I've had the hardback edition of The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee in my 'to be read' pile for 9 years this month!! I'm so happy that I finally read this children's novel this year.
By the way, I first read and reviewed Lewis Buzbee's children's novel, Steinbeck's Ghost, back in March 2014. I really enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of Steinbeck's Ghost and highly recommend it. I thought (or at least hoped) that I would enjoy The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee just as much.
The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee contains many aspects I love in a novel. I love historical fiction and this novel fits the bill in spades as it is set in Victorian London. Additionally, I love mysteries and this novel provides a mystery to be solved. I also enjoyed that the leading character is a smart, adventurous girl - go girl power!! Plus, I enjoyed seeing a well known and beloved author like Charles Dickens brought to life in a work of fiction. I like that this novel makes a case for social justice for children as this may (hopefully) start young readers thinking about how they can help make the world a better place for all.
However, as much as I enjoyed the many different aspects of The Haunting of Charles Dickens that I mentioned above, I felt it was too long and that the storyline was not as captivating as I was hoping it would be.
The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee is also filled with lovely black and white illustrations by Greg Ruth that readers may enjoy.
Below is the plot summary for The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee from Goodreads:
Until my next post, happy reading!!
Below is the plot summary for The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee from Goodreads:
Meg Pickel’s older brother, Orion, has disappeared. One night, she steals out to look for him, and makes two surprising discoveries: She stumbles upon a séance that she suspects involves Orion, and she meets the author Charles Dickens, also unable to sleep, and roaming the London streets. He is a customer of Meg’s father, who owns a print shop, and a family friend. Mr. Dickens fears that the children of London aren’t safe, and is trying to solve the mystery of so many disappearances. If he can, then perhaps he’ll be able to write once again.I am giving The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.
With stunning black-and-white illustrations by Greg Ruth, here is a literary mystery that celebrates the power of books, and brings to life one of the world’s best-loved authors.
Until my next post, happy reading!!
Nine years - wow! That may be a record. Congratulations on finally getting to it, although it sounds as though it didn't quite live up to your hopes for it.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have older books in my collection I have yet to read, so 9 years is nothing! Yes, it is a tad disappointing to read a book by an author whose previous work you've enjoyed.
DeleteI have read one book by Lewis Buzbee: The Yellow-Lighted Book Shop. I found it good. I will keep an eye out for this one.
ReplyDeleteThe Yellow-Lighted Book Shop is on my reading wishlist. Glad you found it to be a good read.
Delete