Inkheart

Hey there. How about a contemporary tale filled with fantasy that few can even begin to imagine? And a magic that you may simultaneously wish for and dread.

Twelve-year-old Meggie is confused and scared when her dad, who she has always called Mo, takes an unplanned trip to an aunt’s house after a mysterious man by the name of Dustfinger appears in the dead of night. With Dustfinger comes a warning of another man: Capricorn. Hiding in Aunt Elinor’s house, Mo takes to repairing books as Meggie wanders about the millions of books in her aunt’s collection and gets to know Dustfinger. But then strange, dangerous men appear, stealing away Mo and a mysterious book: Inkheart. At least they thought it was that book. Upon discovering the book still in the mansion, Meggie, Elinor, and Dustfinger make their way to Capricorn’s village. Meggie never could have dreamed what she discovered there. Mo is a Silvertongue, a person with the power to read people and things out of books by the sound of his voice. Dustfinger, Capricorn, Basta (Capricorn’s second-in-command), and Meggie’s mother are all victims of this power. You see, when someone or something comes out of the books, someone or something goes into the books. About nine years ago, three men came out of Inkheart, and Meggie’s mother went into it. With all the copies of the book destroyed, their only hope of defeating Capricorn lies in the author of Inkheart. Can they gain his help? What does Capricorn want from Mo? Is being a Silvertongue a curse? Or could it be a gift? Where does Dustfinger’s allegiance truly lie? Can everyone make it out of this nightmare alive? Or are they all doomed? I can’t remember how I came to first read this book. Either a friend recommended the book to me, or they said that I would like the movie. Whichever way, I decided to read the book first and then check the movie out afterward. Surprisingly, this is one book-to-movie that I actually prefer the movie. No, it is nothing against the book, which the film was very faithful to, although it did take some liberties for the sake of time constraints and what may have been considered “needed heightened tension.”

It is the revised ending that makes me say this. I am perfectly fine with people disagreeing with me. Arguably, the book’s ending could be interpreted as better chances for the following two sequels. (I have not yet read either yet, but if I do, I will review them.) The ending is satisfying when you aren’t aware of the movie’s ending (in my opinion). For me, the movie just nicely gift-wrapped everyone’s happy ending. (Should I have given a spoiler alert there? I don’t know. Apologies all around if I should have.)

The story was first written in German and then was translated into English. Now I have never been to Germany, which makes it difficult for me to know for certain if it directly influenced the setting or happenings in the story. From what I can recall, I could have easily imagined some of the story happening in England or maybe rural America. I also don’t remember any town or village names, aside from Capricorn’s, being mentioned. But it has also been awhile since I read it from cover to cover, and it’s large enough that I’m not incredibly keen on trying to reread it all in a couple weeks with my semi-crazy life. (Wow. Die-hard book lovers are probably going to mentally string me from my toes for that comment. In my defense I was in the middle of trying to read The Hobbit when I initially wrote this review . Third attempt that year and I wanted to be successful that time.)

I personally imagine that those of us who still hold onto a bit of magic would almost wish to have the powers of a Silvertongue. The book’s inner flap actually challenges, “Dare to read it aloud.” If it was just a matter of reading people and objects out, I would definitely wish to be a Silvertongue. But since the price can easily be a loved one being read in, I am thankful that I don’t have that ability. (Though it would be nice to be able to read one of my own characters in and out of stories to help me further understand them. Oh, well. At least they talk to me in my head if no where else. :-))

This delightful adventure story was written by Cornelia Funke and translated by Anthea Bell. Together they fill 534 pages with 59 chapters. At the end of every chapter, or nearly so, there is a little black and white ink drawing, and at the start there is a quote from one great novel or another that more often than not fits the chapter. Now, without taking the film into account, I would give the story five Silvertongue dragons out of five. Yet comparing to the film’s ending, I would give the book four out of five. Whichever way, I highly rate this book. :-)

Highly recommended for fantasy-lovers, dreamers, and book-lovers everywhere. Come on, the heroes are book-lovers. Who else would have piles of books strewn about their home? Or would threaten to shoot someone for touching rare editions? Although I will warn any book-lovers, Capricorn’s men commit the most vile crimes toward books, and no I do not mean bending the covers back or dog-earing pages. It is much worse. Hopefully, the heroes will outweigh the villains for you. :-)

Until next time. Bye.