Blackbriar (novel)

Last updated
Blackbriar
Author William Sleator
Country United States
Language English
Media type Print

Blackbriar is a 1972 supernatural young adult coming-of-age novel by William Sleator and was Sleator's first young adult novel. [1] The book has been translated into German as Das Geisterhaus and into Danish as Det forheksede hus.

Supernatural term meaning "that which is not subject to the laws of physics"

The concept of the supernatural encompasses anything that is inexplicable by scientific understanding of the laws of nature but nevertheless argued by believers to exist. Examples include immaterial beings such as angels, gods and spirits, and claimed human abilities like magic, telekinesis and extrasensory perception.

Young adult fiction (YA) is a category of fiction written for readers from 12 to 18 years of age. While the genre is targeted to teenagers, approximately half of YA readers are adults.

William Warner Sleator III, known as William Sleator, was an American science fiction author who wrote primarily young adult novels but also wrote for younger readers. His books typically deal with adolescents coming across a peculiar phenomenon related to an element of theoretical science, then trying to deal with the situation. The theme of family relationships, especially between siblings, is frequently intertwined with the science fiction plotline.

Contents

Plot

Blackbriar follows the character of Danny as he attempts to uncover the mysteries of his new home. Formerly abandoned, the local residents refuse to speak about the old cottage of Blackbriar. As Danny dreams of witches, fire, and maniacal laughter, he begins to discover that strange dreams might be the least of his worries.

Reception

Critical reception for Blackbriar has been mixed to positive, [2] [3] with Kirkus Reviews calling it "perfectly eerie" [4] and Teacher Magazine praising the writing as "skillful". [5] In a 1972 review, Publishers Weekly wrote that "neither the characterization nor the plot is entirely convincing." [6] The Horn Book Review also reviewed the book, stating "the story is mysterious and suspenseful, and its effectiveness lies in Sleator's characterizations and narrative skill". [7]

<i>Kirkus Reviews</i> American semi-monthly book review magazine founded by Virginia Kirkus in 1933, independent to 1970

Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893–1980). The magazine is headquartered in New York City.

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References

  1. ↑ Davis, James E. Davis, Hazel K. Presenting William Sleator. Twayne Publishers, 1992.
  2. ↑ Grayson, Ashley Darlington (December 1986). Review of: Blackbriar. Fantasy Review. Accessed April 2012.
  3. ↑ Scott Card, Orson (August 1988). Review of: Blackbriar Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine. Accessed April 2012.
  4. ↑ Blackbriar Kirkus Reviews
  5. ↑ Kellman, Amy. Teacher, Volume 90, 1972. p 115
  6. ↑ R.R. Bowker Company. The Publishers Weekly. Volume 202, p 122.
  7. ↑ The Horn Book Guide. 21.1 (Spring 2010): p108.


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