Bearmouth is an enthralling read that is dark to the core. Liz Hyder has invented her own pidgin English for this book. At first, it's difficult to read and understand, so used was I to be reading our language. However, it gets much easier and makes this book stand out as a genuine gem.
Bearmouth is a mine set in an alternative reality, or maybe Victorian mine practices. It's a dark ruthless place where the interests of the owners are put way before the workers. Miners in Bearmouth don't live on the surface, they live deep down in these huge mines. Children are virtually born into the caves, never seeing the surface. Beneath all this darkness though is an organised world where the old look after the young and help educate and protect them.
I admit to struggling at first with this book due to the phonic style of conversation. Yet you're soon drawn into the world of Newt and though it's a dark world you soon warm to the various workers. The story is brilliantly told through the narration of Newt. There's plenty of twists to the tale to keep you reading and a great ending.
A five star book that's unique. Read it, you won't regret it.
