Boneland cover art

Boneland

The Weirdstone Trilogy, Book 3

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Boneland

By: Alan Garner
Narrated by: Robert Powell
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About this listen

Boneland is Alan Garner’s continuation of the story thread which began in his first and enduringly popular fantasy children’s novel, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, published in 1960, it has never been out of print. The Moon of Gomrath followed in 1963 taking the story further with the same two children, Colin and Susan. But Boneland is particularly fascinating because it takes the story into adulthood, with Colin again the main proponent. Boneland is read by the experienced actor Robert Powell, at the request of Alan Garner himself.

©2012 Alan Garner (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Paranormal

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All stars
Most relevant

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not an easy book to listen too, quite complicated and a bit surreal. Slightly disappointed as it is not really Werdstone 3 in my opinion. Same scenery and Colin was the main character but very much different story to other two books in Weirdstone trilogy, not what I was expecting. Despite this I can't say I didn't enjoy the book.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The ending felt a bit quick and not conclusive. Will the Trilogy have another book??

What three words best describe Robert Powell’s voice?

Very easy to listen too.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Probably not.

Interesting

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Like so many other reviewers I adored Weirdstone and Gomrath and as a child. But when I heard a third book was out, I was very reticent. Why? Well, because too long had passed in between. I wasn't the same. Alan Garner wouldn't be the same. Big gaps spell trouble for continuity, and 'feel'.
Then I read a review of Boneland which seemed to justify my worst suspicions. The last thing I wanted to do was ruin my memory of the first two books by wading through some dreary existential, postmodern, shapeless diminuation of a fine tradition. Thanks very much. Buh bye!
Then one day I was lacking listening material, and saw I could listen for free, and I thought 'oh go on, I'll try it then....'
And I wish I had tried sooner!
I absolutely in no way consider this a continuation or part of a trilogy. Stylistically and intellectually this is a radically different book from the previous two. Accept this, consider it a book in its own right, then let the story do it's thing!
Garner's electricity is still there! Colin is a grown up, and these days so am I, oddly enough working in the field of Mental Health. The relationship between Colin and Meg is what for me formed the spine of the story. Sometimes it's funny. Sometimes really sad. Garner seems to be trying to square the circle between childhood dreams and magical fantasies, and the complexities and traumas and mundanity of adulthood. How much we readers yearn for magic. The ending for me hints that echoes of that magic are still there, if you listen, though there may be a price hinted at in Colin's acute intelligence, his glorious eccentricity, and his seeming struggle to find peace. And that thought is honest, and rather beautiful.

Worth a listen!

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I hadn't realised that there was a third book in the Weirdstone/Alderley series, so I was delighted when I found this on Audible. I knew the first two books from many years ago so I settled down to hear more about Colin, Susan and the magical environment of the legends around Alderley Edge. At the same time I was a little nervous about how good the content would be. It became apparent very quickly that this is not simply a continuation of the series with Colin and Susan as children, but an emotionally intelligent story of the mental trauma Colin suffered as a child and his way of working through it as a highly intelligent adult.
Initially slightly disappointed with the way the book was going, I became fascinated by this daring treatment of what is called mental illness but could also be seen as man's struggle to come to terms with the unexplained in a post spiritual era.
The reading was excellent and I highly recommend this book if you are prepared for a bit of a shock and a mental challenge. I do think that, to get the best out of this book, it would be helpful to know the first two books in the series.

A wonderful unexpected surprise!

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This third book is not really a part of the trilogy. Only one character is remaining from the other two books. The first two were written as children's adventure story. This is an adult exploration of science and myth. The narrative runs several threads at once which can be confusing at times. I think the author intended to both mystify and illuminate but although it has all the elements I found it unsatisfying at the end. it is always difficult to decide how to end such a book when so much has been hinted at.

This said I would recommend it

The portrayal.of alderley edge landscape is very graphic and moving..well used to create the atmosphere. It also helps that it is delivered in a passable northern accent.

amazimg

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I have to say I think this is the best out of the Brisingamen trilogy. Garner's decision to bring a change of pace to his writing and to move forward in time, focusing on Colin as an adult, makes for a far more interesting end to the tale than slavishly picking up the story where it left off in The Moon of Gomrath.
Robert Powell's narration is excellent, and I found myself unable to concentrate on anything else whilst listening. Highly recommended! But you need to know the previous two books.

Fantastically gripping!

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