Review:
Knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness
Walker,
2008. ISBN 9781406310252
Chaos Walking, Book 1.
(Age 12+) Highly recommended. This is a stunning, unforgettable
book with a totally
original plot that completely captures the imagination of the reader.
Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, where he is constantly battling
against the jabber of The Noise. As a result of a virus, everyone
in
Prentisstown can hear not only each other's thoughts but those of
animals. All the women and girls have died so it is a male dominated
society. When Todd finds a pool of silence, he discovers to his
amazement that it is a girl and he cannot hear her thoughts. Pursued by
Aaron, a religious zealot, and the men of Prentisstown, Todd and Viola
try to escape and the resulting chase is fraught with danger and
adventure.
The Noise is a wonderful ploy that pushes the action packed plot along
and brings alive the main characters. One of the most engaging is
Manchee, Todd's dog. Ness has managed to give an animal a really
credible voice. When Todd and Viola are being pursued, the thrill of
the chase is magnified by not only by being able to hear the noise that
the men make but their thoughts as well.
The story is much more than an exciting chase. Ness explores a society
where women are banned and a fundamentalist religion dominates. Todd
faces the moral dilemma of whether or not he can kill a man and the
ethics of murdering the Spackle, an indigenous race, are examined.
I can't wait for the next two books in this series.
Pat Pledger
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Consulting, 2007