"A beautifully crafted verse novel with a fast-paced, engaging plot."
Nadine Aisha Jassat’s The House at the Edge of the World is a beautifully crafted verse novel with a fast-paced, engaging plot. Clever and lively illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino support the magically enchanting story and readers’ hearts and imaginations will be captured from the very first page.
At the centre of the novel is Amal, a thoughtful and anxious young girl whose family is reeling from the loss of their home and livelihoods. When a mysterious letter arrives, apparently from a long-lost relative, they find themselves moving to a crumbling house perched at the very edge of a cliff—a place that, at first, seems more haunted than hopeful. But as the story unfolds, so does the magic of the house, which begins to reveal itself as not just a shelter, but a sanctuary—deeply attuned to the needs, fears, and hopes of each family member.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, and belonging. There is a touch of mystery, a sprinkle of magic, and an abundance of emotional truth - and there’s a goat. The characters are clever, layered, and utterly believable. Jassat writes with warmth and sensitivity, bringing Amal’s journey of self-discovery to life as she uncovers the secrets of the house—and, in doing so, unlocks her own strength and voice.
This story is also rich with deeper reflections: the power of names and words, the quiet resilience of libraries, and the way stories—especially those about people who are "different"—can either confine or liberate. The novel is effortlessly inclusive, gently challenging readers to consider how society treats outsiders, and how truth and acceptance can help reclaim both identity and home.
As the family grows to love their new surroundings, a fresh challenge arises—an unexpected threat to their right to stay. Amal and her family must race to prove that this strange, wonderful house truly belongs to them—and that they belong in it.
The House at the Edge of the World is a lovely book: moving, magical, and filled with meaning. Perfect for readers aged 9 and up, it’s a story whose warmth will stay with you long after the final page.
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