A review by mdjohnson
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

4.0

A favorite quote: "Have you considered the possibility, Reynie, that wickedness is simply more noticeable than goodness? That wickedness stands out, as it were?" - p. 37

Did I cry? no/a little/a good amount/wept

Loved:

The best children's lit allows you a new perspective on it when you reread as an adult, and Mysterious Benedict Society does just that.

I feel like this book is one of the rare occasions, especially in a short series, where the sequel is actually better than the first book. While the first book does a great job of setting the scene and introducing these wonderful characters, this book lets meaningful character development take place while simultaneously balancing a nail-biting, adventurous plot. It deepens the series and the characters in a way that I think few sequels really achieve.

Spoiler

Each child gets to have their own personal journey; Reynie learns lessons in trust, Constance in channeling one's skills, Sticky in humility and bravery, and Kate in restraint. I think these are written masterfully. Although most of the story takes place from Reynie's perspective, there is an element of omniscience, and as a reader you know how these characters are growing and changing, while they often seem oblivious to it. Which, of course, makes sense given their age.

There are so many scenes in this book that make my heart clench.

Spoiler

When Reynie throws the radio out the train window out of suspicion and Constance tearfully tells him she never wants to mistrust him (185). When Constance is worried they'll reach a dead-end in their journey and Kate tells her it won't be over "until we say so" (191). I'd die for these kids.

Other notes:

Spoiler

I feel like Kate's personal journey is the least developed and I was a little disappointed with it. The other three are constantly reminded of the vices they are trying to master, while Kate's decision against throwing the bomb at the Salamander (424), clearly the turning point in her story, wasn't a situation replicated throughout the book as much. For example, Sticky is constantly showing off and later is observed restraining himself from doing so. Kate rarely has to make a choice between going with her gut and thinking things through. (At least on her own; the group often makes those choices together.) Yet that is clearly her point of growth in this book. Perhaps the lack of development just comes across that way since she is so agreeable most of the time, whereas the other three are often stressed, anxious, or angry, so their flaws and struggles are more obvious.