I very much liked this book just as I very much like all of Kate DiCamillo's works for older children. It has depth and feeling and a dark mood that calls for internal reflection. (Similar to what one finds in Edward Tulane, and to an extent the Tale of Desperaux.)
The story starts out with Peter, an orphan who is living with a military man of dubious sanity and health. But it quickly unfolds to be more complex, becoming in the end a book that is not just about one character, but many.
There is Peter the primary actor, and his tormented mentor, Vilna Lutz. But also the police officer, Leo Matienne, and the stone mason, the grand dames, the nun and so many more, There is Adele a young orphan girl, and even the elephant, who miraculous crashes down in the opera house during a magic show. A show that should have been of no importance but which altered the lives of a city.
There being so many people is not insignificant. Because this book is not about individuals, but about life. About relationships and how they define us, and how we define them. Essentially so many aspects of love and hope were exposed that I was reminded of a Zen koan. There is just so much to think about, so much to contemplate.
So ultimately, in my opinion, The Magician's Elephant is not a book for young children. (I didn't even attempt to read it to my 7 and 9 year olds) It is, however, a wonderful thought provoking book for adults and for teens who are ready to examine life.
Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs
The Magician's Elephant
- Accelerated Reading level : generic 4
- Hardcover: 208 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick; 1 edition (September 8, 2009)
- ISBN-10: 0763644102
related posts: Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo
2 comments :
Thank you for your reviews on children's books. I found your blog about a month ago and I'm enjoying your information.
About DiCamillo's new book; would you say this book would be okay for a child that enjoyed an audio of A Wrinkle in Time and The Magic Thief?
Is this book much more complex than Tales of Despereaux?
Thank you for any feed back.
Oh thank you soooo much for the compliment, WykkyTruths.
As for Kate's new book, I've been thinking about your question all day. And while I have my doubts, I do think you should give this book a try.
BUT... before you leap to a purchase let me introduce you to my favorite book axiom: "when in doubt, check it out".
Or to put it another way, if you're not sure about a selection, check the book out at the library (or borrow it from a friend) and just try it.
I know this sounds like a cop-out, but I've found that sometimes I can't even guess what my own children will like.
Let me know, if you do decide to read it, whether it was a hit or miss. I think your question was a good one and think your results will help others decide whether to plunge into it.
Regards!
Pam
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