The King in the Window Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

The King in the Window Book

Award-winning adult author Adam Gopnik's first children's book, an adventure set in modern day Paris starring an American boy who finds himself at the center of a war between window and mirror spirits, is an mixed bag of fantasy, technology and history that doesn't quite hang together as a whole. One January evening, eleven-year-old Oliver receives a vision in his bedroom window of a young boy in 17th century dress. This apparition informs him that he is the new King in the Window, a hero elected by kind window wraiths to assist them in their centuries-long war with the soul-stealing evil mirror spirits. Soon, Oliver finds himself in The Way, or the parallel universe on the other side of mirrors. Here, he engages in battle with the diabolical Master of Mirrors, chats with Nostradamus, and helps rescue an elderly Alice in Wonderland. In addition, there is a subplot concerning a super computer atop the Eiffel Tower! , an examination of 17th century French court life, and an on-going discussion of quantum physics. Whew! Gopnik's promising premise quickly sinks under the weight of top-heavy symbolism, arcane literary references, and a seemingly endless supply of quirky characters. As a result, the narrative loses its thread, and ultimately, it's target middle grade audience, who will be unable to tie together the divergent strands of this convoluted tale. In sum, less would have been much more. --Jennifer HubertRead More

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  • Product Description

    Oliver Parker, a twelve-year-old American boy living in Paris, is lonelier than he has ever been. Intimidated by his French school and its prickly teachers, and made melancholy by the long, gray winter, Oliver longs for some friends, and maybe even a little adventure.

    One dark and freezing January night, his wishes are granted. After dinner, Oliver puts on the gold paper crown that came in his Epiphany cake. He looks at himself in the window and instead of his own reflection, he sees an amazing vision -- a boy hovering in front of him, dressed in an ancient French doublet. Clues left behind by this ghostly boy lead Oliver to the palace of Versailles, where he is swept into the French court of the Window Wraiths, spirits who inhabit glass and water, and who have claimed Oliver as their ultimate ruler: The King in the Window.

    Full of suspense and adventure, Adam Gopnik?s novel is an unforgettable fantasy for readers of all ages.

  • 0786838949
  • 9780786838943
  • Adam Gopnik
  • 1 October 2006
  • Miramax Books
  • Paperback (Book)
  • 416
  • Reprint
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