Book review - The Marvels

Title: The Marvels
Author: Brian Selznick
Genre: historical fiction (if you count the early 90s as historical)
Similar books: Hold Fast by Blue Balliet
                     The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by E.L. Konigsburg
Rating:

So different, but so nice

Summary: Following an accidental fire, Joseph runs away from his boarding school in search of his uncle's house in London and his missing friend, Blink. The house, when he finds it, is a fascinating mystery, seemingly frozen in a moment in time. With the help of Frankie, the kid next door, Joseph will ferret out the truth about the Marvels and their connection to his own family history.

My opinion: It is fascination to me how with each of Selznick's books he uses full page  illustrations as a storytelling element but they serve a different purpose in each book. In my opinion, this book is the most innovative of the three, especially with it's use of images which serve two purposes. The plot is strong and delicately written. The characters are realistic and likeable. While I'd have preferred a little more resolution in the ending what Selznick provides is largely satisfying. Without dabbling in spoilers, know that this book is a gentle exploration of the dissolution of the nuclear family in the late eighties and the damage done to kids by wealth, privilege, and Yuppie culture.

More information: The Marvels releases September 15.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.