TITLE: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
AUTHOR: Brian Selznick
STARTED: October 22, 2011
FINISHED: October 22, 2011
PAGES: 534
GENRE: Juvenile / Graphic Novel
FIRST SENTENCE: The story I am about to share with you takes place in 1932, under the roofs of Paris.
SUMMARY: [From Amazon] Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
THOUGHTS: This book is incredibly pretty to look at. The illustrations (most double page spreads) are incredibly detailed and full of emotion and action. Selznick is an incredible artist, and a pretty good storyteller as well. The story has a kind of subtle magic to it, but the illustrations are what make this book a good read.
The narrative is a little bit convoluted for a young adult book, but I like that Selznick expects his readers to follow along. He does not take the reader by the hand and lead them through his plot. Instead, he just tells the story. Like many young adult books of today, there is an old timey quality to this story. Sure the story is set in 1932, but that doesn't really cause the "old school" feel. I don't know how he does it, but Selznick manages to make his story feel old and long-lived. I like it.
As for the art, just look at it. So pretty. Selznick must have magical, non-cramping hands to draw all of these pages.
RATING: 6/10 [Good]
Comments