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Robert Westall

    October 7, 1929 – April 15, 1993

    Robert Westall crafted compelling narratives that often transported young readers to pivotal historical moments, particularly during World War Two. His stories explored profound themes of courage, friendship, and the impact of conflict on childhood experiences. Westall possessed a distinct literary voice, adept at balancing the grim realities of war with enduring hope. He masterfully depicted vulnerable characters confronting adversity, leaving a lasting impression through his emotionally resonant and engaging storytelling.

    Robert Westall
    The Machine Gunners
    The Kingdom by the Sea
    Children of the Blitz
    Ghost Abbey
    The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral
    Antique Dust
    • 2023

      There's a legend about the Watch House... Scrape beneath the whitewash and you'll find terror. You'll find him. Tynemouth, late 1970s. Christmas is coming and Front Street's swinging. But Anne, dumped here while her parents sort their divorce, isn't in the mood. She escapes to the castle, the Priory the beaches. Best of all, the Watch House. The old coastguard's place is packed with weird treasures and no one bothers her. Until lights start to flicker and something stirs in the dark nights... Buried deep in the past is a secret which now threatens everything. Only Anne can stop it. The Watch House is an epic new adaptation of Carnegie Medal-winner Robert Westall's original novel, from Olivier Award-winning theatre-maker Chris Foxon. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay, in December 2023.

      The Watch House
    • 2016

      Spectral Shadows

      Three Supernatural Novellas (Blackham's Wimpey, The Wheatstone Pond, Yaxley's Cat)

      • 282 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      This collection features three supernatural novellas by acclaimed author Robert Westall, recognized as a leading figure in British ghost storytelling. Each novella showcases his mastery in crafting eerie narratives that blend suspense and the supernatural, appealing to fans of the genre. Westall's work is celebrated for its atmospheric tension and intricate character development, making this anthology a must-read for enthusiasts of ghost stories.

      Spectral Shadows
    • 2015

      The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral

      Two Stories of the Supernatural

      • 140 pages
      • 5 hours of reading
      4.3(12)Add rating

      The narrative unfolds through a vivid dream sequence, where the protagonist finds themselves in a dark setting, fixated on a tower. The intense imagery is heightened by the distressing cries of Kev, who is trapped at the tower's peak, evoking a sense of fear and urgency. This haunting moment hints at deeper themes of vulnerability and the struggle against unseen terrors, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of psychological tension and the unknown.

      The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral
    • 2015

      Antique Dust

      Ghost Stories

      • 238 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The book immerses readers in a chilling atmosphere, expertly crafting a sense of palpable evil throughout its narrative. It appeals to those who appreciate sophisticated and subtly unsettling British ghost stories, promising a compelling experience for fans of the genre. With its eerie ambiance and intricate storytelling, it invites readers to explore the darker corners of the human psyche and the supernatural.

      Antique Dust
    • 2013

      Ninety-eight keys, and they say there are ninety-nine rooms . . . What will you find in the ninety-ninth room, I wonder?'Maggi is delighted when her father takes a new job, renovating a crumbling stately home in Cheshire. But Maggi gradually comes to realize that their new home holds secrets far more sinister than anything they have left behind .

      Ghost Abbey
    • 2006

      While vacationing on a remote part of the Northumberland coast, a troubled English family has a series of unsettling experiences traveling back in time and confronting the legendary power of St. Cuthbert.

      The Wind Eye
    • 2002

      Harvest (Contents)

      • 183 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      3.3(15)Add rating

      I get the illusion on this train that it's going on for ever. That time stands still. That we'll never get to Wisbech or anywhere...' said Brian.Philippa laughed. 'Isn't that the charm of it?''Not really. I want to get somewhere. I've lived more than a quarter of my life, and I haven't done anything yet but pass exams. I mean, exams aren't real, are they?'When Brian meets Philippa he cannot guess how dramatically she represents the real world. For her it is a world of terror that she has to come to Norfolk to forget.Once Brian has met all his fellow-students at the fruit picking, there is no reason for him to befriend Philippa. But Brian, in his typically generous way, offers her a lift to the sea on his bike when she has been left on her own...HARVEST is a passionate story of a young man who is swept into a drama not of his making. Brian follows his instincts. He believes he is doing the right thing. It is also a moving story of healing and reconciliation.

      Harvest (Contents)
    • 2002

      Blitzcat

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      3.8(135)Add rating

      Amid the terryfying times of WWII, one brave cat leads the way to safety, out of the blazing hell of blitzed Coventry. People touch her for luck; fear her as an omen for disaster. Wherever she goes, she changes lives. Her determination never wavers, she is the Blitzcat.

      Blitzcat
    • 1996

      The Machine Gunners

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      3.9(185)Add rating

      Living in World War II Britain, Chas McGill is determined to outdo his rival Boddser Brown in obtaining the ultimate war souvenir. When he finds a crashed German bomber in the woods complete with machine gun, he knows he can not only beat Boddser hands down, but can also play a role in the war.

      The Machine Gunners
    • 1995

      Falling into Glory

      • 304 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      3.8(63)Add rating

      Brilliant student Robbie develops a close and dangerous relationship with Emma Harris, a teacher nearly twice his age. As the situation reaches a crisis, they must decide what they really want - which, for Emma, means the future of her career.

      Falling into Glory