In 'The Marvels,' Brian Selznick intertwines two captivating narratives: one set in the bustling world of a 19th-century theater and the other in 20th-century New York. As a young boy embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his family's past, vivid illustrations transport readers into a realm where reality and imagination blur. Each page reveals artful connections between the characters and their histories, inviting readers to piece together a grand puzzle. Themes of belonging, creativity, and the power of storytelling resonate throughout this enchanting tale. Will the boy unravel the mysteries that bind his legacy to the marvels of the past?
By Brian Selznick
Published: 2015
""Sometimes the greatest discoveries are found in the unlikeliest of places, and the stories we tell can bridge the worlds between us.""
A MESMERIZING ADVENTURE ABOUT THE POWER OF STORY Two seemingly unrelated stories-one in words, the other in pictures-come together with seamless, ingenious synergy! We open in 1766 with a visual story: Young Billy Marvel becomes the lone survivor of a shipwreck. Returned to London, he grows up in a theater, where we follow the dramatic trials and triumphs of his progenyover five generations...We cut to 1990 with a narrative story: Lost and alone, and on the brink of expulsion from yet another boarding school, Joseph impulsively runs away to search for his best friend. He finds himself swept up with an erratic man in a strange and beautiful house full of secrets-secrets that compel Joseph on a treasure hunt.
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“"Sometimes the greatest discoveries are found in the unlikeliest of places, and the stories we tell can bridge the worlds between us."”
The Marvels
By Brian Selznick
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Brian Selznick is a celebrated author and illustrator known for his groundbreaking work in children's literature. He is best known for his award-winning novels, including 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret,' which combines images and text in a unique, cinematic storytelling style, and 'Wonderstruck,' which features interwoven narratives told through both words and pictures. His innovative approach to storytelling engages readers of all ages, blending rich illustrations with compelling narratives. Selznick's work has received numerous accolades, including the Caldecott Medal, and continues to inspire a love of reading and creativity in children and adults alike.
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