The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke - Kirsty Applebaum

I'm a big fan of Kirsty's books, both because of the plots that she weaves but also because her first two books have been completely different, and this was the reason that I was incredibly excited when The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke landed on my door mat a few days ago: I couldn't wait to see in which direction Kirsty was going to take her third book... and she's done it again!  Completely different from her first 2 books, Lonny Quicke is a twelve year old boy with a very unique skill: he's a lifeling, which means that with one touch he can heal any living creature who is on the brink of dying. There is, however, a consequence, and for every life Lonny saves, some of his own life is taken.  As a result, he lives a very secluded life in the forest with his father, brother and grandfather, away from everybody else. However, when Lonny and his brother head to the nearby town of Farstoke in search of work to buy food for the family, everything changes. 

From the very first page, you are introduced to Lonny and his unique skill, which is evidently something that causes him much anguish. It's clear that he hasn't had much of a childhood and has spent his life in isolation and in fear of coming across death.  He is always on his guard, waiting for that tell-tale buzzing that lets him know that a creature close by is dying. The vvvmmmmmm that trills across the page heightens the sense of tension and became something I was looking for whenever I turned the page. Was death close? How would Lonny deal with it?  

Also interspersed with the story is the local folklore of lifelings, told both through Lonny's grandma's old story book and by those from Farstoke during the lifeling festival - together they help us to understand lifelings and what could potentially happen to Lonny. As with the buzzing and the vvvvvvmmmmmmm, I felt it added to the tension in the most subtle way. This isn't an action-packed book but oh boy, does Kirsty build the tension in a way that will ensure that, once you have picked it up, you won't be able to put it down until you've finished. 

This is a truly breath-taking and thought-provoking novel that will really make you consider the value of life and the dilemma Lonny faces every day. In the classroom, I can imagine the conversation the book will provoke and I can't wait to share this book with the children.

Due for release on the 6th May, this is a book you most definitely need to pre-order.