Review
Victor, like many children of his era, is captivated by Houdini and wants desperately to be a magician himself. His repeated attempts to recreate Houdini’s magic provide the reader with much hilarity, but leave poor Victor feeling frustrated and defeated. And then one day he spies Houdini himself in a crowded train station and bombards him with all the questions he’s been storing up. Houdini promises to send a letter, and weeks later Victor receives an invitation to Houdini’s home! When Victor arrives he is greeted by Houdini’s newly widowed wife Bess. It is Halloween 1926 - the day Houdini died. Bess gives Victor a box with the initials E.W. inscribed on it. Confused, disappointed and unable to open the box Victor doubts he’ll ever learn the magician’s secrets….
Ever since watching Fairy Tale: A True Story my daughter has been fascinated by Harry Houdini. Always one to indulge an obsession I snatch up everything I can find about the man. I actually expected this to be a bit more biographical, but it is really a work of fiction which incorporates some factual (and embellished) elements of Houdini’s life. Ultimately, I found that I enjoyed it for what it was rather than lament what it wasn’t. The story’s multiple little contrivances might have jaded grownups rolling their eyes a bit. But at its heart it’s a story which might encourage children to pursue their dreams more forcefully and believe in the extraordinary for a little longer. Brian Selznick’s mysterious, comical, expressive, noir-like illustrations are perfectly suited for this story.
Ever since watching Fairy Tale: A True Story my daughter has been fascinated by Harry Houdini. Always one to indulge an obsession I snatch up everything I can find about the man. I actually expected this to be a bit more biographical, but it is really a work of fiction which incorporates some factual (and embellished) elements of Houdini’s life. Ultimately, I found that I enjoyed it for what it was rather than lament what it wasn’t. The story’s multiple little contrivances might have jaded grownups rolling their eyes a bit. But at its heart it’s a story which might encourage children to pursue their dreams more forcefully and believe in the extraordinary for a little longer. Brian Selznick’s mysterious, comical, expressive, noir-like illustrations are perfectly suited for this story.
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