The Marvels

When i learned that Brian Selznick published another book, I purposefully decided not to learn anything about the book. Swept away by his previous novels The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck (Schneider Family Book Award - Middle School Winner) , I knew that the story would encompass much emotion, realness, tenderness and heart. Alas, I was wrong. The Marvel has all of that, and so much more. The book starts with a series of amazing prints, drawn by Selznick, that tell the story of the Marvels visually. As always with his intimate, perfect drawings, the story unfolds beautifully. With the turn of a page, years fall away, beloved characters live and die, and generations are presented. It is all too tempting to turn the pages quickly through this section. Take your time. Enjoy the artwork, scope out details that later on may be important, pay attention to the eyes. Selznick is a master of drawing the eyes. Soon, the pictures give away to a story about a young boy fleeing from a harsh boarding school in England, trying to find a long lost uncle holed up in out-of-time house in London. Set in the early 90's, Joseph's story is somehow connected to the magnificent pictures you just leafed through ... but how? That is the glorious mystery of this novel. Arriving at the house, his uncle, Albert Nightgale, is strange, distant, and not all willing to help out his forgotten nephew. But he does, because deep down, Albert's heart is there, if somewhat hidden. I so want to talk so much about this book, but fear spoilers would give away the surprises that Selznick has planned. Suffice it to say, the actual story that is hidden in pages unfolds in unpredictable ways, that reveal a tenderness that are reflected in those first pictures of the story. Selznick has written a tale that honors our history and our future, explores the meaning of objects in our lives, and how and to whom we choose to devote our lives. This book is simply a masterpiece. Thank you, Mr. Selznick, for yet another tour de force. We wait so long in between your books, and now I know why. The wait is worth it.

I’ve been fascinated by Denis Sever’s house for many years. I finally got a chance to visit last week, unfortunately it was horribly hot in London and I have disabilities. It forced me to curtail my visit. My host felt my disappointment and generously offered to refund my admissions. I refused because the survival of this magical place is important on so many levels and any small contribution I can make for that purpose is a pleasure. My host then suggested this book... It is as close as you can get to feeling the spirit of the house without visiting. While this is not the story told in the house, it is true to the spirit. The story has much to offer on many levels. You can sit back and enjoy it purely as story, but also a look at how stories are constructed and grow. There many twists and turns, but they resolve themselves in a satisfactory and believable manner. As with any good book (especially children’s book) there are a variety of emotions, but presented in a loving and gentle way. The tension in a book that appeals to adults, as well as children is palpable, but that’s also true in the Harry Potter books especially the later ones. Adults should not fall into the trap of thinking children will read or see this book in the same way. Children see things through their own experiences, which are not those of an adult. The structure of the book may seem odd at first, but the back and forth between the illustrated and text sections set up the narrative well. They are a great signaling device. The narrative offered by the illustrations is easy to understand and worth a second look for the clues they offer. There is a real crisis going on in the house museum sector. Visitation has dropped through the floor and many are struggling for their very exsistence in this digital world. This book and 18 Folgate Square offer a different approach to interpretation. It is a reminder that the story is key, the objects are support. A well told narrative draws the visitor in and makes them want more. The fictional stories in the house and book are certainly engaging, so imagine what happens when the story is true. Read this book and enjoy it. You will either see it or you won’t.

To be honest, this is the first book I've read by Brian Selznick, so I wasn't very familiar with his work and wasn't going into this book with neither high nor low expectations. I just watched a review about it on YouTube and the way the YouTuber expressed his feelings over it really got me curious enough to check it out. The excerpt, which is the Amazon sample, I only glanced at, but the dialogue between Frankie and Joseph was was drew me in even more. When it arrived (a day early, by the way - thank you, Amazon), I tore the box open and, at first, I just started at the cover/dust jacket for a few minutes. It's a lot prettier than it looks on the picture. Then, after I got over that, I began my adventure through the Marvels. I read everything in less than 12 hours (with constant interruptions, and at one point I had to go out shopping) because I just couldn't have it out of my sight for too long. I just had to know what happened and how everything clicked together. I have to say, the ending blew my mind. As I was reading along, I was coming up with theories as to what was going on, and never did the actual twist come to mind. At the end, I was very devastated. I didn't want the adventure to end, but it did. It was a beautiful adventure, though. It's been such a long time since a book has left me feeling all heartbroken but full of joy all at once. This has become a new favorite for sure. Now, I'm aware of some negative comments this book has been receiving and... I've got some things to say about it. 1) The homosexuality is barely even there! It doesn't even focus on it at all. 2) As an aspiring author, I find it very rude for people to point out what they think are "flaws" in the story, especially when it's something like this. This is how life is NOW, you can't shelter your children from the knowledge that gay people exist. Stop spreading homophobia; it's not healthy. 3) AIDS is indeed mentioned, but it's doesn't even go into detail as to how it's contracted. I was talking about the topic with my fiance, and his little brother (he's eleven) was listening. Even he said, "That's stupid that people are complaining about that being in a book. It's just a disease you die from." Kids aren't stupid, and they SHOULD know what's out there. Plus, they go on the internet. You think they haven't read "AIDS" anywhere else? Ridiculous. All in all, most of these negative comments didn't even make sense to me after I read it all.

My son and I read this book together. He reads a few pages aloud and then I do. This by far is one of the best books ever. The pictures are creative, interesting and add to the story of the book. Without telling you about the book and giving you the surprises in the book, this story is deep, interesting and keeps the reader wanting more. The story is complex and you have to pay attention to the details (we did have to go back to earlier chapters in the book and reread a few details to make sure we were following the story. However we did read this over 5 days so we wanted to make sure we remembered certain details. The story is very exciting and there are some good surprises along the way. The story keeps you interested, intrigued and wanting to read more and more. We had a hard time putting the book down and going to bed. The book has a lot of pages and looks like it will take a long time however you will read it very quickly. There are no dull pages, just excitement. I wish it lasted longer. I would buy this for a gift for others. I will read it again with my son in the future. I can't wait for Brian Selznick to write another book. We have read his others too. Buy this book, it is fantastic.

My ten-year-old daughter and I enjoyed reading this book together over the course of several days. We are both great fans of Brian Selznick's previous novels, THE ADVENTURES OF HUGO CABRET and WONDERSTRUCK, and were eager to discover the delights of his latest offering. The first half of the book which traces the history of a particular clan over several centuries, was particularly beguiling as the story unfolded via nothing but Mr. Selznick's amazing drawings. This is a great method of storytelling, especially as it invites readers to delve into the story even deeper and try to uncover the various themes underlying the narrative. The second part is all words and at times, felt a bit of a drudge to get through. I am thinking of my young students who would have loved the first part but getting antsy and rather impatient for the story to move along during this second part of the novel. I feel this part of the novel could have benefited from some editing. However, as several other reviewers have mentioned - parents and educators need to be aware that there are topics in this book that are not quite appropriate for younger readers, elementary-middle school, and should be approached with caution. I liked the book and had a positive discussion with my daughter about the contents but am uncomfortable at having that same discussion with impressionable young students, as some parents will not be comfortable with such content. So final verdict: gorgeous artwork and compelling (if at times plodding storyline) with controversial themes that might require more active parental involvement.

Another great novel from a very imaginative author / gifted artist!! I thought the large section of illustrations at the beginning was unique and different this time around, with a small illustrated part at the end. I am a huge fan of Selznick's novels. His books became an "author focus" in my classroom one year, and I was fortunate to meet him at a speaking engagement at Balboa Park, San Diego. This new novel did not disappoint and I love the connection it had with an actual place and time in history; interesting spot to try to visit someday. His inspiration was best revealed at the end, so it wouldn't be confused with Selznick's own creative storytelling. The story is a bit haunting and sticks with you awhile after you finish the last page; the beautiful drawings setting the mood. The concerned love relationship of the uncle was very subtle and not a focus. An absolutely gorgeous book...again!! Can't wait for the next one!!! Don't stop at a "trilogy"!

Brian Selznick is an artistic genius...his books are treasures. This one is as wonderful as Hugo & Wonderstruck. They are truly one of a kind masterpieces from an amazing mind. I love his ideas & his illustrations. I am adding since I finished the book. I cried with joy & sadness for the last 100 pages. I loved this book so much. Just as beautiful & meaningful as his first two big books (& the smaller ones). Every drawing & every word is important. I hope he's already writing the next book!!!!! All of the love stories in The Marvels are fantastic & lovely The male love relationships & the reason for a character's illness is obvious to grown adults but incredibly subtle & beautiful in its presentation & there's no need to shun this book for those reasons. Give your kids as many answers as you want to. There's nothing spelled out in the book whatsoever. There's a lot of love in this book & it meant a lot to me. Great work Brian Selznick.

The Marvels is an amazing journey through imagination and time. As with his other books, Brian Selznick combines incredible art with prose to craft a story unlike any other. Some people have complained that more than the first half of the book is illustration only (no words), but I found this helped set the story perfectly. The genius behind this story telling method is that people tend to remember in images, and when you reflect on the memories in the book you see his images perfectly in your mind; they becomes more real and credible. I found myself deeply entwined with the characters, and was caught up with emotion, shedding a few tears, at the end...something I haven't done while reading a book in years. This book is a masterpiece, possibly his best work, and something I recommend to anyone.

wonderful book, great combination of text and drawings

I discovered this wonderful book by accident. I saw it in a school library and commented that a book that long was unlikely to attract many readers. The librarian simply said, "Open it" I was utterly amazed. It is one of the most beautiful picture stories I have ever come across. Yet the best was yet to come as the written part of the story is completely captivating and emotionally engaging. I shut myself away and did not stop reading until I had finished. The revelation at the back of the book has since led, via a gift from the first friend for whom I bought a copy, to a magical visit to 18 Folgate Street. Read the book to find out all about this. If you are disappointed, give your copy to a school library!

I'll be honest, I bought the book mainly because it is gorgeous and I wanted it on my bookshelf. Even thou I bought the book for such petty reasons, I found the two stories inside really nice. The way both stories are tangled togheter by the author was what I loved the most.

Llegó un poco torcido, quizá por el volumen del libro, tan grueso. Las imágenes son extraordinarias. Un caso de estudio muy interesante para estudiantes de diseño.

Ich liebe dieses Grafic Novel von Brian Selznik, der Buchschnitt ist unglaublich schön und die Illustration sind wirklich beeindruckend.