Selznick, Brian. 2007. The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439813786
Plot Summary
Hugo is a boy in 1931 Paris who is full of mysteries, and so is everyone around him, it seems. Trying to survive on his own, he makes use of his special mechanical talents, leading his life to cross paths with a toy shop owner and his goddaughter. As Hugo struggles between independence and his need for human connection, the mysteries unravel as they intertwine, unexpectedly giving him the answers he has desperately been searching for.
Critical analysis
The author gives the reader the setting, Paris, 1931, and a glimpse of the content in the introduction, written from the perspective of Professor H. Alcofrisbas. It is written to give the reader the sensation of being in a movie theater, seeing the opening sequence, and drawing the reader into the story, focusing on one small boy in a crowded train station. Those words give way to pictures that portray the very words just written.
The design of the pages, beyond even the illustrations, give the reader a sense of the old motion pictures, when they were "movies" and not yet "talkies." This is achieved by the black pages at the beginning, the simple contrasting border around the chapter pages, and the this solid black border around all of the pages, giving the subtle impression of film.
The illustrations themselves are crucial to the feel of the story. They are black and white, drawn with soft lines and strong shading. The illustrations are interjected into most action sequences, which seems to appropriately echo the feeling of silent films.
The theme of the story centers around every person having a sense of purpose in this life, of being an important, if small, piece of machinery in the movement of society.
Personal Response
I really enjoyed this book. The size was at first intimidating, even as an adult. But once you get into it, and the words slide into pictures, and back again, you are already drawn into the quiet determination and despair of Hugo and his companions. While there wasn't a lot of high-tension drama, the mystery of how each character fit into the story was a strong pull that kept me going. On a personal note, I also appreciate how "clean" the book is. It relies more on character development than shock value. In the end, it is a solid, engaging, dream-like book that was hard to put down!
Personal Response
I really enjoyed this book. The size was at first intimidating, even as an adult. But once you get into it, and the words slide into pictures, and back again, you are already drawn into the quiet determination and despair of Hugo and his companions. While there wasn't a lot of high-tension drama, the mystery of how each character fit into the story was a strong pull that kept me going. On a personal note, I also appreciate how "clean" the book is. It relies more on character development than shock value. In the end, it is a solid, engaging, dream-like book that was hard to put down!
Professional Reviews
First novel to receive the Caldecott Medal, 2008
From Publisher's Weekly: "Here is a true masterpiece - an artful blending of narrative, illustration and cinematic technique, for a story as tantalizing as it is touching."
From School Library Journal: "This is a masterful narrative that readers can literally manipulate."
Connections
Student review: "I loved it! It was a really good book and I couldn't stop reading it! The pictures help a lot--it was easy to put a picture to the names." ~Kendra, 7th grade
Visit the book's website at http://theinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm
Watch the movie version (available to rent on Amazon)
Watch the movie version (available to rent on Amazon)
See the original Trip to the Moon, a 1902 silent film by Georges Melies
Gather other works by Brian Selznik, such as
- The Houdini Box (2001) ISBN 0689844514
- Wonderstruck (2011) ISBN 0545027896
- The Marvels (2015) ISBN 0545448689
Use as an introduction to magic. Read also
- Big Magic for Little Hands: 25 Astounding Illusions for Young Magicians (2014) ISBN 0761180095
- Harry Houdini for Kids: His Life and Adventures with 21 Magic Tricks and Illusions (2009) ISBN 1556527829
