Westall did brilliantly to paint such a dark, complex and yet sympathetic character. but what will happen when they finally arrive? The fact that we're never told only adds to the chilling power and tension of the climax.

What makes this seem so gut-wrenchingly real is that it's mainly Simon's own inner demons that are tearing his family apart - and as his misery and isolation grows, so the unquiet ghosts in the ruined water-mill across the fields begin to stir, grown in power and move closer and closer. Simon is utterly believable as the lonely, angry and confused boy who idolises his late father and sees his relationship with his mother begin to disintegrate after her remarriage to a man he hates. It's also a psychological thriller and a powerful emotional drama. Why is The Scarecrows so good? Well for one thing I've always liked ghost stories, but this is so much more than that. He has been a major inspiration for me, more than any other single writer. young adult ghost stories, and with some similar themes. Robert Westall (and this book in particular) is in fact the main reason why my own first two books are in this same genre, i.e. I recently re-read it and found it just as compelling as an adult.

I first read it when I was thirteen - the same age as the central character Simon Wood - and it had a lasting effect on me. I don't think I have a favourite book of all time, but if I did then I'd have to say The Scarecrows.

The scarecrows by robert westall