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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick


Publisher: Scholastic
Published: March 2007
Pages: 534
Source: Bought
Rating: 3.5 Stars


Caldecott Honor artist Brian Selznick's has 284 pencil drawings and actual photos (an old train engine falling from upper story to street below, Harold Lloyd in "Safety Lost", film stills) basing his story on facts. Automatons who could draw pictures, write poems, and sign the maker's name Maillardet, really existed, neglected in a museum. George Méliès, 1861 magician turned film-maker, son of shoemaker-magnate, built his own camera Kinétographe, and was rediscovered in 1926 working at his Gare Montparness railroad station toy kiosk. Fiction: orphan clock-winder 1931 Paris lad Hugo steals to eat and repair robot from father's notebook, until he meets Méliès' pretty god-daughter Isabelle accompanied by helpful film student Etienne. An unusual blend of graphic novel and history lesson results.

I was very curious about The Invention of Hugo Cabret when I first saw the trailer for the movie adaptation, Hugo, a few months ago. Though I was at first intimidated when I saw it in the bookstore due to its thickness and weight, I quickly realized that The Invention of Hugo Cabret is made up of mostly illustrations and its heaviness is due to the heftier paper used. It's these elements that make The Invention of Hugo Cabret truly a masterpiece in presentation.

It's the gorgeous illustrations by Brian Selznick that truly made The Invention of Hugo Cabret - every page was a treat to turn, every illustration perfectly plotted and drawn. I loved how the illustrations were laid out in a sort of flip book or storyboard series that seemed to mimic an old movie, lending itself perfectly to the theme of the book. I guess it doesn't technically count as reading, but it was a pleasure to follow along image by image. And to be honest, the writing was nice but not particularly special in any way - though perhaps that's because it is aimed toward a young age group.

Despite the average writing, I do still recommend reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret based on the wonderful illustrations alone. And it's a quick read! And I also highly recommend the movie adaptation, Hugo, which I actually liked more.

Other Reviews:
Alison Can Read
ComaCalm's Corner
YA Book Reads

Author Links:
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28 comments :

  1. I've seen this book in my library before and I have to say that it intrigued me! I'm not sure about the illustrations, since I'm not a big fan of them in novels, but maybe I'll give this a shot even though it seems like there are better books around. Great review!

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    1. I was surprised by how much I loved the illustrations because I often feel the same way as you. But they really made the book for me!

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  2. It's kind of like a big gorgeous graphic novel isn't it? :) Great review.

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    1. Yes, good way of putting it, except with hand-drawn illustrations rather than computer illustrated.

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  3. This is the one that comes before Wonderstruck right? I just saw Alison's review for that one the other day and she posted a few of the illustrations and they were GORGEOUS. I think I would buy these books just for those since the writing is nice but nothing spectacular:)

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    1. It was written before Wonderstruck, yes, but not a prequel in any way from what I understand. I am of course interested in reading it next.

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  4. The illustrations are just gorgeous. I'm not sure I'd appreciate the story though.

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    1. For me, the illustrations made me appreciate the story all the more.

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  5. I miss books with illustrations. Maybe I should pick up a graphic novel sometime, eh?

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  6. Oh, I love when a book has a great packaging in place too!
    I didn't seen the movie but I might check out the book.

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    1. I would recommend both, starting with the book.

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  7. I see you're reading Insurgent... can't wait for your thoughts on it!

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  8. I really want to read this one!! I still haven't seen the movie, though I want too as well. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like something I need to pick up soon. I want to read his new one as well.

    -Lauren

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    1. I hope you love it! I also want to read Wonderstruck.

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  9. The cover itself looks gorgeous too. It's nice to look at smaller books sometimes; they can help you get out of reading slumps when you're feeling pressured with all the books you have to review. I'm going to see if my library has this one, Aylee.

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    1. Good point. It also helps that it's completely different from most books, and sometimes that's nice in a reading slump.

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  10. Oh I love books with illustrations! I've been seeing this one a lot and I didn't know they were gonna make a movie.

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    1. It's already a movie! Hugo. Was nominated for a lot of Oscars :)

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  11. I really want to read this one .. I still haven't see the movie though I loved the trailer and was planning to go to the cinema .. But I think I'll read the book first then watch the movie :) !! I love books with illustrations !! Thanks for the review Aylee :)

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    1. Good idea. I always recommend the book first. It was a pretty amazing adaptation!

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  12. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I loved this book. It was just so beautiful!

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  13. Ahaha I was actually going to write a review of this but my thoughts are pretty much the same as yours! Beautiful illustrations, lackluster writing, but still an enjoyable book.

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    1. Uh-huh, that sentiment seems to be pretty common from the reviews I've read. I wonder if I'll like Wonderstruck even more because I've read that the writing was maybe better.

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  14. Nice review! I love illustrations in books, so I'll definitely check this out at my library :)

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