Books › Wonderstruck
Wonderstruck
656 pages
A cinematic, dual-timeline journey told through both words and pictures about finding connection in the quiet halls of a museum.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a grand, dimly lit museum after hours. It offers a wholly unique, immersive experience where the narrative baton is passed seamlessly between gentle, evocative prose and breathtaking, cinematic pencil drawings. The dual timelines weave together a quiet, atmospheric mood that is both nostalgic and deeply empathetic. As you turn the pages, the story pulls you through feelings of profound childhood isolation into a soaring sense of wonder and discovery. It is a brisk but emotionally weighty read, perfect for those who appreciate visual storytelling and the tender ache of searching for where you belong. It delights anyone who believes in invisible threads connecting us across time.
- Mood
- cinematic
- nostalgic
- quiet
- awe-inspiring
- Tone
- earnest
- tender
- empathetic
- wondrous
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- search for belonging · invisible connections across time · the magic of curation and museums · navigating a silent world · found family
- The writing
- Gentle and accessible text seamlessly hands the narrative baton to breathtaking, highly detailed pencil illustrations that speak volumes in silence.
- The arc
- Begins in profound isolation and grief, gradually building toward a soaring, deeply satisfying revelation of connection and belonging.
- Who it's for
- Anyone who loves visually immersive storytelling, museum magic, and tender tales of lonely children finding their place in the universe.
Content notes
- parental death
- grief
- child running away
About the book
Expanding upon the genre-breaking form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick creates another awe-inspiring and multi-layered reading experience. Wonderstruck weaves together two compelling,independent stories, set fifty years apart. Ben's story, which takes place in 1977, is told in words; Rose's story in 1927 is told in pictures. Ever since his mother died, Ben feels lost. At home with her father, Rose feels alone. When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mother's room, and when a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose, both children risk everything to find what's missing. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary. Includes over 460 pages of original drawings. - Publisher.
Description from Open Library.
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