Michael shares the secret of Skellig with his new friend Mina, and the three develop a special bond. The children feel protective of Skellig, and concerned for his depleted condition, bring him food and medicine. The drama of the baby�s struggle for survival is interwoven with the story of the children�s growing friendship with Skellig. As they see him grow stronger, they become more aware of his special powers, and marvel at the strange and wonderful things that happen while they are in his presence.
The setting for this fantasy novel, described in great detail, gives it believability. Almond creates an easily visualized image of a modern-day British family, living in an old house in need of repair, with realistic characters living contemporary lives. Current conventions such as take-away food, home schooled children, and sophisticated medical care for the baby enhance the credibility of the story.
The characters are well-developed, multi-dimensional, and believable. The young protagonist, Michael, is a sympathetic character with endearing qualities. Not only does he worry about his baby sister, he is concerned about Skellig, and takes him food and medicine. He is not a one-dimensional character, though, and we see him lapse into fits of temper and frustration, referring to his sick sister as �the stupid baby.� (p. 12) The antagonist in the story is not human, but rather the sickness and death that threaten to take the baby and Skellig throughout the course of the book. Michael even refers to the doctor who comes to the house to take care of the baby as �Dr. Death.�
The only element of fantasy in the book is Skellig himself. He is clearly a being with supernatural powers, although it is never clear exactly who or what he is. Michael asks him to help his baby sister, and he appears at the hospital standing over the baby in what Michael�s mother assumes is a dream. �There was such tenderness in his eyes. And for some reason I knew he hadn�t come to harm her. I knew it would be all right . . .� (p. 180) The relationship between Skellig and the children is mutually beneficial, and Skellig feels a debt of gratitude to his young friends. �Thank you for giving me my life again.� (p. 190)
Some may read the book as a religious allegory, some may see it as a �coming of age� experience for Michael, and some may enjoy it simply as a �fairy tale.� The book allows for the reader to interject his or her own experience into interpreting and drawing meaning from the story. David Almond said �I�m not sure who or what Skellig is. I don�t know where he came from, how he got into the garage, or where he goes at the end. He remains a mystery � like much of life.� (davidalmond.com)
Publishers Weekly (December 7, 1998) notes that the book examines the fine line between life and death, while leaving room for readers� interpretations of deeper meanings. �The author adroitly interconnects the threads of the story (Michael's difficult adjustment to a new neighborhood, his growing friendship with Mina, the baby's decline) to Skellig, whose history and reason for being are open to readers' interpretations.�
Awards for Skellig
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
Whitbread Literary Awards
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
Michael L. Printz Award (Nominee)
Carnegie Medal
Los Angeles Times Book Prize (Nominee)
ALA Notable Books for Children
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children�s Literature (Nominee)
Great Stone Face Children�s Book Award (Nominee)
Maine Student Book Award (Nominee)
Beehive Young Adults� Book Award (Nominee)
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader�s Book Award (Nominee)
Garden State Teen Book Award
Young Reader�s Choice Award (Nominee)
Iowa Teen Award (Nominee)
Related Websites
David Almond�s Website: http://www.davidalmond.com
TeenReads.com: http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-almond-david.asp
Interview with the Author: http://www.januarymagazine.com/profiles/almond.html
Sources
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 26 October 2004.
David Almond Website. Available from http://www.davidalmond.com/. Accessed 28 October 2004.
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY