Title: The Book of Lost Things
Author: John Connolly
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Publication Date: October 2007
Paperback: 480 pages
My husband requested this book on his Christmas list last year and being the loving devoted wife that I am, I bought it. Then I promptly forgot about it until he handed it to me and said “Read this, you’ll like it.” So, I did.
What a fun, fun read! This book has definitely made me want to read more by John Connolly.
Set at the beginning of World War II, the story follows David, a 12 year old boy who lives in Europe, through a coming-of-age journey that keeps the reader interested from beginning til end. Within the pages of The Book of Lost Things, Connolly introduces us to intriguing new interpretations of a few well-known fairy tales. Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, the Three Billy Goats Gruff, Beauty and the Beast, all get mentioned…plus many more. I will never be able to think of Snow White the same way again. This is definitely more of an adult read, or at the very least not a children’s book. There’s a dark, twisty play on the fairy tales that will make you cringe or laugh in turn, but in general wouldn’t make for a great bedtime story for an 8 year old. Definitely a must read, though!
9 of 10, easily.