From the Bookshelf of Mock Printz 2026…

Chime

Franny Billingsley

Start date: May 1, 2011

Finish date: May 31, 2011

Discussion: Mock Printz 2012

Why we're reading this: Has won our poll and received many starred reviews.
[close] Has won our poll and received many starred reviews.

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Mock Printz 2012

* Printz Poll Results are IN!
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last updated Jan 23, 2012 11:20AM

* And The 2012 Winner Is...
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last updated Jan 21, 2012 12:17PM

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What Members Thought

Feb 19, 2011 Tatiana rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2018, national-book-award, starred-2011, ya, dnf, 6

Update 12/29/2018

I am trying to give my old DNFs another go, but I just can’t with Chime. It’s just not my type of fantasy weirdness. It seems if I reject writing on the basis of aesthetic incompatibility, it’s forever. My opinion about the plot and characters can change (see The Disreputable History if Frankie Landau-Banks), but my aversion to a certain writing style - can’t 🤔

This book received a starred review from basically every professional reviewing publication - School Library Journal, Bo ...more

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Nov 30, 2011 David rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, fiction, read-in-2011, ya-mg, faves-read-in-2011

In Chime, author Franny Billingsley builds a fantastical world in early 20th century England. Reeling from the death of her beloved Stepmother, Briony Larkin admits to her murder and witchery and demands to be hanged. Following this death, Briony lives with her reverend father and a twin sister, Rose, who suffers from mentally-related issues in Swampsea, a town consumed by the nearby swamp and creatures contained within. She begins to question her closed front upon the arrival of Eldric, a Unive In Chime, author Franny Billingsley builds a fantastical world in early 20th century England. Reeling from the death of her beloved Stepmother, Briony Larkin admits to her murder and witchery and demands to be hanged. Following this death, Briony lives with her reverend father and a twin sister, Rose, who suffers from mentally-related issues in Swampsea, a town consumed by the nearby swamp and creatures contained within. She begins to question her closed front upon the arrival of Eldric, a University student who has been brought to Swampsea at the bequest of his father to receive the proper education from which he has weaseled out while away. Over the course of the novel, Briony faces the demons of her past and how everything might not be quite as she remembers.

Sometimes, quirky novels can be too twee, but Billingsley is a pro, and builds her world with a unique twist. Briony is a terrifically unreliable narrator, assuredly clever and seemingly self-aware, though also quite self-hating (which, as she admits, provides its own degree of comfort). The prose provides lush imagery, yet still maintains a believable 17 year-old girl's voice.

The mythology here is terrific and original. Instead of merely all being "witches," the "Old Ones" consist of all sorts of supernatural beings, from the water spirit "Mucky Face" to the "Dark Muses" whose alluring presences place a determined mark under their spell.

I have to admit, I was really beginning to write myself off on all "teen paranormal" literature after the likes of even the well-acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone and The Scorpio Races missed the mark for me. However, as I shouldn't let myself forget, it often comes down to the quality of the writing, which can make any ordinary story shine.

My only real criticism would be of the setting. Nothing really feels unique to turn-of-the-century England. If this had been instead set in Salem Witch Trial-era Massachusetts, I wouldn't have batted an eye even if most of the detail was left intact. Still, though, that's not enough to blemish an otherwise highly successful novel, one that will be deserving of its acclaim should it find itself in the Printz round-up next January.

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Jun 08, 2011 Rachel Seigel rated it liked it

I read this because it's come so highly recommended. I did ultimately enjoy it, but it isn't one of my "must-read" titles. I found it a bit slow to get started, and while I did eventually get engaged, I just didn't feel like it was a page-turner. The time period is murky, but from references to "Moving Pictures" "Motorcars" and Freud would probably place this at the beginning of the 20th century. (The narrator does indicate that it's the 20th century)

The book is well-written, but lacks characte ...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Jenn rated it really liked it

Shelves: hs-booktalks, audiobook

I really enjoyed Chime, once I was able to get into it. Briony is such a complex character, and it's often difficult to discern what is going on around her, since so much of the dialogue is in her head. She has a sharp wit that literally made me laugh out loud in places, yet she comes across in the story as almost boring. Once I adjusted to the rhythm of the story and the language, I was fascinated by Briony and her world. This one is well worth reading, but make sure that if you are recommendin ...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Sarah Abercrombie rated it really liked it

I couldn't get into the book, which a friend highly recommended. So I listened to the audio, which I highly enjoyed. Briony was not a likable charachter in text, but the reader brought her to life beautifully. Witches, old ones, victorian romance, and psychological thriller. Doesn't get much better than that. ...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Nia added it

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction, teen

Holden Caulfield meets dark English folklore in the early 1900s.

Wow.

The writing style was beautiful, if a bit difficult to handle at first. Briony has a major guilt-complex/ self - hate issue which can be tiring, but it is necessary for the plot.

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Jun 30, 2011 Marilyn rated it it was ok

With all the buzz, I was disappointed. The relationship of the sisters was strong; however, I didn't get a clear picture of the setting. The bogs were such an integral part of the story, but I didn't feel them like I felt the cold of WHITE DARKNESS. ...more

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May 02, 2011 Carrie rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult

Billingsley has created an original, magical story including powerful imagery and a strong cast of characters led by Briony, an immensely likable and witty narrator.

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Aug 19, 2011 KJ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, high-school, 2011, audio

This book is even better on audio!

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Nov 29, 2011 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Count me among those who loved this book--although, admittedly, it took me some time to come around.

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Sep 27, 2011 Kim rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, historical, teen-ya

This book got rave reviews - but it was not my cup of tea. I think it's because historical fiction and fantasy combined (the same reason I don't like steampunk too) ...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Kat Drennan-Scace rated it it was amazing

Shelves: borrowed, favourites, ya, 2011, paranormal, standalone

One of my favourite books of the year so far. A really unique narrative voice with lots of wordplay and cleverness. Not quite sure who to recommend it to, though. Perhaps those who like whimsical, precocious books.

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Feb 03, 2011 Holly rated it liked it

Shelves: teen-books-2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 04, 2011 Kim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, young-adult-fiction, favorites

Beautiful, mesmerizing, eerie... Franny Billingsley has such a gift for the way she puts words together. Truly an art form, and of course, a great story.

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