monster calls patrick ness

A Monster Calls follows thirteen-year-old Conor, who wakes to find an ancient, demanding monster at his window. The novel is a darkly funny and moving exploration of a boy coping with his seriously ill mother, his nightmares, and the difficult truths the monster forces him to face.

Page counts vary by edition; the available listings show a range from 204 to 224 pages.

The monster is portrayed as ancient, wild, and elemental—part giant, part yew tree—an imposing, didactic presence that demands truth from the protagonist.

Conor is thirteen and struggling with his mother’s serious illness. The story centers on his emotional turmoil, recurring nightmares, and encounters with the monster that forces him to confront painful truths.

Recommended ages vary by edition. The listings show suggested ages of 12 years, 13–19 years, and 14 years, and the book is categorized under Young Adult fiction.

The listings note A Monster Calls as a #1 New York Times bestseller and cite honors such as the L.A. Times Book Prize (Young Adult Literature, 2011, 3rd Winner), the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award (2016, 4th Winner), mention of a Carnegie Medal, and inclusion on Oprah’s 2012 Kids Reading List.

The heavily textured, monochromatic pen-and-ink illustrations surround the text and deepen the book’s atmosphere, reinforcing the protagonist’s inner turmoil and emotional tone.

Descriptions note that the author has received honors including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award; they also reference a Carnegie Medal.