The Savage by David Almond – Illustrated by Dave McKean

May 24, 2009 in Children's & Young Adult, Graphic Novels & Comics

The Savage by David Almond Illustrated by Dave McKean

You won’t believe this but it’s true. I wrote a story called “The Savage” about a savage kid that lived under the ruined chapel in Burgess Woods, and the kid that came to life in the real world.

About the Book

Imagine you wrote a story and that story came true. This is exactly what happens to Blue Baker when he writes about a savage living alone in the woods near his home. After his dad’s death, Blue finds comfort in dreaming of a wild kid who survives on a diet of berries and the occasional hapless passer-by. But when the savage pays a night-time visit to the local bully, boundaries become blurred and Blue begins to wonder where he ends and the savage begins

My Thoughts

Nymeth, is completely at fault for this book entering my library, as soon as she reviewed it the other week I knew it was one I had to read. Although, to be fair she had me at David Almond and Dave McKean!

Despite its brief page count, Mckean weaves a wonderful tale of a young boy’s grief and how he starts to overcome it, by writing a fictional tale. I really like the fact that while for Blue, the line between fictional and reality appearing to be intertwining, Almond treats his intended young audience with the respect they deserve and allows them to decide for themselves what truely happened.

You see that cover? Stunning isn’t it? There’s something very primal and harrowing about it, and those familiar with Dave McKean’s work will not be surprised to know it continues throughout.

The Savage by David Almond Illustrated by Dave McKean Even as the line between the two stories starts to blur, it is used solely to visualise the Savage’s story, but just like Almond’s two stories, it never feels separate form either part of the book.

I enjoyed the artwork so much, that as soon as I had finished the book, I had to immediately turn back to the first page, just so I could look though all the wonderful artwork again!

Rating: The Savage by David Almond Illustrated by Dave McKean