The Shadow Year

by Jeffrey Ford
The Shadow Year cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Mystery
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Format • £9.49
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  • ID: 4623
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781473226951
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-08-06
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4

In the unpredictable 1960s on New York's Long Island, a young boy faces the end of summer and the start of sixth grade. Living in a household with an absent father, an alcoholic mother, and siblings who are both a source of torment and protection, he finds solace in Botch Town, a detailed cardboard replica of his community created with his brother. The boys' games take a dark turn when a prowler is reported, and strange events begin to unfold, seemingly linked to their younger sister's alterations to Botch Town. The line between reality and fantasy blurs as disappearances, deaths, and spectral sightings plague the neighborhood, culminating in the arrival of a sinister man in a long white car. The story delves into themes of family dynamics, the power of imagination, and the unsettling nature of the unknown. The Shadow Year is a haunting exploration of childhood, family, and the eerie interplay between a child's imagination and the real world. The novel's atmospheric setting and psychological depth create a chilling narrative that keeps readers on edge, questioning what is real and what is merely a figment of the imagination.

Reviews
SF Site · Elizabeth · 2025-10-22
profound 4.50

The book is a beautiful account of childhood, filled with profound and achingly lovely moments. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of childhood in a way that is both profound and deeply moving.

The author's ability to capture the essence of childhood is truly commendable. The narrative is filled with profound and achingly lovely moments that resonate with the reader on a deep emotional level. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are believable, making the story even more compelling. The author's use of imagery and atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, creating a world that feels both familiar and slightly eerie. The book's strength lies in its ability to blend nostalgia with a sense of mystery, creating a unique reading experience that lingers long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    Jeffrey Ford's beautiful new novel, The Shadow Year, is an account of childhood's kingdom under siege.

    A book so achingly lovely and, yes, profound, that one is left with a sense of wonder and nostalgia.

    The author's use of imagery and atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, creating a world that feels both familiar and slightly eerie.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
engaging 4.40

The book pulls you in with its vivid and relatable descriptions, creating an immersive experience. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to keep the reader engaged without feeling forced.

The book is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. The author's ability to create a world that feels both familiar and slightly eerie is truly commendable. The narrative flows smoothly, pulling the reader in and keeping them engaged throughout. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions feel authentic, making the story even more compelling. The book's strength lies in its ability to blend mystery and nostalgia seamlessly, creating a unique reading experience that lingers long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    The book pulls you in, keeps pulling you, yanking you, in fact, but you never feel anything but a slight trace of a tug.

    So familiar is he with his world – the author has a knack for making the ordinary feel extraordinary.

    The narrative's strength lies in its ability to keep the reader engaged without feeling forced.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
engaging 4.40

The book pulls you in and keeps you engaged with its semi-autobiographical elements. It's a compelling read that doesn't let go easily.

This review highlights how 'The Shadow Year' is a gripping tale that draws you in from the start. The reviewer appreciates the semi-autobiographical aspects, finding them genuine and engaging. They mention that the book is a page-turner, with a narrative that keeps you hooked. The reviewer also notes that the story is more than just a mystery; it's a deep dive into childhood memories and experiences that resonate with adults. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted, immersive story that leaves a lasting impact.

Quick quotes

    Jeffrey Ford throws genuine easy gas with this little semi-autobiographical gem.

    The book pulls you in, keeps pulling you, yanking you, in fact, but you never ...

    It's a coming of age story, a quasi-mystery story, with a bit of speculative fiction all thrown in together.

SFFWorld · 2018-10-11
nostalgic 4.20

The book is a fine mystery with paranormal elements, making it a great read for adults who remember their childhood. It's a nostalgic journey with a touch of the supernatural.

This review praises 'The Shadow Year' as a fine mystery with a streak of the paranormal, making it an engaging read. The reviewer finds it particularly appealing for adults who can relate to childhood memories, even if they are vague. They appreciate the nostalgic elements and the subtle supernatural aspects that add depth to the story. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted novel that blends mystery and nostalgia seamlessly, making it a compelling and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    The Shadow Year is a fine mystery with a streak of the paranormal.

    And maybe better as a novel about children for adults who remember, if only vaguely, their ...

    It's a coming of age story, a quasi-mystery story, with a bit of speculative fiction all thrown in together.

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