Every now and then, a children's book publisher presents a new novel which surpasses the expectations of a good read for kids and pushes it into the realms of the grown-ups. The Eclipse of the Century is one of those books. Written for older children with a fascination for the future, Jan Mark has produced an epic, intricate and timely novel which takes the world's two main obsessions--a total eclipse of the sun and our entry into a new millennium--and has turned them into a totally compelling read that will enthral as many adults as it will younger readers. Keith, a young man taking a break from university, has a near death experience which leads him to take a journey to the mysterious Qantoum, a town no one has ever heard of in the deepest, emptiest heart of Asia. There he meets a cast of characters who befriend him and gently push him forward on his journey towards the new century. Written with a stylish, dry, wit, Keith's adventure--unnerving and eerily dreamlike, yet at the same time uncannily linked with a reality that is at once terrifyingly complex and comfortably simple--takes the reader on a tour of a place which could well hold the key to the future, and perhaps is not as far away from the truth as we would like to believe. A dream of a book for anyone with a love of good writing packed with imagination, humour and detail that can at times make the eyes water, The Eclipse of the Century is a must-have for anyone, whatever their age and beliefs, who wonders what the future may hold. (Ages 12 and over). --Susan Harrison

 

This book was recognised by the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize Award. This award was founded in 1967 and winners are selected by fellow writers. It is awarded annually to fiction written for children aged eight and above.

There are 416 pages in this book. This book was published 1999 by Scholastic .

Jan Mark is a prestigious children's author and has been writing children's books for over 30 years.