring if they spent the first 50 pages keening piteously about their fate or something. I focused on the sheer originality of the setting (seriously, I only wish I was this creative) and the realistic family dynamics between the three kids. Each one has different temperaments and interests and each reacts and adapts to Attica in their own way, learning necessary skills that they can share with the others. Alex's development in particular was well-done; he's always felt like an outsider, but in Attica, he's happy: he learns to rely on himself, and he feels like he belongs, so much so that he almost becomes first a board comber, then a bortrekker. I also found the pacing quite fast – I raced right through the book, eager to see what weird thing they were going to come upon next and what was going to happen.
It's a pity that this is such an invisible title, because I can't see it doing well without some hand selling by librarians and book store employees, but I also can't see kids not loving it when they pick it up.
November 19, 2010
A complex, Narnian-fantasy manages to amaze and disappoint.
The plot is definitely it's strong point. If you love your "Kids go on an adventure to a weird but crazy cool world", I seriously can't recommend it enough. It's bizarre, it's fun, it's humorous, it's creepy... and hey, even has the tiniest sprinkle of romance. (Tiny, though. If your a diehard romantic you will probably be disappointed.)
However! There is a reason I only gave it three stars, and that's because our main cast is... boring, dull, forgettable, and practically all the same character, albeit with changed names, genders, and quirks. I honestly had trouble keeping track of who's who, because they were all so dull and basic. Uggghhh. I am a character-centric person. I like good characters. I like faulted characters. These are quite the opposite, and just come off as "annoying" when the author is trying to show faults. Ugh.
As a minor note, however, I was pleased that two of the main characters were of Indian descent.
"Uh, yeah, that totally makes me want to read this book." You say. NO, NO, GUYS, IT'S GOOD, I SWEAR. Our MINOR cast isn't so bad (I love the bat) and the world Kilworth has created is gorgeous, intriguing, and makes you wish you were there and terrified of it at the same time. A woooonderful fantasy world has been created here, there's just not the best cast to explore it. His creature creations are wonderful, as well as the imagery he uses to describe Attica.
If you enjoy your fantasy worlds beautiful, vast, imaginative, and pretty creepy, I say this book belongs on your to-read list.
The plot is definitely it's strong point. If you love your "Kids go on an adventure to a weird but crazy cool world", I seriously can't recommend it enough. It's bizarre, it's fun, it's humorous, it's creepy... and hey, even has the tiniest sprinkle of romance. (Tiny, though. If your a diehard romantic you will probably be disappointed.)
However! There is a reason I only gave it three stars, and that's because our main cast is... boring, dull, forgettable, and practically all the same character, albeit with changed names, genders, and quirks. I honestly had trouble keeping track of who's who, because they were all so dull and basic. Uggghhh. I am a character-centric person. I like good characters. I like faulted characters. These are quite the opposite, and just come off as "annoying" when the author is trying to show faults. Ugh.
As a minor note, however, I was pleased that two of the main characters were of Indian descent.
"Uh, yeah, that totally makes me want to read this book." You say. NO, NO, GUYS, IT'S GOOD, I SWEAR. Our MINOR cast isn't so bad (I love the bat) and the world Kilworth has created is gorgeous, intriguing, and makes you wish you were there and terrified of it at the same time. A woooonderful fantasy world has been created here, there's just not the best cast to explore it. His creature creations are wonderful, as well as the imagery he uses to describe Attica.
If you enjoy your fantasy worlds beautiful, vast, imaginative, and pretty creepy, I say this book belongs on your to-read list.
July 12, 2011
Attica is a book about growing up and discovering yourself.
The story starts with Chloe, Alex and their new half brother Jordy, the three of them move to a new house with their parents. The weird man that rented them half of the house he lives in sends them in an adventure to look for an old singing clock, from an old lover, that’s lost in the attic. When the three of them begin their journey they come across a whole new world, Attica. With its own weird residents and rules, this world will help them appreciate all they have and learn to get along with each other.
Throughout the whole journey the kids have to keep their hearts in the right place or else they’re going to end up trapped inside Attica for ever.
Every kid once had been intrigued by the mysteries of an attic and Garry Kilworth brings them all to life with his beautyful descriptions and unstoppable imagination.
The story starts with Chloe, Alex and their new half brother Jordy, the three of them move to a new house with their parents. The weird man that rented them half of the house he lives in sends them in an adventure to look for an old singing clock, from an old lover, that’s lost in the attic. When the three of them begin their journey they come across a whole new world, Attica. With its own weird residents and rules, this world will help them appreciate all they have and learn to get along with each other.
Throughout the whole journey the kids have to keep their hearts in the right place or else they’re going to end up trapped inside Attica for ever.
Every kid once had been intrigued by the mysteries of an attic and Garry Kilworth brings them all to life with his beautyful descriptions and unstoppable imagination.
January 30, 2010
Whoever the editor was, I hope he hasn't edited other books. I've spotted so many incorrect grammar and stuff like that, and I'm not even an adult.
February 10, 2020
The premise of this book was intriguing and the cover is beautiful, so I picked it up. The novel had an old-school fantasy feeling (like E. Nesbit or Edward Eager), which was charming at points but also wore thin. I felt like the plot was lacking--the children go into the attic to retrieve a pocket watch for a neighbor they just met, and even in the face of death or capture they continue to look for this watch, which didn't seem like appropriate motivation for continuing this adventure. Also, most of the action felt more like vignettes as opposed to a narrative that was building to a climax. I was most compelled by the old neighbor and his story, but he didn't have a significant role in most of the book. I did like the idea of the bortrekkers and the collectors and the variety of junk and treasures that were to be found in the attic. Overall though, I got bored reading about halfway through. This is a very gentle read (no violence or questionable content), so it might be a good suggestion for sensitive readers.
September 2, 2025
Re-reading this book and it (mostly) still stands up well.
I have always loved stories where ordinary children discover a way to enter a hidden world from our own. In Attica this world is accessed though the loft hatch, you just have to venture into the hidden dark depths we don't usually see into from the light around the hatch while on a stepladder.
The creatures which inhabit Attica were just as strange and terrifying to me on this re-read. The origin story of the non-native inhabitants was creepy and enthralling. The children who have entered Attica have a long journey to find Mr Grantham's watch and then get back to safety. Each of them are shaped by their experiences, especially Alex whose journey I especially enjoyed. I only picked it up on this re-read but I think Alex, and some of those he meets in Attica, are very likely autistic.
It is quite a dark story, more horror than fantasy, but I really enjoyed it.
I have always loved stories where ordinary children discover a way to enter a hidden world from our own. In Attica this world is accessed though the loft hatch, you just have to venture into the hidden dark depths we don't usually see into from the light around the hatch while on a stepladder.
The creatures which inhabit Attica were just as strange and terrifying to me on this re-read. The origin story of the non-native inhabitants was creepy and enthralling. The children who have entered Attica have a long journey to find Mr Grantham's watch and then get back to safety. Each of them are shaped by their experiences, especially Alex whose journey I especially enjoyed. I only picked it up on this re-read but I think Alex, and some of those he meets in Attica, are very likely autistic.
It is quite a dark story, more horror than fantasy, but I really enjoyed it.
December 7, 2016
I very much enjoy YA lit and this might be the best one I read this year. Some might think that the author borrowed from or even too closely copied books from the Narnia series (The Magician's Nephew). There is also a feel of the Fairyland books. But because of these similarities, I enjoyed it more! I lost plenty of sleep trying to finish it - it was a worthy sacrifice.
March 25, 2018
I think that there was more potential than it was shown.
May 23, 2020
This is fine story of step siblings and step parents becoming family, all wrapped in a fantastic and clever adventure story. I listened to it as a book on tape and enjoyed the vocal performance.
July 29, 2022
Przez jakieś 100-150 str książka mi się mega dłużyła, potem było już lepiej ale i tak dupy nie urywa
March 14, 2023
I like a good hidden world story and Attica as a place was fine enough, but I didn't like the main characters.
Read
July 21, 2023DNF @ 120 pages in July 23: Just not for me.
July 18, 2024
Great twists, exciting story, and fantastic opportunities for discussion with the kids! We enjoyed this story so much we actually listened to it twice.
Want to read
February 2, 2025Ironically, I found this book in the attic
July 7, 2020
Another YA by the excellent Garry Kilworth, full of odd folks and topsy turvy objects. Nothing nightmarish, no romance, very little angst. A nice, basic middle elementary to early teen magic adventure story.
June 13, 2018
Attica.
Just the sound of that is enough to pique my interest. Is it a name of a person? Is it a personification of attics? I don't know, and I want to know.
Having lived in Singapore for all my live where more than 90% of the population live in flats, attics are a very mystical thing to me. That said, I expected a lot from the book with absolutely no standard. I thought everything would be the freshest thing I've ever read.
Oh, how wrong was I.
So wrong, I hope I had never read it. The first time I read it, I had borrowed the book from a local library. AND I NEVER FINISHED IT. I kept putting it down and before I knew it, the due date was literally tomorrow. So there was the end of that adventure.
WHICH IS SOMETHING I WISH I COULD SAY ABOUT THE BOOK! It was not bad. Please don't be fooled by my anger - it was just... EXTREMELY REPETITIVE. Anyway, I bought the book.
The whole book wasn't just one big adventure, it was many small ones - kind of like those low tire anime or childish cartoons from the 90s to 00s. Because of that, what was supposed to be the most accessible adventure (at least for people with attics) turned out to be the longest "are we there yet"?
The characters (oh, the characters) seemingly set out to explore the attics, which was bigger than they'd expected it to be. And the word "explore" makes me think of endless fun - adrenaline rush every 5 minutes, gripping the book hoping your beloved characters live on and a least a mini emotional roller coaster. The book provided almost none of these. And when my expectations do happen, they are momentary and one beat away from being monotonous.
While the plot progression is done with and by, everyday objects, they didn't make me fear those objects like a good story would. Personally, I felt that because of the author's writing style, there were a lot of missed opportunities. These objects never felt like they had come alive; they really just felt like they were mere puppets of the author's words. They were supposed to be dangerous or scary, I assumed from the ways the characters reacted to them. But no, I couldn't feel anything. I would almost use the word dull to describe the book. If the characters didn't seem to be in some sort of imminent danger from said objects. BUT EVEN THAT ONLY HAPPENED TWICE, NEAR THE END OF THE BOOK.
As for the characters, I do appreciate their personalities as well as the dynamics amongst them. But I have to be honest - even with their distinct and realistic personality traits, they weren't very memorable. I can't even remember any of their names despite having read the book for the longest time. EVER. The worst thing about one of them was the fact that he was downright annoying. Like, younger sibling annoying - you tell you little sister not to do a certain thing and when you turn around, she does THE EXACT THING SHE'S TOLD NOT TO. Yes, that makes the character very realistic but also utterly unenjoyable! I would write more about the characters but I just CANNOT remember anything about them.
In short, the book could've done soooo sosososososo so much better with its narration. Its not necessarily a boring book. It's just more of I-can-come-back-next-week-for-the-next-episode. I tried to love this book, I really, wanted to. In the end, all I could think of it was, it was Not Bad(tm).
Just the sound of that is enough to pique my interest. Is it a name of a person? Is it a personification of attics? I don't know, and I want to know.
Having lived in Singapore for all my live where more than 90% of the population live in flats, attics are a very mystical thing to me. That said, I expected a lot from the book with absolutely no standard. I thought everything would be the freshest thing I've ever read.
Oh, how wrong was I.
So wrong, I hope I had never read it. The first time I read it, I had borrowed the book from a local library. AND I NEVER FINISHED IT. I kept putting it down and before I knew it, the due date was literally tomorrow. So there was the end of that adventure.
WHICH IS SOMETHING I WISH I COULD SAY ABOUT THE BOOK! It was not bad. Please don't be fooled by my anger - it was just... EXTREMELY REPETITIVE. Anyway, I bought the book.
The whole book wasn't just one big adventure, it was many small ones - kind of like those low tire anime or childish cartoons from the 90s to 00s. Because of that, what was supposed to be the most accessible adventure (at least for people with attics) turned out to be the longest "are we there yet"?
The characters (oh, the characters) seemingly set out to explore the attics, which was bigger than they'd expected it to be. And the word "explore" makes me think of endless fun - adrenaline rush every 5 minutes, gripping the book hoping your beloved characters live on and a least a mini emotional roller coaster. The book provided almost none of these. And when my expectations do happen, they are momentary and one beat away from being monotonous.
While the plot progression is done with and by, everyday objects, they didn't make me fear those objects like a good story would. Personally, I felt that because of the author's writing style, there were a lot of missed opportunities. These objects never felt like they had come alive; they really just felt like they were mere puppets of the author's words. They were supposed to be dangerous or scary, I assumed from the ways the characters reacted to them. But no, I couldn't feel anything. I would almost use the word dull to describe the book. If the characters didn't seem to be in some sort of imminent danger from said objects. BUT EVEN THAT ONLY HAPPENED TWICE, NEAR THE END OF THE BOOK.
As for the characters, I do appreciate their personalities as well as the dynamics amongst them. But I have to be honest - even with their distinct and realistic personality traits, they weren't very memorable. I can't even remember any of their names despite having read the book for the longest time. EVER. The worst thing about one of them was the fact that he was downright annoying. Like, younger sibling annoying - you tell you little sister not to do a certain thing and when you turn around, she does THE EXACT THING SHE'S TOLD NOT TO. Yes, that makes the character very realistic but also utterly unenjoyable! I would write more about the characters but I just CANNOT remember anything about them.
In short, the book could've done soooo sosososososo so much better with its narration. Its not necessarily a boring book. It's just more of I-can-come-back-next-week-for-the-next-episode. I tried to love this book, I really, wanted to. In the end, all I could think of it was, it was Not Bad(tm).
October 9, 2019
Chloe and Alex's father died of a heart attack when they were just 8 and respectively, 6. Their mother, Dipa has been trying to find a new husband since her children's father died. When she does, the kids have a surprise: they are going to have a new brother. Jordy, three months older than Chloe, is the exact opposite of Chloe and Alex, so they are not so happy when their family enlarges to five members. Now they have to move to a new home, an apartment in a shared house in Winchester. The owner of the other half of the house is an ld man who tells them he lost his watch and letters from his beloved in the attic.
The attic, it transpires, is a Narnia type gateway to another land, although unlike Narnia, the attic, to some extent, defines the bounds of this huge land. The children thus end up having many adventures with the strange denizens of the land of the Attic, called Attica by the children, naturally enough. The story is essentially the magical journey as they find their way home, brining back the lost objects with them.
This is fun stuff for mid grade children. The writing is solid, although not exceptional. Stories set in magical lands will always spark the imagination, and it creates a blank page on which so many possibilities can be explored, and the writer manages to explore many of these.
All the same, I felt like it dragged a little. Not badly, but enough that I would only cautiously recommend this book.
The attic, it transpires, is a Narnia type gateway to another land, although unlike Narnia, the attic, to some extent, defines the bounds of this huge land. The children thus end up having many adventures with the strange denizens of the land of the Attic, called Attica by the children, naturally enough. The story is essentially the magical journey as they find their way home, brining back the lost objects with them.
This is fun stuff for mid grade children. The writing is solid, although not exceptional. Stories set in magical lands will always spark the imagination, and it creates a blank page on which so many possibilities can be explored, and the writer manages to explore many of these.
All the same, I felt like it dragged a little. Not badly, but enough that I would only cautiously recommend this book.
March 8, 2021
Naprawdę fajna książka. Chociaż pod koniec trochę się już męczyłam, ale uważam że jest warta przeczytania chociażby dla morału czy bardzo fajnie wymyślonych postacii.
January 8, 2013
Readalike for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis.
5-Star rating.
Attica by Garry Kilworth is a fantasy adventure that shares many ingredients with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe- one is that of compassion for others, especially for older people. Chloe demonstrates this trait when she befriends an elderly gentleman who occupies one apartment in the large house they share. That friendship sets Chloe and her two brothers off on an unexpected adventure/quest in a most unexpected place- the attic of the house, where the unusual residents of Attica live. This book has not received the attention that it deserves, so I recommend it frequently to bring children and young adults to discover it.
5-Star rating.
Attica by Garry Kilworth is a fantasy adventure that shares many ingredients with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe- one is that of compassion for others, especially for older people. Chloe demonstrates this trait when she befriends an elderly gentleman who occupies one apartment in the large house they share. That friendship sets Chloe and her two brothers off on an unexpected adventure/quest in a most unexpected place- the attic of the house, where the unusual residents of Attica live. This book has not received the attention that it deserves, so I recommend it frequently to bring children and young adults to discover it.
Read
July 25, 2013The author, Gary Kilworth, meanders a bit and the reader is lost in the differing peoples that inhabit Attica and what the driving purpose is for the main characters. It is not until over halfway through that a sense of purpose is restored and consequently the plot picks up speed. The narrator, Simon Vance, is really quite good and brings life to sections of the story that were lacking proper breath.
The story is written in British-English and has a few colloquial terms such as lorry (truck) and torch (flashlight) that might confuse American-English speakers; however, the tween ages would enjoy the different creatures the characters encounter and many would relate to having a blended family no matter what country they reside in.
The story is written in British-English and has a few colloquial terms such as lorry (truck) and torch (flashlight) that might confuse American-English speakers; however, the tween ages would enjoy the different creatures the characters encounter and many would relate to having a blended family no matter what country they reside in.
May 28, 2015
This was so lovely. Maybe it was exactly the right book at the time for me. I was looking for something lighter. However, I will say that I approve of the layered themes that are scaleable for younger children to older children. Read this with kids. Great stuff, and they might just learn things too. Things that range from the easy to absorb "appreciate the different strengths we each have" to the notion that grief can be exhibited through depression, seclusion, and anger, and there is nothing wrong with that. It also has that "Lemony Snicket" thing going on where it doesn't act like kids are stupid, which is wonderful. How many kids' books do you know of that will talk about navigation, obsessive hoarding, and violence in children's entertainment without lecturing on any of it really?
November 15, 2014
Attica has a special place in my stony heart because it was one of the books that kick-started regular reading for me in my early adult years. I came upon this book unexpectedly in the time before blogging and it has now become one of my absolute favourite books in the Narnian theme – that is, travel to another world through some sort of household orifice…in this case through the attic of a terraced house. I’m not a die-hard fan of Garry Kilworth by any means, but this is a deeply engaging read that is perfect for independent readers in the pre-teen/early teen age bracket.
More at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...
More at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...
March 29, 2011
Step-brothers and sister, Jordy, Alex and Chloe, discover a magical world in the attic of the home their newly combined family has moved into. Attica is world where all the things we shove into the crawl spaces of our lives come to life, and this life is often malevolent, since it is created by people's dark impulses to both collect and covet and, likewise, to discard and forget with the turn of our fickle interests. Although perhaps a bit too big for its bitches in terms of plot, it nice bit of fantasy for a rainy afternoon.
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