Author:Mary Norton,Christopher Eccleston
Penguin presents for the first time the complete, unabridged audio edition of Mary Norton's The Borrowers, read by Christopher Eccelston.
The Borrowers live in the secret places of quiet old houses; behind the mantelpiece, inside the harpsichord, under the kitchen clock. They own nothing, borrow everything, and think that human beings were invented just to do the dirty work. Arrietty's father, Pod, was an expert Borrower. He could scale curtains using a hatpin, and bring back a doll's teacup without breaking it. Girls weren't supposed to go borrowing but as Arrietty was an only child her father broke the rule, and then something happened which changed their lives. She made friends with the human boy living in the house...
Beautifully written, poetic and almost always alarming, the Borrowers have something very mysterious, sad and exciting about them
—— Sunday TimesA successful blend of mystery, adventure, and suspense, with a sizable cast of characters, in a wholly satisfying sequel that easily stands alone
—— School Library journalLots of action and quirky humor will lead kids to do just what libraries encourage them to do: keep reading
—— Washington PostCharming in every sense of the word. Beautifully written and at times highly comic, it is an extraordinary achievement
—— Books for KeepsSure to be as popular with both children and adults as all his other books
—— Croydon AdvertiserLively wit, sly wisdom and compelling narratives
—— Leicester MercuryPratchett's usual mix of uproarious comedy and deceptively serious thought
—— Southern Daily EchoHe's probably the funniest writer in English today . . . great themes with huge doses of comedy
—— South Wales Evening PostFunny and winning as ever
—— Nottingham Evening PostCrackles with energy and humour
—— Leicester MercuryFrom the shadow of dementia, a brilliant novel shines: Terry Pratchett's last book is a funny, fearless farewell . . . This is a book worth reading twice in quick succession.
—— Christopher Stevens , Daily MailA joyful sign-off from a master of fantasy fiction . . . High-octane literary enjoyment.
—— Nicholas Tucker , IndependentTerry Pratchett was never so witty, direct and generous as in this, his final Discworld novel.
—— Amanda Craig , GuardianThe Shepherd’s Crown is a sometimes sad, often funny and eminently suitable testament to the life and career of Terry Pratchett.
—— David Barnett , IndependentA crowning achievement for Terry Pratchett and his Discworld . . . This is a book for all ages, the tour de force of one of the English language’s greatest authors, who, in the midst of encroaching darkness and facing so many terrors of his own, has contrived to astound us one last time with his craft.
—— The ConversationPratchett's final work is a tour de force of compassion, great wit, and gleeful storytelling.
—— Publishers Weekly (starred review)A worthy crown to Terry Pratchett’s phenomenal artistic achievement.
—— Michael Dirda , Washington PostThe last Discworld offering is a poignant farewell, both to Pratchett's readership and to his extraordinary world.
—— Imogen Russell Williams , MetroAs ever in Pratchett's work, empathy and compassion are foregrounded. With its humour and humaneness, it reminds us, too, that its author, as Tiffany says of her deceased friend, 'is . . . was . . . unfollowable.'
—— James Lovegrove , Financial TimesSomething to treasure
—— Kirkus ReviewsFunny, sad and extremely moving . . . most will likely consider it one of the strongest, and certainly one of the most – possibly the most – moving [of the Discworld novels].
—— Juliette Harrisson , Den of Geek