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A review by fallingletters
Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
4.0
Review originally published 27 October 2018 at Falling Letters.
Oppel has delivered us another middle grade novel (to my delight, as I wasn’t much of a fan of his previous book, [b: Every Hidden Thing|28374370|Every Hidden Thing|Kenneth Oppel|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1454535874s/28374370.jpg|48455715] [young adult historical fiction]). Inkling offers a compelling story that plays to Oppel’s strengths as a writer.
Inkling himself is a delightful character. My cynicism tensely awaited the moment when Inkling would become the villain, but this does not happen. Although Inkling develops autonomy, he cares deeply for Ethan and his family. It’s pretty adorable. Inkling emotes just as much as the human characters. The way Inkling develops his voice through ‘reading’ was also an entertaining process. I read Inkling just about in one sitting – I was quite curious to find out how that little blob was going to turn out!
Inkling explores some thoughtful questions such as the ethics around creativity and where ideas come from, but the conversation never gets too heavy. The plot essentially centers on whether it’s okay for someone to claim Inkling’s work as their own. Some moments, particularly surrounding how Inkling wants to help Ethan’s dad, were unexpectedly poignant.
The Bottom Line:In Inkling, Oppel has once again demonstrated his ability to craft fun and compelling narratives for middle grade readers.
Oppel has delivered us another middle grade novel (to my delight, as I wasn’t much of a fan of his previous book, [b: Every Hidden Thing|28374370|Every Hidden Thing|Kenneth Oppel|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1454535874s/28374370.jpg|48455715] [young adult historical fiction]). Inkling offers a compelling story that plays to Oppel’s strengths as a writer.
Inkling himself is a delightful character. My cynicism tensely awaited the moment when Inkling would become the villain, but this does not happen. Although Inkling develops autonomy, he cares deeply for Ethan and his family. It’s pretty adorable. Inkling emotes just as much as the human characters. The way Inkling develops his voice through ‘reading’ was also an entertaining process. I read Inkling just about in one sitting – I was quite curious to find out how that little blob was going to turn out!
Inkling explores some thoughtful questions such as the ethics around creativity and where ideas come from, but the conversation never gets too heavy. The plot essentially centers on whether it’s okay for someone to claim Inkling’s work as their own. Some moments, particularly surrounding how Inkling wants to help Ethan’s dad, were unexpectedly poignant.
The Bottom Line:In Inkling, Oppel has once again demonstrated his ability to craft fun and compelling narratives for middle grade readers.