Aimee Reviews~ Julia and The Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
“For once I was above water.
For once I wasn’t afraid.
The sky stretched huge above me,
and at its height was a small flock of birds.”
Julia And The Shark is a bestselling novel by award-winning author Kiran Milwood Hargrave. Published in hardback last year, it is now released in a beautiful, vibrant yellow paperback. What initially drew me to this novel was both the author, who I have loved for their works Girl of Ink & Stars and the adult novel The Mercies, but also the stunning illustrations.
Julia And The Shark is the story of a young girl, Julia, and the summer she spent living on a remote Scottish Shetland island, in a lighthouse. Julia’s mother is a marine biologist, but is currently ill, and this novel handles that emotional journey sympathetically and with tenderness. This book is about the relationship between Julia and her mother, mental health, and the mystery of the Greenland Shark. Julia goes in search of the allusive great shark, but finds so much more. This is a beautifully told story about mental health, the wonder of the natural world, and childhood.
“But as well as the shark, I found the real Mum, with her complications and tangles and tears, and I love her just as much as ever. More, maybe.”
The story is stunningly illustrated by Tom de Freston in atmospheric, moody, two tone drawings. The monochromatic illustrations brilliantly compliment the tale, and the vibrant splashes of yellow accent that perfectly. His illustrations really help the reader feel immersed in the story, and highlight Julia’s emotional journey with symbolism and artistry.
I am so pleased to see this book released in paperback, and can’t wait to see what comes next from this fantastic and emotive writer.