the photos in this exhibition by Nick Hedges go well with the novel: http://www.shelterscotland.org/lifeworthliving

Domic struggles to find his place as a young man, befriending a tightwalking family, a rough bully and the contradictions of his own writing talent.

First and foremost, I really liked this. Almond's writing is lyrical and descriptive without being too long-winded or snooty. The characters and setting are extremely memorable. In fact, I found myself thinking about both at random times. I loved his use of the local, working-class dialect. It made me feel more rooted in the story. With all of this being said, I do not think this should have been marketed as a teen book. Yes, it is a coming-of-age story, and we start following Dominic in childhood and see him through to young adulthood. However, The Tightrope Walkers has a decidedly grown-up feel about it. Regardless- very good.