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A review by writetoexpress
The Wooden Prince by John Claude Bemis
3.0
A unique retelling that I've read in a long while. Before reading this, I knew very little about the story of Pinocchio. I knew the obvious facts, such as his nose growing when he tells a lie and how he just wants to be a real boy. But besides the very minor basics, I didn't really know what to expect going into The Wooden Prince.
The one point that I must emphasize is Bemis' phenomenal ability to weave emotion throughout the book. Considering that this book is directed more towards middle graders, I found the writing to be perfect for any age group. The love, childhood innocence and humor felt genuine. I cannot emphasize that enough. It felt as if I were sitting down and conversing with one of my younger cousins.
I could easily picture this scene perfectly in my head. A child with a roaming curiosity. An adult who just wants to drop the subject altogether. Something, I sure we all can relate to.
I thoroughly enjoyed the unique steampunk twist on the story. Plus, I absolutely love the era of meticulous mechanics.
I thought the transitions of Pinocchio slowly turning into a living, breathing human were done differently than I'd originally though. For one, I didn't think the transition was going to skip around, starting with his feet, then his hands and arms, and eventually his entire body. I did; however, like the ability Pinocchio possessed but I don't say too much in fear of spoiling EVERYTHING.
I found the plot to be quite intriguing. A while back, I remember adding this book to my TBR. However, most of the books on that list either end of being marked as read or deleted later. I just so happened to stumble upon this book in the library and knew that as long as it was there, I would have to read it. So, I didn't entirely pick this book up on a whim, but in a way, I did. I don't regret it one bit. I loved the vast array of mythological characters and ridiculous situations they found themselves in.
I high recommend reading this book if you are a fan of retellings.
The one point that I must emphasize is Bemis' phenomenal ability to weave emotion throughout the book. Considering that this book is directed more towards middle graders, I found the writing to be perfect for any age group. The love, childhood innocence and humor felt genuine. I cannot emphasize that enough. It felt as if I were sitting down and conversing with one of my younger cousins.
"Why don't you live with her?"(pg. 52)
"She was killed," Geppetto said, his hand reflexively touching a jeweled pin on his shirt. "Along with my son."
"Oh," Pinocchio said. "Is that what happened to Don Antonio's automa?"
Geppetto frowned. "I did not kill Otto. Automa cannot die. They only stop functioning."
"But didn't your wife and son stop functioning when they were killed?"
"It's not the same," Geppetto said. "My family was once living. Otto was never truly alive."
I could easily picture this scene perfectly in my head. A child with a roaming curiosity. An adult who just wants to drop the subject altogether. Something, I sure we all can relate to.
I thoroughly enjoyed the unique steampunk twist on the story. Plus, I absolutely love the era of meticulous mechanics.
I thought the transitions of Pinocchio slowly turning into a living, breathing human were done differently than I'd originally though. For one, I didn't think the transition was going to skip around, starting with his feet, then his hands and arms, and eventually his entire body. I did; however, like the ability Pinocchio possessed but I don't say too much in fear of spoiling EVERYTHING.
I found the plot to be quite intriguing. A while back, I remember adding this book to my TBR. However, most of the books on that list either end of being marked as read or deleted later. I just so happened to stumble upon this book in the library and knew that as long as it was there, I would have to read it. So, I didn't entirely pick this book up on a whim, but in a way, I did. I don't regret it one bit. I loved the vast array of mythological characters and ridiculous situations they found themselves in.
I high recommend reading this book if you are a fan of retellings.