Heaven Eyes

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David Almond

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Pages: 224 (Paperback)

ISBN: 0340743689

Pub: Signature

Pub date: 2000-06-15

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 30981

Editorial Review:

"We come into the world out of the dark. We haven't a clue where we come from. We've no idea where we are going. But while we're here in the world, if we're brave enough, we¹ll flap our wings and fly".
David Almond's first book for children--Skellig--won the 1998 Whitbread Children's Book of the Year and the Carnegie Medal, and was shortlisted for the Guardian Award. His second novel, Kit's Wilderness was published to widespread critical acclaim and it seemed that he had created a pretty tough act to follow. However, follow it he did, and this exceptional writer has produced another original, thought- provoking and awe-inspiring book with Heaven Eyes.
Heaven Eyes tells the story of a group of youngsters embroiled in a system which takes as much care as it can of the lost souls of children who, for whatever reason, cannot be with their parents, but falls short of giving the love and warmth they really need in order to grow and prosper. Erin is one such child, and along with her friends January Carr and Mouse Gullane she decides to run away from her care home, embarking on an adventure which not only pushes their ability to survive to the limits, but also introduces them to the dark and lonely world of Heaven Eyes, a young girl who has grown up in the care of an old man who found her abandoned as a child, hidden away from the world, but constantly seeking some kind of salvation in the form of other human contact.
The tale is at times incredibly bleak, and the despair the children feel in the lonely world they encounter is tangible. But, in true Almond style, there is light amid the darkness, and as the relationships between the children develop, so too does a warmth and understanding that leaves the reader with the certain knowledge that behind every shadow there is hope.

Heaven Eyes is an outstanding novel from an outstanding author, which cleverly balances the passion and delicacy which is fuelled by the impeccably drawn characters, each of them battling with their own will to survive in a world which may never fully understand them, but each of them realising that there is, after all, a reason to live. Be prepared to cry--only the hardest of hearts could fail to be touched by this stunning novel. (Age 11 and over)--Susan Harrison

Reader Reviews:

Truly unique... (0/0 people found this helpful)

Arguably a bleak story that gradually forges itself into one of hope. Heaven Eyes follows a girl called Erin and her frequently emotional search for love and belonging, whilst still painfully dreaming that her mother will return. She is a child that hides her heart, in fear of it being torn again and is full of resentment for she is all too aware of her faults and loneliness. Stuck in an orphanage that is cold and materialistic, Erin decides to escape the clutches of the institution with her friend January Carr. With an uninvited companion for the road (the aptly named Mouse Gullane), the three children decide that the best means of escape is to build a raft and set off down the River Tyne. But once they drift further downstream, the raft gets bogged down into a stretch of marshland called the `Black Middens'. When the boards break and they are facing imminent death, a curious girl with webbed hands, palest of complexions and strange speech rescues them. Whilst in the company of the girl called `Heaven Eyes', the children cannot decide whether she is a sort of ghost, a child with unique eccentricities, or what she herself describes as a `fishy froggy thing'. Regardless of what Heaven Eyes actually is, it is clear to them that they must find a way off the forever dark lands of the Black Middens and away from the Grandfather, who holds an instant mistrust towards the three runaways that came from The Outside.

This novel is a delicate, and beautiful piece with a Gothic air to its content. Suitable for higher Key Stage 2 readers that are looking for something a little different, predictable formulae such as three children escaping from an orphanage is given a strange turn that is specific to only David Almond's writing. The backbone of the story can be used to tackle PSHE issues and to highlight ethnic and cultural issues, as well as highlighting the importance of social interaction and acceptance. Above all, the book emphasises the importance of solidarity between friends and to avoid labelling people for what they look like or the different ways they may approach a task.

`Heaven Eyes' is an elemental book. In the way that `Once' is dominated by fire (burning of the books and buildings by Nazis, the various pain described and witnessed by the main character) and earth (the struggle on the dusty roads, dirty vehicles, etc), this book holds constant reference to Water. This unlikely theme could then become the basis for discussion (i.e. `what do we mean by this statement?' `What do you think are the themes to the book Heave Eyes?'). There are also links to Science, where controlled experiments could replicate Erin's adventures (making a miniature Black Middens, constructing a raft/discussing what things float the best and looking into evolution and mutation).

Another Amazing book by David Almond (1/1 people found this helpful)

Erin and her friends, January and mouse live in a house for children who dont have anyone to look after them;either their parents have died, or abandoned them, with many other children. They run away frequently, but this time January has a better plan than the ussual which i:run as far as you can get in the night, and wake up with a policeman taking them back home. This time they use a raft. They find shelter in an old factory. There is food, and a girl around Erins age. Erin and this misterious girl make friends, but they are still unsure about Grandpa, and his axe. Will they ever make it safely home, accross the black middens??? This book always has somthing exciting going on, and is very hard to put down!

Amazing and mysterious.... (1/1 people found this helpful)

David almond has really done well. If you have read 'counting stars'then you'll recognise heaven eyes from that book. You really fall in love with the characters, and wish you could be there too. Almond has really put some heart into this and you do feel a part of it. Can't read this book enough times.

A won't-put-it-down-before-you-finesh book (0/0 people found this helpful)

David Almond has a totally different way of writing than anyone else - I am a great fan of his style but I know many people are not - this book has many twists and turns and if you do not concentrate very hard you will get lost very easily! But if you are adevoted reader and a great fan you will love this if you are not sure then try a different book like Skellig first to get you used to him! Good luck !

EXCITEMENT AND DRAMA IN THIS READING (0/1 people found this helpful)

Gifted Broadway, film and television actress Amanda Plummer brings excitement and drama to her reading of this imaginative tale.

Erin and January have run away from the children's home before; they're both adventuresome and brave for ones so young. But this escape takes a frightening turn when they find themselves afloat on a deep, dark river, carried by powerful currents until they find a one-of-a-kind girl called Heaven Eyes.

Now, not only does Heaven Eyes have a strange appearance - webbed hands and feet - but, she apparently has the ability to help these children find their place in the world.

This is a story of courage, confidence, and comradery, a haunting narrative not easily forgotten.

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