The Book of Lost ThingsJohn Connolly
Twelve-year-old David's had a rough time of it recently. Having recently lost his mother, he was none too pleased when his father began seeing another woman. When they married, producing Georgie, his half-brother, David had enough. It is no surprise, then, that he takes such solace from books. When his new family becomes more than he can bear, however, his fairy tales come alive in a way they never had before.
Suddenly, David finds himself in a world similar to -- but entirely different from -- his own. Packs of man-wolves, called Loups, hunt him from the moment he steps foot into this alien territory. This world is decaying, food is scarce, and David cannot find the way back home. After encountering a helpful Woodsman, he sets out to find the king of this land, whose Book of Lost Things might give him the help he so desperately needs.
And so, David sets out on his quest, encountering along the way both friends and foes. He faces great perils and learns to overcome them and his fears. Always present are the fairy tales David so loves, although he encounters them a bit differently in this world than they were presented in his. As David makes his way toward the castle, encountering both horrific beasts and unimaginable dangers, there is a greater danger still that lies in wait: the Crooked Man. The most dangerous of all his foes, the Crooked Man wants something from David, something David might only be all too eager to give.
The Book of Lost Things is a fast-paced, imaginative story that twists conventional fairy tales; the effect is new, yet familiar. Meanwhile, David must learn to navigate illusion and reality while conquering his hatred, fear, and despair. It won't be an easy task, but that David is capable of it is never in doubt.
David is a wonderful character, and Connolly's creation of him is true. I came to care deeply for him, and the perfect ending hit exactly the right note, sending Lost Things from just a "good" story to a deeply moving one. While at times I felt the plot dragged, once entrenched, I couldn't put it down. I've heard Lost Things billed as a young-adult novel, but it didn't feel that way to me.
In a nutshell: A slightly-dark story with an uplifting ending that makes things better. I'm ready for Nocturnes!
Bibliolatry Scale: 4.5 out of 6 stars
Suddenly, David finds himself in a world similar to -- but entirely different from -- his own. Packs of man-wolves, called Loups, hunt him from the moment he steps foot into this alien territory. This world is decaying, food is scarce, and David cannot find the way back home. After encountering a helpful Woodsman, he sets out to find the king of this land, whose Book of Lost Things might give him the help he so desperately needs.
And so, David sets out on his quest, encountering along the way both friends and foes. He faces great perils and learns to overcome them and his fears. Always present are the fairy tales David so loves, although he encounters them a bit differently in this world than they were presented in his. As David makes his way toward the castle, encountering both horrific beasts and unimaginable dangers, there is a greater danger still that lies in wait: the Crooked Man. The most dangerous of all his foes, the Crooked Man wants something from David, something David might only be all too eager to give.
The Book of Lost Things is a fast-paced, imaginative story that twists conventional fairy tales; the effect is new, yet familiar. Meanwhile, David must learn to navigate illusion and reality while conquering his hatred, fear, and despair. It won't be an easy task, but that David is capable of it is never in doubt.David is a wonderful character, and Connolly's creation of him is true. I came to care deeply for him, and the perfect ending hit exactly the right note, sending Lost Things from just a "good" story to a deeply moving one. While at times I felt the plot dragged, once entrenched, I couldn't put it down. I've heard Lost Things billed as a young-adult novel, but it didn't feel that way to me.
In a nutshell: A slightly-dark story with an uplifting ending that makes things better. I'm ready for Nocturnes!
Bibliolatry Scale: 4.5 out of 6 stars
2 comments:
Hmmm, I need to get back to this one. I picked it up a few months ago, then got busy and never finished it. I did enjoy it while I was reading it, though! Good review.
Meag :-)
I read this last year and absolutely loved it. It also seems like the perfect kind of book to read this time of year. For some reason, stories like that and Fall always just seem to go together.
I also don't agree with the young adult designation. Young adults could definitely read and enjoy it, but it seems to me a fairytale-like story that's clearly written for adults. I picked my copy up in the adult section of the bookstore.
Also, hope you like "Nocturnes"! I thought it was awesome, and a great followup to "The Book of Lost Things."
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