Frannie in Pieces
Written: Oct 01 '07 (Updated Oct 01 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Loveable main character, something fun and new
Cons: Never fully explains everything
The Bottom Line: Readers young and old alike will enjoy this funny, realistic-with-a-little-magic novel.
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| reporting's Full Review: Delia Ephron - Frannie in Pieces |
What makes a great novel? A believable plot, excitement, super-emotional moments? This novel breaks all barriers and expectations of a good read.
The book is about witty, eccentric Frannie who is in joint custody between her mother and artsy father. Suddenly, out of nowhere, her father passes away. As she cleans her father's house and sorts through his belongings... which are now hers, she finds a beautifully carved, handmade chest inscribed with her name on it. Frannie discovers that inside the puzzle is a beautiful, handmade, hand-painted puzzle whose photo holds mysterious properties. As she continues piecing together the puzzle, Frannie finds herself in the puzzle, and beings to learn that it takes her to the past, before she was born. Where is this mysterious place, and why is it randomly tossing her in?
As Frannie begins to understand what is going on, you're still saying to yourself, "huh?" And yet, I did not throw the book down in frustration, I accepted that the magic puzzle did not explain itself. The book never fully describes how her father made a magical puzzle, but for some reason, that was okay. It was writen in such a way that, though you aren't let in on all the secrets, you still enjoy the ride.
This book was writen in Frannie's point of view, complete with hilarious flashbacks and more, until you find yourself loving Frannie for all her strangeness and fresh opinion of the world. There is mention of "killer fuzzy white mold" and the dangers of toothpaste. At 384 pages, Frannie in Pieces is the perfect length for this story. Within that amount of time, you are given a sense of satisfaction, yet it does not run on for far too many overly-descriptive paragraphs.
In a way, this book is a bit like the popular novel Half-Magic, for an older audience. The "feel" of the books (you avid readers know what I'm talking about) are the same. It beings as a realistic fiction, but within a couple of pages, quickly becomes and puzzling, book, the only explanation being magic.
This book is for those that are tired of mysteries that end with a criminal in jail, and stories of teenage girls gossiping each other. In fact, the range for readers could go from young adults to children (though they probably would not grasp the complexity of the plot). It's a nice, clean read that would easily hold you on long enough to read this in one sitting. Even if you are not a fan of mystery, fantasy, or realistic fiction, give this one a try. You won't regret it.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
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Member: Reporting
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 5 members
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