Review: Wonderstruck

by Brian Selznick
publisher: Scholastic
date of publication: September 13, 2011
format: ARC
pages: 637
source: from the publisher for review
Amazon / Goodreads / B&N

From Goodreads:

Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what's missing.

With over 460 pages of original drawings and playing with the form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

What I Thought

Wonderstruck is a middle grade novel that really succeeded in grabbing my attention from the very first time I read the book's description. Then, I got my first glimpse of the illustrations and was even more eager to read the book. The only question that remained was in regard to how well the story itself would stack up. It wasn't long until my question was answered.

The manner in which the story is told is fairly straightforward. The tale revolves around two characters: a boy named Ben and a girl named Rose. The two are separated by the span of 50 years, yet they seem to have a lot in common. Each is looking for something that is missing and is willing to go the extra mile to find it. The distinction comes with how their stories are told. Ben's tale is conveyed via words, whereas Rose's story is told through the medium of drawings. This method makes for an excellent way of avoiding monotonous repetition while drawing comparisons between the two characters. The pictures contain enough detail that gleaning information is not problematic in the least. They also provide the eye with a lot to look at, which is pleasing as more and more is discovered. The prose in conjunction with these illustrations make for a whimsical, pleasurable reading experience, one which I hope to share with my daughter once she is old enough to have an interest in words in addition to pictures.

The story itself is especially touching. These children have been saddled with much difficulty and sadness in their lives. To watch their journeys unfold as they search for what they each need to find what is missing is both suspenseful and emotional. I was able to become completely invested in both characters, at times making outward showings of surprise and other such emotions. Selznick's storytelling prowess is very well executed in this book. I couldn't have been more pleased.

Wonderstruck is a wonderful story for people of all ages. It is a book I can definitely see myself saving for my daughter to read on her own someday. I highly recommend this inventive tale and give this book 5 hoots for its touching story and stunning illustrations. If you haven't already, pick up this book and read it!

Obligatory legal statement: This ARC was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.