David Almond writes books that are some of the most profound young adult literature I have ever read. Apart from their short length, they would rate up there with any of the great works of contemporary fiction - and for young adult readers moving into a more mature theme, these works are ideal.

Okay when I said "more mature" that sounded patronising! But I cannot think of a better word. These books are deeper than most adult novels I read. But that does not mean you have to be mature to get something from them. They are written primarily for young adults, but loved by adults too. If you know a better word for that - let me know!

In this story we are intrduced to Erin Law, orphaned and living in care with other such children. They are encouraged to share their feelings about what has happened in "circle times", although Erin refuses too. They are labelled as "damaged" and encouraged to believe that they are victims of circumstance that will leave them unloved by the world.

But from time to time they run away, and on one such adventure, Erin and two friends cross a river on a raft and end up at a wharf in the muddy Black Middens area, where they meet an old man and another orphan - heaven eyes.

David Almonds works are laced with mystery, and some of that mystery remains unresolved. Who is Heaven Eyes? Ultimately the answer to that is less important than what she teaches the children about love and family and their own place in the world.

There is sadness in this book. The author, who lost a parent and a sister at an early age speaks from experience on that score, and the voices of these children are realistic and almost heart breaking at times. But the ultimate story is one of hope.

Not everyone will like this book. David Almond's books are light in enthralling plot, and heavy in characterisation. Some people will give up on the book asking "well what was it about"? Each to their own - and if you like books that are all plot and adventure, then maybe this is not for you. Then again, it is a short work and maybe it is worth a try anyway! If you like deep mystical books with a hint of magic and a large dose of realism, then this one is recommended. ( )

A strange and mysterious novel about a young girl, seemingly orphaned. The writing style is also mysterious; the author never reveals anything directly. The characters are deep as is the plot. This is a great young adult novel. ( )

Continuing my quest to read all of Almond's books in 2009, I found this book more mythological than his previous.

As usual, Almond writes of children who search to belong and to make sense of the adult world around them. Again, the pattern in Almond's work is the main character who binds the wounds and heals the pain is a strong female.

Erin Law and her friends January Carr and Mouse Gullane live in the orphanage of Whitegate, and are labeled "Damaged Children." With no parents to take care of them, they carry the pain of abandonment, neglect and abuse.

Longing for "freedom" from the labels and the cruel fate life has dealt them, they run away in a handmade raft.

Their adventure to the deep, muddy Black Middens symbolically takes them to the darkness of their memories and the quest for the light of love...found through a waif, fantasy like creature called Heaven's Eyes.

Heaven's Eyes, also a child without parents, accepts and loves unconditionally and through her the small group of misfits form a family and see through the darkness into the light.

This is a book that is touchingly mystical and thought provoking. ( )

Really didn't like it. I only made it half way through. Never could figure out where it was going. ( )