Children of the Stones

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Robot Emperor R
Robot Emperor Jul 1, 2013 11:30:35
Replying to nix

A stone circle and a barrow feature strongly in Alan Garners Elidor, the pinnacle of this kind of children's fiction in my opinion. Constantly surprised that it was never made into a film (and relieved after the mess they made of The Dark is Rising).

Recently read it to my 8 year old. It really is a scary book, was worrying that it might be a bit strong in this pasteurized present but it captivated him - scared him in all the right ways.

N nix
nix Jul 1, 2013 17:01:41
Replying to Robot Emperor

Elidor is covered a fair bit in the academic piece referred to at the top of this thread. There are radio adaptations of it and Alan Garner's earlier books. (none very good though imo).

There is a very good BBC Play for Today of Red Shift shot at Mow Cop, the iron age hill fort, and a good sixties TV series of The Owl Service which features a prop 'Stone of Gronw' left in place by the film crew

http://ha5.seikyou.ne.jp/home/pemmican/england/owl_service/index_4.html

It is now often mistaken for the pre-historic original which was in fact probably:

http://cy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delwedd:Llech_Gronw.jpg

Now re-erected after discovery by Jim Perrin:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/r_i_c_2007/llechgronwweb.jpg

E Emma A
Emma A Jul 1, 2013 21:14:54
Replying to Robot Emperor

Elidor was made into a TV series in the 90s. I remember watching it but don't remember if it was any good!