The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear - Walter Moers

It is difficult to know where to start when reviewing this book. It rather exists in a genre of it's own, although it falls within many categories. It would certainly be fair to call it a fantasy novel. However, if you find it difficult to suspend belief enough to read about dragons and wizards, you would definitely have trouble absorbing the content of Captain Bluebear. The basic premise of the book is that it tells the tale of a blue bear as he makes his way through various adventures (his thirteen and a half lives). Along the way he meets all manner of strange creatures and places (the Demerara desert, the spiderwitch, and cannibal island among them). The ...  Read the complete review

When I first saw this book my initial reaction was wow that's a big book for children to read. What with its bright yellow cover and a cartoon-ish picture on the front, it was easy to be mistaken. The great thing about this novel is that it is a brilliant story of utter nonsense and sillyness which is perfect for older teenagers and adults to read. It is actually written by a German author,Walter Moers, and it was first translated into English in 2000. Since then it has received world wide success, especially here in the UK and in America. To get it brand new from a shop, some Waterstones still have it, it will cost you £10.99 which considering ...  Read the complete review