By TJ Klune
This book is about a social worker who visits different orphanages to ascertain if the conditions and protocols meet the standards set by the government. Linus Baker is also called to investigate any “incidents” where a child may be in danger or have put others in danger. The twist? The children are all magical in some way, and the highest level of government regulation the reader encounters is “Extremely Upper Management”.
In the world Klune has created, Magic, and therefore magical people, exist alongside regular people. All people with magic must be “registered” with the government and are monitored. They are only able to pursue certain vocations, and go certain places. Prejudice from nonmagical people is rampant, angry, and violent.
From this synopsis, one can draw obvious conclusions about our own times, and the author’s message is clear. However, rather than be a depressing, didactic, trudge; this story unfolds beautifully and completely entrances. We learn to examine our own unacknowledged prejudices/bias simultaneously with Linus, and hopefully we as readers, can change and grow as he does.
Though he prides himself on his adherence to rules, and ability to stay formal and apart from those he is investigating, Linus cannot help falling in love with the children on Marsyas Island – nor can we the reader! Admittedly a she-gnome, a tree sprite, a shapeshifting Pomeranian, a wyvern, and an unknown alien being from an oceanic environment would not seem cuddly ambassadors. Yet Linus and the reader fall to their charms quickly. Though it is a slower courtship with the group’s unofficial leader, the Antichrist, we learn that even he is but a child, who wants love, a home, and to belong, like every other child.
This menagerie is lovingly tended and fiercely protected by the enigmatic Arthur, Master of the Orphanage, and philosopher extraordinaire. He constantly provokes Linus into thinking further, searching deeper, and acting with bravery more than he ever had in his life previously. Can Linus change himself, the town, and maybe even society? Read the book! It is warm, funny, smart, healing, inspiring, and empowering – you won’t regret it!
Soundtrack
- Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin
- Dreamlover by Bobby Darin
- Smile by Nat King Cole
- That’ll be the Day by Buddy Holly
- You Send Me by Sam Cooke
- Alone by Heart
- Eternal Flame by The Bangles
- The Flame by Cheap Trick
Pros & Cons & Potential Spoilers
Pros
- The soundtrack! The older songs are referenced in different scenes throughout the book and are the children’s favorites. The last three are about Linus and Arthur’s relationship
- A single person makes a positive difference multiple times throughout the book, rather than great, sweeping change happening at once
- Children being children – frustrating, heartwarming, honest, funny, and heartbreaking
Cons
- Institutional “norms” that are unethical, unfair, and awful
- Small minded people ruining beautiful moments
- Delayed gratification – but very important to the story