Bee reviewed Whisperling by Hayley Hoskins
Review of 'Whisperling' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
The Whisperling is a wonderful book for children who love ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
In a world after there's been witch hunts and persecution of Whisperlings, people who can speak and see the dead? There is finally less hate and distrust towards those like Peggy Devona who even from childhood had an affinity for speaking to those who had passed. Or so it seems but distrust runs deep in those who cling to the old beliefs that Whisperlings are evil and bring harm to others..
To some, Peggy Devona is in league with the Devil which leads to something that is good, and could potentially help many, being hidden away so that Peggy feels safe.
I loved the feel of this book, that you came immersed in the fictional Victorian world where ghosts are real and around us all, but it's not too much for …
The Whisperling is a wonderful book for children who love ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
In a world after there's been witch hunts and persecution of Whisperlings, people who can speak and see the dead? There is finally less hate and distrust towards those like Peggy Devona who even from childhood had an affinity for speaking to those who had passed. Or so it seems but distrust runs deep in those who cling to the old beliefs that Whisperlings are evil and bring harm to others..
To some, Peggy Devona is in league with the Devil which leads to something that is good, and could potentially help many, being hidden away so that Peggy feels safe.
I loved the feel of this book, that you came immersed in the fictional Victorian world where ghosts are real and around us all, but it's not too much for the middle grade readers who love the aspect of magic in all its wondrous glory. The Witchling is spooky, both with the world building and the events that unfold all around Peggy and her quirky companions.
I also liked that there is a focus on how powerful Peggy is not just because of her being a Witchling but because of her sheer determination to do the right thing for her friend. Her conviction that being who she is, and her pride in it may not always be vocalised but it's there in her actions and I think this will come through to the children who read and hopefully help them to stand up for their friends and be proud to be who they are.
The Witchling will have you on the edge of your seat, with ghosts, murder, mystery... wonderfully diverse characters who are charlatans but have a heart of gold when they do séances to protect the good from harm and prevent the greedy from breaking the vows of the dead.
There's a very well written element of how the women within the book take on the patriarchal nature of society and whilst children may not be aware of it on conscious level? It is always a worthwhile part of a book when people can break the restraints placed on them by societies ideals and rules. In the Witchling this is subtle in some respects as we have two characters Oti and Celeste who embrace the more masculine aspects of clothing over traditional Victorian attire and I loved the descriptions of how they look and their wonderful personalities. They are fun and vivacious and are fierce in their protection of Peggy when she needs them, the fun buy fierce Aunt figures if you will.
The Witchling's plot twists and turns as you go, and I was hooked from page one and I have a feeling both children and their parents if it's read at bedtime? Will be too. There are surprises aplenty and you will be left wanting more as the story unfolds bit by bit, but I offer some caution and not a spoiler; do make sure you have a box of tissues ready because there maybe tears before bedtime!
I didn't want it to end, and I would love more from The Witchling world of ghosts, spookiness and downright evil from the living.