My Thoughts: This is the story of poor little Hugo Cabret. An orphan who lives in a Paris train station and has a special gift for fixing clocks and other bits of machinery. He comes into contact with a little girl and a grumpy old man who runs the toy booth in the station and everything changes.
This was short listen (just under 3 hours) and it was a magical story. The train station and Hugo came alive within minutes and I was drawn into the story. I was invested in Hugo as a character and his quest to fix the automaton. I liked his developing relationships with Isabelle, Papa Georges, and Etienne and wanted to see how the story turned out. I did get frustrated with just how secretive all of the characters are. There were several times I just wanted to scream at one or the other to just tell the truth. However, despite that the story was wonderful and I loved the ending. Jeff Woodman does the narration of the audio and did a fantastic job. He didn't overact and he really brought the story to light. However, when I pulled the book up on Goodreads I was surprised to see that this book is listed as being 525 pages. Since the audio in no way indicated a story that long I had to get the print copy to check out what was going on. The book is full of gorgeous black and white illustrations of minute detail. It's definitely worth looking at even if you do listen to the audio.
As a parent I think this would be a good read or listen for really any child. It'd be a good one to read together or one any child over 6 or 7 could read on their own. I don't think there's much that would bother even the most sensitive of children. It'd make a good listen for a road trip as well as I found the story enjoyable for adults as well.
I'm glad you got a print copy of the book to look at. As I noticed that you listened to it first, I was thinking 'oh, get the book!! it's gorgeous!'. I loved reading this one several years ago when I was still working at the library. I then suggested it to every mother or father I came across. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, yeah that length of a book would be over 8 hours on audio..more like 10 or 11. Despite the fibs, it sounds interesting. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really cute and sometimes it's nice to have a faster story. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMary
I loved the movie and I've been meaning to read the book -- the print version, because I think some of the story is actually told in the pictures? I'm glad you enjoyed listening to it, but also pleased you had a chance to see the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI think I have a copy of this. I should read it with my daughter. I think she'd enjoy it. She's big into mysteries right now and we've been reading mostly those as of late.
ReplyDeleteI remember being intrigued by all of the gorgeous artwork in this book but I haven't actually read it. I think I just thumbed through it at the library. I will have to take another look at it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this yet, nor seen the movie. I need to remedy that! I love the cover, too. 💜✨
ReplyDeleteWhen I started reading this review I was thinking 'oh no, not the audiobook - she has missed out on all the beautiful illustrations!' Haha. Glad to hear you soon found out about the physical copy. Great review.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the movie? It was good.
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