Monday, August 4, 2014

MMGM: Curiosity


by Gary Blackwood
(April 10th, 2014, Dial)


Book description:

Because of his bent back, 12-year-old chess virtuoso Rufus lives a secluded but sheltered life in 19th century Philadelphia. When his imprudent father, the Reverend Godspeed, is ousted from the church and put into debtor’s prison because of his “heretical” book Development of Species, Rufus is sent to the House of Refuge, an orphanage where children are semi-starved and tormented. Things begin to look up when Rufus is hired by Johann Maelzel, an unscrupulous entertainer who specializes in automata and dioramas. But as Rufus begins his work operating the world-famous chess-playing automaton the Turk, he starts to uncover terrifying secrets about the Turk’s other operators, and their mysterious disappearances…  

Pros:

Curiosity’s main draw is its exceptionally empathetic hero Rufus. His good-heartedness makes him extremely easy to root for, but his development as a character is what makes him truly unique. He goes from being a gentle but spoiled boy living a privileged life to a tough, intelligent one whose perseverance helps him transcend his terrible circumstances. Jacque, the French carpenter who suffers from PTSD, is also an interesting character. His defense of Rufus on a couple of occasions and his sporadic remembrances of his life make him especially three-dimensional. Other characters like the unprincipled Maelzel and the weak though kind Mulhouse are also well-realized.

The writing here, which reads like a less humorous and sophisticated version of Dickens, is well-done and compelling. Its lack of condescension and realism are also big pulls. 

The book’s main theme, the concept of fighting to better your situation versus “taking things with good grace”, is rendered subtly and poignantly. The well-researched setting is another attraction, and adds interest to this simple tale.   

Cons:

There’s a real lack of action during the first half of the novel that’s only partially allayed during the second half, and the dark tone and complex writing are also unlikely to appeal to children. There is one significant incident in which Rufus is plainly used as a pawn of plot. The bittersweet ending, moreover, is unsatisfying, especially considering how much Rufus had suffered throughout the novel.

Verdict: Though likely to bore or depress its target demographic, Curiosity is a thoughtful, relatively interesting look at a Philadelphia boy who rises above his abysmal circumstances and the 19th century automaton that he operates.

Rating: (6.5/10)

Get it on Book Depository

For more excellent MG book recommendations, go to Shannon Messenger's blog.


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10 comments:

  1. This sounds like it could be a really interesting book, except for the few things you note, but it is an interesting premise. Thanks for bringing it to our attention on MMGM

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    1. I really think that Gary Blackwood could have done a lot with this premise and he only partially delivers. But if it's a topic that interests you (automata, etc.), it's definitely worth reading. Thanks so much for commenting. By the way, if you've got a book blog, you could join our meme Fast Five Friday.

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  2. Hmmm. I have this on reserve at the library and will still read, but action is the most important thing for middle grade. I do like Blackwood's car racing book, but may pass on purchasing this of it's slow.

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    1. You're totally in the right, you may like it, adults in general may like it, but I don't think many kids would. If you're interested we've just made a new meme called Fast Five Friday, maybe you'd like take a look? Thanks for commenting!

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  3. I'll put this one on my "maybe" list. Thanks for the review.

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    1. Good call. You're welcome, and thanks for commenting.

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  4. Comment disappeared so trying again. Apologies ahead of time if this duplicates!
    This one I am looking forward to reading, but as an adult. Sounds like it might not be a good fit for a broad range of middle grade, though.

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    1. I think you're absolutely right, I really don't think it would appeal to people in that age range. Thanks for commenting.

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  5. It's interesting to read your review! I guess I was a sucker for the language, which really drew me in and didn't bore me. I think my son also tends to like books with a lot of word play and a complex style.
    I agree with you about the theme though--it was one of my favorite parts of the book!

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    1. The writing and theme are both really excellent, I just wish more happened in the story. Thanks a lot for commenting.

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