Reviews

The Gorgon in the Gully by Melina Marchetta

Only show reviews with written explanations

bethorne's review against another edition

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5.0

Just read it to the girls and their friend. I swooned for Jonah. They fell in love with Danny.

zinokato's review against another edition

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4.0

This book = love
Such a cute story that's not necessarily aimed at young children but older readers as well!
So glad I read it, it's a quick read and Melina fans will definitely love this (we even get a but of Jonah Griggs in this)
But the star is definitely Danny Griggs, a kid who's scared of everything but decides to go get the football he kicked into the gully where the legendary gorgon lives. This leads to a massive operation that involves a lot of unlikely helpers and even more unlikely alliances.
Loved this!

anabelsbrother's review against another edition

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5.0

First read: August 2015

SO MUCH CUTE OH MY GOD??? I LOVE LOVE LOVE

Reread: February 2018

- Still super great. Danny Griggs is my baby alongside Luca Spinelli and Anabel Mackee. Made me wish we had a book on Luca and/or Anabel at this age.

- I loved all the Jonah mentions; I believe that Gorgon occurred at the same time as Jellicoe, as Jonah was out bush in this story. Also, props to Jonah being the best brother in the world, finding a spot with cell coverage so he could call Danny every night. EVERY. NIGHT. Also don't forget that Jonah kept a photo of himself and Taylor in his drawer.

- Louise Griggs is a super woman and a Character. I LOVE HER. I love Danny's relationship with her. I love how she spends quality time with Danny every night before bed, and giving him advice, and being super patient with him. I love her so much.

- I love Danny's character growth, his whole relationship with Simon especially. Simon is also my baby, I'm adopting him, I'll protect him with my lyfe.

My reading thread on Twitter: HERE.

afallenfeather's review against another edition

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4.0

An adorable story focusing on Danny Griggs, brother of Jonah from Jellicoe Road, about friendship and facing fears.

allysw's review against another edition

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4.0

Only Melina Marchetta could make me cry in a fun, adventurous, 100-page chapter book.

nematome's review against another edition

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4.0

I think that the best literature for children always contains a sort of understanding. Children respond to simple stories and themes, yes, but their minds are really just as complex as an adult’s. They live in the same world that we do and have to shoulder the same challenges and face the same fears. This is a sweet story for ages 7-10 with a lot of heart and just a hint of fairy tale. It also contains that nearly subliminal hint of the intense and painful, which gives it a real authenticity.

Danny Griggs (younger brother of Jonah) is afraid of everything. He’s afraid of clowns and monsters under his bed. He’s afraid that his friends don’t really like him at all. He’s afraid of his teacher’s disappointment. The kids in his class, who have separated into well-defined cliques, are all afraid of the huge slathering Gorgon that lives in the gully behind the recess yard. When Danny’s less than stellar soccer skills allow the autographed, charmed soccer ball to disappear into the gully, he decides to be brave for once and go after it. It turns out that the scheme is going to require much more than Danny’s bravery – his classmates will have to come together and overlook their differences and he’ll have to learn to trust and rely on his friends.

Jellicoe Road lovers will appreciate the cameos from Jonah Griggs, and will have a deeper understanding of Danny’s experience – like, what has led him to be so afraid all the time? Why are his mother and brother so protective of him? Once again, Melina Marchetta gave me chills.