Brian Selznick’s latest book is absolutely awe-inspiring. In this book he has woven two stories together, one told in pictures and the other in words. Ben and Rose both yearn to find someplace where they belong. When Ben’s mother dies, he pieces together clues from her room to find a father whom he has never known. While Rose goes in search of a mother who has abandoned her. Both stories weave in and out of each other with astonishing symmetry and ultimately come together towards the end of the book. As one moves through the book there is a sense of uncovering layer upon layer in a world of secrets that keeps the reader turning pages until the book is finished!
The illustrations don’t just add dimension, they also create a unique way of telling a story. Selznick makes use of perspective and depth in his pictures, often zooming in and zooming out of the same image to add detail and create perspective. The immense attention to detail will have you looking back to discover new things in them long after you have finished reading the book.
Selznick’s previous novel focused on film and small machines while in this one he features museums and libraries in a big way. Again, it is the illustrations that convey the wonder of shelves full of books and cabinets of curious museum items. The New York Times has said that the book is like a silent film on paper. Indeed, the hushed beauty of the book gives us a glimpse into the soundless world of our two deaf characters.