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Maggot Moon

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Maggot Moon

By: Sally Gardner
Narrated by: Robert Madge
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$8.99/month after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends on 29 July 2026 at 11:59 AEST.

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The audio edition of this starkly original and heartbreaking tale of friendship and rebellion

A starkly original and heartbreaking tale of friendship and rebellion

Winner of the Carnegie Medal and a 2012 Costa Award winner. Narrated against the backdrop of a ruthless regime determined to beat its enemies in the race to the moon, MAGGOT MOON is the stunning new novel from award-winning author Sally Gardner.

When his best friend Hector is suddenly taken away, Standish Treadwell realises that it is up to him, his grandfather and a small band of rebels to confront and defeat the ever-present oppressive forces of the Motherland.

Utterly original and stunning, it is impossible not to be moved by MAGGOT MOON's powerful story and the unforgettable heroism of Standish. Fiction Growing Up Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Friendship Adventure
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Critic Reviews

Dazzling, chilling, breathtaking. A perfect book. (Meg Rosoff, award-winning author of HOW I LIVE NOW)
The outstanding teenage novel of the autumn, arresting and original and written in a singular voice... (Lorna Bradbury)
startlingly original, horribly gripping ... an inspirational [story] which deserves many prizes. (Amanda Craig)
This novel is a celebration of the refusal of the human spirit to be crushed and in Standish, Gardner has created a hero to be cherished. (Sally Morris)
... a unique and compelling read
Maggot Moon is a fast-paced, tough and heartbreaking story. I loved it
... Maggot Moon is an unusual, deeply moving and thought-provoking story, which has clear potential to become a modern classic
... a remarkable novel
This novel will just blow you away (Emma Louise Pennell)
a story that is rich in drama and ideas (Julia Eccleshare)
Quite simply, it is a book you have to read.
Fans of the dystopia genre and conspiracy theorists alike will be flipping the pages of this gem. The story moves at a gripping pace with clever use of language, providing vivid characterization ad setting, while the unexpected twists in the plot will leave readers stunned
[Standish's] use of language because of (not despite of) his dyslexia is idiosyncratic poetry, full of fizzing wordplay and deadpan humour. Gardner's novels have always been thought-provoking but she flexes her writing muscles here and Standish is an utterly unique creation, impossible not to love.
All stars
Most relevant

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The book kept interest and was helpful on a long car journey but left us all wondering why we had spent the time. Standish was a great character and it was well written with a hint of mystery in every short chapter, but often led this weary reader to disappointment. Every character wasn't developed enough and it seemed a bit hap hazard - disjointed.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It seemed to me that the relationship between Hector and the Standish was unnecessary for the plot. I couldn't fathom why it needed swearing or why the graphic violence for a children's story. It really wasn't appropriate for my kids at 8 and 11.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I can't pick out one. There were very few "scenes". The ending in the suits was good to imagine, I guess?

Could you see Maggot Moon being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

No

Any additional comments?

It seemed a want to be Orwellian story with gravitas, but it was flattened by the "fake moon landing" finale, the "our fate lies with you" Star-Wars line, and not driving the alternative universe depth until mid way through the book

So wanted this to be loved

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.