Talk to the Frackville Library

     The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt. I have to begin by saying that I fear most patrons will pick up this book, and immediately replace it on the shelf! It is rather long, over 600 pages, and it requires a little bit of knowledge about English history at the turn of the 20th century (or a good reference book alongside). But the writing is very beautifully done, and the characters are so interesting that a few might be willing to give it a go. The title has a sort of double meaning. Many of the characters in the book are children, but there is also the theme of children's literature as it was developing at that time, with the success of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. Mostly though, it is a book about growing up at a very exciting, although difficult time. If you are looking for a good volume to sink your teeth into which may require a bit of research, this is just the thing for a nice long winter read. Ask me about it on your next visit.