The Great Harlequin Grim by Gareth Thompson
Glenn Jackson is thirteen and has moved with his father from Burnley to Torbeck in the Lake District. His mum has not come with them and Glenn's father is avoiding Glenn's questions. From the moment Glenn meets Laura, quiet and overshadowed by her vindictive adoptive sister, he is bewitched. Harlequin is a seven-foot eighteen-year-old living rough in an abandoned shack, disguising himself behind clown's make-up and an old felt hat and hiding in terror whenever the fighter jets have practice runs over Torbeck. When Harlequin rescues Glenn from falling into the old slate mine, the two form an unusual friendship and Glenn comes closer to discovering the secret that Harlequin is running away from.
"Harlequin is one of those rare characters from books that find their way right under your skin, never to leave" -- Jill Murphy thebookbagco.uk 20070417 "In the doomed and brilliantly-drawn character of the vulnerable Harlequin, Thompson explores the consequences of cruelty and ignorance. The novel crackles with menace amidst the vividly-drawn background of a Cumbrian autumn as it hurtles to a satisfying close" The School Librarian "A tense, humane story ... An exciting, raw read which is firmly rooting for the outsider" TES 20060414 "A memorable read by a splendid writer" -- Lindsey Fraser The Bookseller 20051118 "His very modern take on Lake District life may surprise people who think they know Cumbria well ... Gareth achieves a real tour de force in his depiction of Harlequin, a genuinely original creation ... it's gripping stuff whatever your age ... One day we'll see the film of this book" Cumbria Life 20060201
Gareth Thompson was born in northern England in 1964. After graduating from the London College of Printing he has worked for United Newspapers, directed performing arts for adults with learning difficulties, worked as Deputy Editor for Whatsonstage.com and as a sub-editor at the Press Association. The Great Harlequin Grim is his first novel for children.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780099487654 |
| ISBN 10 | 0099487659 |
| Title | The Great Harlequin Grim |
| Author | Gareth Thompson |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Penguin Random House Children's UK |
| Year published | 2007-04-05 |
| Number of pages | 384 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |