ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together…in “The Invention of Hugo Cabret”.

Every so often, along comes a book that is – you know – just an absolute joy to own, and The Invention of Hugo Cabret is certainly that.

Part novel, part flip book, part graphic novel, this is a unique and captivating book that is gorgeously presented. Backed by a solid and interesting tale, it’s the illustrations and film stills that really make this book something special, each one lovingly detailed and driving the narrative on as successfully as any page of text could do.

Selznick, hasn’t just relied on his artistic talent though, he’s also crafted a smart, tight, and satisfying mystery story filled with wonderful characters, and when you turn the last page it is with a sense of pleasure of an hour or two well spent, and a disappointment that you can’t discover it again for the first time.

Whatever you do, DON’T lend this out, you’ll never get it back! But, whatever you need to do, to cajole everyone you know who has the slightest interest in books, to get their own copy, then do it!

Rating:

I realise that this is a bit of a gushing review, so don’t just take my word for it, check out what these guys think as well!

• The Hidden Side of a Leaf
• Stainless Steel Droppings
• 3M