Let's start off by saying this fantasy book will not be for everyone - but it should be. There is some debate about whether it is a children's story or written for adults. Well, I'm an adult. Usually. Ha.
As I was reading, I wasn't sure I was going to like this one. The cover drew me in though - omgosh so gorgeous. And there was a Department in Charge of Magical Youth (accio, HP). And a sad, bumbling, lonely, downtrodden caseworker named Linus. And a mysterious island of dangerous, magical kids (mostly)!
So, what's not to love?
Not much, honestly. This story is magical in itself. The prose is very much as if directed towards kids, and is told very much in almost a fairy tale like manner. I was totally sucked in and quickly. Linus' life is miserable and oh so rainy, but it is all he knows to do (and his neighbor is hilarious, poor Linus). He is good at his job and doesn't get involved with the schools he investigates. At the school where Linus is secretly sent by his evil boss to investigate whether the Department should continue funding it or cut its losses due to dangerous behavior, the kids are different even within Linus' experience - and maybe not even human. But - bear with it because you WILL grow to love these crazy different characters, and maybe even build up some empathy which this world could really use!!! This truly is a feel good story and I loved it.
The author self describes as "queer," and has vowed to bring positive representation of his community into literature. Mr. Klune, all is well, and all is well. Well done, that is. This is a delightful book complete with a love story that is super sweet and has the reader pulling for a definition of family that is nothing but Right. In full disclosure there is a passing reference to the fact that one character did not sleep in his own bed one night, but it is all very wink-wink. And positive. Can he save this school, even with the dangers faced by the nearby residents from these misunderstood magical children, one of whom may be the spawn of Lucifer? Can the headmaster keep his own secret or will he lose everything by being who he really is?? I can totally see this being made into a super fun movie with Seussian colors and exaggerated facial expressions and special effects, with the office being grays and browns and the island popping like Oz. Christmas 2021 will be filled with Chaunceys and Theodores and Talias and Sals and Phees and of course, Lucys.
We can only hope.
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