Thornhill
Thornhill
Book Brief
Beta234
Novel • Fiction
England • 1980s
2017
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Thornhill by Pam Smy intertwines the stories of Mary and Ella, two girls separated by decades. Through dual narratives of Mary's diary and Ella's illustrations, the book explores themes of isolation, bullying, and friendship. Set in Thornhill Institute, it reveals mysterious connections between the characters, driven by haunting and emotional experiences.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
13,528 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thornhill by Pam Smy receives praise for its haunting illustrations and dual narrative structure, effectively blending text and imagery. The atmospheric storytelling captivates readers, while the themes of loneliness and friendship resonate deeply. However, some find the pacing slow and the ending ambiguous. Overall, it’s a compelling, visually stunning read.
Who Should Read Thornhill?
A reader who would enjoy Pam Smy's Thornhill is likely fond of atmospheric, illustrated novels with a blend of haunting mystery and emotional depth. Fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder for its heartfelt narrative or Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret for its visual storytelling might find it particularly captivating.
13,528 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thornhill combines illustrations and text to create a unique storytelling experience, where the narrative alternates between the past and the present to weave a hauntingly atmospheric tale.
The visual aspect of Thornhill is inspired by the work of graphic novels, with the black-and-white illustrations playing a central role in conveying the emotional depth and mystery of the story.
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The author, Pam Smy, drew inspiration from her background in illustration and a deep appreciation for gothic literature, which are evident in the book's eerie and immersive aesthetic.
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234
Novel • Fiction
England • 1980s
2017
YA
10-14 years
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