Friday, August 14, 2020

The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman

 

Listening to the audiobook of The Silver Arrow was made particularly delightful by the narration by Simon Vance.  A tale of time and space travel through the means of a train will capture the attention of children of all ages (as well as adults who are yet children at heart).  

A wise and magical uncle who completely understands children manages to salvage what could have been the worst birthday ever! It all started when his niece asked for a birthday present. When uncle shows up with a train, the results were not as expected; parents (who are so often unimaginative) gave the child one week (1 week?!!) to enjoy her new present and then the uncle was instructed to remove it.

Not liking that ultimatum, the birthday girl threw a fit and was promptly sent to her room (on her birthday?!) where she smoldered with indignation. Until she and her brother decide to explore the train and get swept up in the wildest of adventures with talking animals, exotic locations, and a train that runs itself.  For those who grew up on children's books by C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, The Silver Bullet offers a breath of fresh magic that will enthrall many generations to come. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel (and that Simon Vance will lend his marvelous voice to any future audios)!

Disclaimer: I received a free digital audiobook of The Silver Arrow from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

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