Lanny

by Max Porter
Lanny cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2211
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780571340286
  • Published: 2019-03-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Lanny is a mesmerizing tale that weaves together the story of a missing boy and the enigmatic presence of Dead Papa Toothwort, a mythical figure that seems to lurk in the woods. The novel is rich with poetic prose and a sense of foreboding, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and unsettling. /n/n The book delves into the lives of the villagers and the mysterious forces that surround them, blending elements of folklore and contemporary life in a way that is both captivating and chilling.

Reviews
Bright Star Book Blog · 2020-01-11
moving 4.50

The book oozes with mystery, beauty, and love, delivered in a rhythmic, almost hymnal style. The reviewer finds it to be a deeply moving and beautifully crafted story.

The reviewer is captivated by the book's mysterious and beautiful narrative, which is delivered in a rhythmic, almost hymnal style. They highlight the book's exploration of love and its ability to create a deeply moving and emotionally resonant experience. The reviewer praises the author's distinctive writing style and the way the story unfolds, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Lanny is a book absolutely oozing with mystery, beauty and (above all) love.

    Delivered in Porter's distinguishing, rhythmic, almost hymnal style.

    It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

The Literary Addict · 2019-08-25
captivating 4.75

The book is surreal, captivating, and emotive, with parts that are absolutely bonkers. The reviewer highly recommends it for its unique and engaging narrative.

The reviewer describes the book as surreal and captivating, with moments that are both emotive and utterly bonkers. They express a deep love for the book, praising its unique narrative style and the way it captivates the reader from start to finish. The reviewer finds the book to be a standout piece of literature that they would highly recommend to others.

Quick quotes

    It is surreal, captivating, emotive and in some parts absolutely bonkers but I would highly recommend it.

    I really loved this book, it's one of those books that you just can't put down.

    The writing is so distinctive and the story so engaging that it's hard not to be drawn in.

The Guardian · 2019-03-05
remarkable 4.50

The book is a compelling follow-up that taps into the strangeness of English folklore. It is a missing-boy story that explores themes of love and community.

The reviewer finds the book to be a remarkable and emotional read, praising its unique storytelling and exploration of English folklore. They highlight the book's ability to delve into the complexities of love and community, making it a standout piece of literature. The reviewer appreciates the author's distinctive style and the way the story unfolds, creating a captivating narrative that lingers with the reader.

Quick quotes

    The author's compelling follow-up to Grief Is the Thing With Feathers is a missing-boy story that taps into the strangeness of English folklore.

    It is a book full of love, playing pretty close to the bone.

    Lanny is similarly remarkable for its simultaneous spareness and extravagance.

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