Undecided ...

Superb narration and an intriguing tale, but for me it wasn't the continuation of the Weirdstone story I was hoping for.
Some very interesting elements and areas for thought.

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worth the wait

Alan Garner has completed his trilogy spanning most of my life.
Alderley is my spiritual home so his first two books inspired my interest as a youngster and this book took several attempts to untangle the complex text. A masterpiece by a local man who values aural history.

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Stunning in A Whole New Way

I had high hopes for Boneland. As a fan of Weirdstone and Gomrath, I was excited for the concluding chapter of the trilogy, though this wasn't what I was expecting.

Garner's writing, much like Colin, his protagonist, has grown and equally to a large extent, we've missed a lot of that literary journey due to huge gaps in his publishing. So, to many, I understand why Boneland might not prove pleasing in its form.

it's important to recognise quickly that are are two timelines here, one of which is prehistoric, hence the crude literary style and repetitive language and symbolism. It's even more important to recognise the realism being used as a narrative device.

Colin has, by and large, been driven mad by the events of his youth and that of his sister's and her disappearance, all contained in memories he can't access. The events of the first two books have entirely defined his current existence. How many writers, particularly those in fantasy, have been able to study the effects of such fantasy amongst the real world in which it's set, over such a duration?

The truth is, Garner continues his literary career as a pioneer, applying the dualities of real and fantasy and we see this best when the two merge to the point of where one becomes inseparable from the other. This is never more present in any of his works than it is here, in Boneland.

Colin is all grown up, as is Garner and his writing, but that doesn't take away from his brilliance nor that of Boneland. If there's one consistency in Garner's work, it's that he challenges the reader and Boneland certainly does this. Perhaps it relies, too, on the maturing of his readership, which is why nostalgia may not be the best reason to buy this book. It's the end so many just aren't ready for.

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confusing end to what was a great story

Really enjoyed the first two books but this feels like it is from another genre and has left me unsatisfied

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Boneland

This is probably Garner's most powerful book next to Red Shift and Robert Powell reads it brilliantly.

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Magnificent.

Astonishing book, brilliantly read (at Garner's request) by Robert Powell. You must have read Weirdstone and Moon of Gomrath beforehand. Have a wander around Alderley and visit Jodrell bank too :-)

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Not what is was looking for

Well I was hoping for a third part to series of well loved books I read many time since childhood. I found something quite different. Very well written and narrated but disappointing to a seeker of elves dwarves and magic.

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2 people found this helpful

Breathtaking!

What a ride! As the long awaited final part of the alderley trilogy this book is complex, multi layered and truly crafted in the way only Alan Garner can write. I read and reread Boneland before all of the pieces suddenly became clear and coherent. For adults who first fell on love with The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Moon of Gomrath as children, Boneland makes you work for the reward and what a reward that is. Truly remarkable.

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Not an easy listen but still gripping

Having found childhood memories of the Weirdstone and Gomrath books I down loaded the 'set's. Boneland is way more dark and a book you have to concentrate on, reading or listening. If you have read the previous books its slightly less bewildering but only just, nevertheless its gripping as you want to try and make sense of the story

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Spellbinding - What happened after the story ended

You probably read The WeirdStone of Bresingamen and The Moon of Gomrath when you where a kid. This is what happened afterwards... Sensitive portrayal of mental health issues and trauma, this is not a children's book and does not have the same linear storyline but loops, repeats, creates and destroys Garner's own mythology. I found it moving and mature. The stream of consciousness style may not be to every taste but I love the sense of folkloric Deep Time and how we reach for metaphor when trying when trying to pin down what cannot really be put into words. Highly recommended.

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