Black Harvest (Collins Modern Classics) [Paperback]

Ann Pilling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 1999 | Series: Collins Modern Classics

The rugged west coast of Ireland seems like the perfect place for a holiday. Then everything starts to go wrong. Colin is aware of an awful smell coming off the land, a smell of death and decay! Colin and Prill were looking forward to a holiday of fun and adventure in Ireland. It would have been perfect if only they hadn't had to drag along their "odd" cousin Oliver. But Oliver, it turns out, isn't their biggest problem. Almost from the moment they arrive, Colin feels sick from an awful smell, so powerful and horrible that it seems to be rising from the land of the dead. At the same time, Prill is visited by a strange creature creeping into her dreams. Who is she, and what does she want? Only Oliver seems untouched by the danger. As the hot summer days continue, their terror mounts and their baby sister becomes critically ill. Oliver links the present horror with the terrible famine in Ireland of the 1840s -- and the strange occupant of the nearby caravan, whose land was lost then through eviction -- and he must bring about the reconciliation to save himself and his cousins.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A marvellously powerful book. An unusually effective story which combines sensitivity, realism and horror." Books for Keeps "History doesn't get more real than this." Sunday Times

About the Author

Ann Pilling was brought up in Warrington, Cheshire and many of her books are set in the industrial North West. After reading English at London University, she taught in Buckinghamshire then sent some time in America before returning to England and settling eventually in Oxford. She is married with two sons. Ann has been writing books for children since 1983. Her first published novel was Black Harvest, the first in a series of five ghost stories. Among her many titles are several novels of contemporary life including Henry's Leg, which won the 1986 Guardian Award and was subsquently televised. Whenever possible, Ann retreats to the Yorkshire Dales which she calls 'the country of my heart'.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Unknown (August 2, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0006754260
• ISBN-13: 978-0006754268
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,379,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written with lively characters, December 12, 2010

By 

A. Bottone "Toniob" (Saipan MP USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Harvest (Collins Modern Classics) (Paperback)

Black Harvest by Ann Pilling (1983)

I read this book some 20-30 years ago and it still stands vividly in my memory. This presents a different perspective on the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) wherein the population of Ireland fell by 20-25%. The children unravel the significance of their experiences and link it to the Great Famine.

Also noteworthy: the only book I've read wherein the depiction of a baby is so real and not just a "cardboard" cut-out!

5.0 out of 5 stars Frightening, July 11, 2004

By 

sara "sara" (somewhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Harvest (Collins Modern Classics) (Paperback)

This book is a very good book, it takes a good look at the Potato Famine in the 1940's, and at the same time it turns away from the cliches of many thrillers. The haunted house is non-existent, and there isn't any monster or vampire that sucks the blood out of the 3 main characters, Prill, Colin and Oliver.

It has a well-developed plot, and also gives it's deserved respect to the Potato Famine.

Overall, a worthy and pleasing read.