Customer Reviews
Remarkable, original and a real page turner. - By: Mr. M. Jones, 14 Mar 2008 
As a reader of children's fantasy, this book is a revelation. It follows so few of the conventions that its novelty makes it a page turner. The gritty slums of contemporary Manchester provide most of the background, & the deserted fantasy land provides the rest, both imbued with real ambience. The earlier Garner books, though great to read, feel pale & clichéd by comparison. The book enthrals & keeps you guessing from literally the first page to the very last sentence, which left me hungry for more.
Can do better - By: Maltravers, 12 Apr 2003 
Let's start by taking it as read that an Alan Garner book will always provide a superior read than standard fare. But one can't help but feel a little disappointed by Elidor.
Whereas The Owl Service & Red Shift successfully straddle the line between adult & teenage fiction, Elidor is, without question, a children's book. No shamein that - but it does come across as a kind of 'The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe' for the working class. The book is very much a product of the sixties & whilst pretty enlightenedin many respects, reflects some of the stereotypical views of the time.
The whole thing is a little rushed & the endingin particular is less than satisfying. However, there are spooky moments & - as the previous reviewer says - the link between the mundane modern world & a magical kingdomin crisis is very well done.
So a decent tale well told - but when you pick up a book by Alan Garner you expect something a bit more special.
Elidor by Alan Garner - By: , 08 Apr 2003 
Exciting story about four children who are given an item each from Elidor to protect. Alan Garner is brilliant at creating dramatic atmosphere. However, the story had a rather disappointing ending.
A magical and totally unforgettable read. - By: , 19 Nov 2001 Although Elidor is usually classified as a Children's book & is indeed fairly short & easy to read, it will astound readers of any age. I first read this book at the age of ten & have re-read it on a regular basis over the last 30 years!
The plot is essentially a classic tale of Good against Evil where the fate of a whole world is heldin the hands of four ordinary children.
However, what makes it so special is the way the Author intermingles our everyday, ordinary world (in this case, the back streets of Manchester) with the mystical world of Elidor. Characters, objects & magic "leak out" of one world into the other, making it quite a scary read for children , but by the the same score, totally captivating. At the end of the story you are left with the feeling that there really might be other worlds just beyond our vision.
If you have enjoyed this story you may well enjoy other books by Alan Garner, such as "The Weird Stone of Brisingamen" "The Moon of Gomrath" & "The Owl Service" where the theme of a more magical & mystical world lying just below the surface of our ordinary lives, is again explored.
I think the book is absolutly brilliant. - By: , 18 Jul 2001 This book is the best book i've read ever.The descriptions Alan Garner used are brilliant & the words he uses to make the book spooky are fantastic!He uses great cliff-hangers & he allways makes you want to read more & more.the book is so great that even when youve read it three timesyou will want to read it again & again & again. When you have read the book it is so goodthat it staysin your head a week later. this book is the most brilliant book i have & ever will readin my entire life.
