The Feats of Madeleine: Composite Novel

by Jack Selvaggio

Set in the early 2000's, this book tells the story of Madeleine Di Luna. What she lacks in grades, she makes up for with adventuring spirit, fight IQ, and a noggin of iron. Follow her as she recounts her greatest quests. As well as the trials and tribulations that come with them. Giving up is never an option for this fiery kid. And believing in yourself is an understatement.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

I write short stories for fun and as my creative outlet. I wanted to write something unique and different. Something fun and entertaining with a go-getter main character to take you for the ride. I hope readers could connect with my Madeleine. If she made an impact on you then I fulfilled my goal.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never read a composite novel before (probably because I did not know what a composite novel was, although it is not difficult to figure out). A composite novel is really a short story anthology of tales that build upon the previous tale in linear fashion, in order to tell a larger narrative.

In a book like The Feats of Madeleine, each "feat" has its own chapter, each chapter communicating stories that build and strengthen the "legend" of this ten-year-old little girl. Madeleine Di Luna, our main character, aspires to being heroic, and uses investigation as a means to that end. She begins with finding a lost dog (literally a save the cat trope) which means that she is driven and courageous. Those are admirable qualities, but then in the second feat, Madeleine's best friend is put in mortal danger by her ridiculous compulsion. That soured me on Madeleine and made me question her motives.

Little by little, others begin to buy into Madeleine's delusions of grandeur, even adding to her gang by various methods. The story continues with more feats, one of which is her headbutting skill in close combat. Her mom is constantly attempting to discipline her, but with grandfather serving as a defensive bulwark to her mother's attempts at focusing Madeleine, she continues to advance her legend. Even one of the local police calls her Private Eye.

I call this one right down the middle. I think Madeleine is obnoxious and entitled, and I hate that she receives validation for her misbehavior, especially in endangering the gang of youth that encircle her. The novel is entertaining and believable until the implausible climax.

[Jim Van Wyck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun stories

I don’t know what a compound novel is.
I am guessing the author means a collection of stories.
I enjoyed these stories a lot.
Simple friendly and easy to read.

[Evan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining book! Madeleine is tough like a ram and I love that. Good mix of action, heartfelt moments, and a sweet comic book like rhythm too.