Divide and Rule
Published on 5. June 2014
320 pages
978-1-4449-2098-7 (ISBN)
Description
Divide and Rule is the story of Hanno, an outsider and an unbeliever, who nevertheless conforms to society and presents himself at the temple as all youths his age must do. He knows he won't be chosen as the Shepherd because of his lack of faith. So when his worst fears are realised and he has to come to terms with giving a year of his life to the Temple, he is outraged. How can he retain his independence in such a harsh and corrupt regime? A stunning novel which raises questions of faith and individuality - one of three early works by Jan Mark which proved her versatility and displayed not only her intellectual vigour but her unparalleled storytelling skills.
Reviews / Votes
Remarkable - The Sunday TimesCompelling - The Observer
(Mark's) masterly control over the stifling situation and the erosion of Hanno's health and personality, plus the honesty of her desolate ending (a moral victory only, despite an escape of sorts), makes this a serious and compelling novel. - Kirkus Review
More details
Edition
Digital original
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Hachette Children's Group
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 12 to 17 years
ISBN-13
978-1-4449-2098-7 (9781444920987)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jan Mark (1943-2006) was amongst the finest authors to emerge in the second golden age of children's books. She won the Carnegie Medal twice (for her first novel, Thunder and Lightnings and for Handles) and received a host of other commendations and prizes. A former teacher, she spent many years working in schools, alongside her full-time writing. As a reader, science-fiction was a passion and informed several of her most ambitious books, including the three titles on the Silver list - as well as The Eclipse of the Century (shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award) and Useful Idiots.
