“The Book of Lost Things”
by John Connolly
Why you’d like it:
If fairy tales and mythology prick your interest and you long for tales of fantasy without the sugar coating, then you’ll surely want to check it out. Readers who’ve enjoyed any of Gregory Maguire’s books (the author of Wicked) might also want to give The Book of Lost Things a try.
High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own — populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things.
Taking readers on a vivid journey through the loss of innocence into adulthood and beyond, New York Times bestselling author John Connolly tells a dark and compelling tale that reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.
What I enjoyed:
The Book of Lost Things isn’t a children’s book, despite the main character’s age. David also isn’t a stereotypical hero. He’s nervous and more than a little bit selfish in the beginning, which inches the story forward in gripping ways when he’s forced to deal with somewhat adult themes. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its hazy parallels; anyone who’s read fairy tales and folklore will catch an occasional glimmer of familiarity with the secondary characters, but they’re still different enough to engage readers all the way through. This is one of my favorite books because I felt like it had always been a part of my subconscious. Just like David, I spent many childhood hours poring over any book I could, so many of his experiences and thoughts resonated with me.
My two cents of constructive criticism:
The story leaves a few loose ends, which may annoy some readers.
How it made me feel:
Introspective. Frightened. Immersed. John Connolly’s scenes seamlessly transition from one range of emotions to the next; some went from heartwarming to morbid and scary, and others broke my heart and then handed me hope immediately afterwards.
What it reminded me of:
Journeying through the original Grimm’s Fairy Tales worlds through the eyes of an innocent child with a vivid imagination.
What I thought after finishing the last line:
“This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I’ve ever read.”
Memorable, spoiler-free quotes:
“Stories wanted to be read, David’s mother would whisper. They needed it. It was the reason they forced themselves from their world into ours. They wanted us to give them life.”
“I believe in those whom I love and trust. All else is foolishness.”
“A figure approached, but it was not a woman. It was a man, a crooked man with a long face, emerging at last from the shadows of his world. And he was smiling.”
Next week, I’ll review Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. Until then: feed your head, little bookworms.