The Great Harlequin Grim

New
Paperback
2007
$6.20

Glenn Jackson is thirteen and has moved with his father from Burnley to Torbeck in the Lake District. His mum has not come with them and Glenn's father is avoiding Glenn's questions. From the moment Glenn meets Laura, quiet and overshadowed by her vindictive adoptive sister, he is bewitched. Harlequin is a seven-foot eighteen-year-old living rough in an abandoned shack, disguising himself behind clown's make-up and an old felt hat and hiding in terror whenever the fighter jets have practice runs over Torbeck. When Harlequin rescues Glenn from falling into the old slate mine, the two form an unusual friendship and Glenn comes closer to discovering the secret that Harlequin is running away from.

Synopsis

Glenn Jackson is thirteen and has moved with his father from Burnley to Torbeck in the Lake District. His mum has not come with them and Glenn's father is avoiding Glenn's questions. From the moment Glenn meets Laura, quiet and overshadowed by her vindictive adoptive sister, he is bewitched. Harlequin is a seven-foot eighteen-year-old living rough in an abandoned shack, disguising himself behind clown's make-up and an old felt hat and hiding in terror whenever the fighter jets have practice runs over Torbeck. When Harlequin rescues Glenn from falling into the old slate mine, the two form an unusual friendship and Glenn comes closer to discovering the secret that Harlequin is running away from.

$6.20

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Definitions (Young Adult)
Published: 05 Apr 2007
ISBN 10: 0099487659
ISBN 13: 9780099487654
Children’s book age: 12+ Years
Book Overview: A compelling debut novel about first love and an unlikely friendship, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Cumbrian landscape.

Media Reviews

Harlequin is one of those rare characters from books that find their way right under your skin, never to leave -- Jill Murphy thebookbag.co.uk 20070417 In the doomed and brilliantly-drawn character of the vulnerable Harlequin, Thompson explores the consequences of cruelty and ignorance. The novel crackles with menace amidst the vividly-drawn background of a Cumbrian autumn as it hurtles to a satisfying close The School Librarian A tense, humane story ... An exciting, raw read which is firmly rooting for the outsider TES 20060414 A memorable read by a splendid writer -- Lindsey Fraser The Bookseller 20051118 His very modern take on Lake District life may surprise people who think they know Cumbria well ... Gareth achieves a real tour de force in his depiction of Harlequin, a genuinely original creation ... it's gripping stuff whatever your age ... One day we'll see the film of this book Cumbria Life 20060201

Author Bio

Gareth Thompson was born in northern England in 1964. After graduating from the London College of Printing he has worked for United Newspapers, directed performing arts for adults with learning difficulties, worked as Deputy Editor for Whatsonstage.com and as a sub-editor at the Press Association. The Great Harlequin Grim is his first novel for children.