The Short Knife

Reviews / Votes

A distinctive and engrossing tale -- David Almond It is full of thrills and kills ... while not scrimping on plot and character. Caldecott writes with a breezy lyricism ... The story of a divided Britain and the girls' mission to rebuild their family and survive in a country they barely recognise feels relevant and important -- Alex O'Connell * The Times * Bright and real as the midsummer sunlight, and as powerfully drawn as a sharp, short knife -- Hilary McKay I just loved The Short Knife. Beautifully written, lyrical and powerful - it's a fascinating insight into dark and desperate times which I found utterly absorbing. Grim and gritty but ultimately uplifting - it's a beautiful tribute to the courage and ingenuity of sisters -- Tanya Landman Set in the author's native Wales during the dark days of the fifth century, Elen Caldecott's The Short Knife is an energetic, edge-of-your-seat page-turner with present-day resonance ... The cinematic scene-setting, first person narrative, and succinct, magnetically lyrical style make for a thrilling experience that will hook the most reluctant of readers * Lovereading *