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Come See the Fair
An unforgettable story of magic, mediums, and seances set during the Chicago World’s Fair from the author of the National Book Award finalist The Way Back.
Twelve-year-old orphan Eva Root travels the country pretending to channel spirits at seances. Her audiences swear their loved ones have spoken to them from beyond the grave. This, of course, is impossible.
But one day, Eva experiences another impossibility: she hears a voice in her head telling her to come to the World’s Fair in Chicago. There, she meets a mysterious magician who needs her help to bring magic to life. But as their work progresses, Eva begins to suspect that the project’s goals may not be as noble as they seem. And when tragedy strikes, Eva will have to reach beyond death itself to unravel the mystery of the magician’s plan—before it’s too late.
From the author of the National Book finalist The Way Back comes a story of what to do when you get burned by the magic you’ve been looking for all your life.
Twelve-year-old orphan Eva Root travels the country pretending to channel spirits at seances. Her audiences swear their loved ones have spoken to them from beyond the grave. This, of course, is impossible.
But one day, Eva experiences another impossibility: she hears a voice in her head telling her to come to the World’s Fair in Chicago. There, she meets a mysterious magician who needs her help to bring magic to life. But as their work progresses, Eva begins to suspect that the project’s goals may not be as noble as they seem. And when tragedy strikes, Eva will have to reach beyond death itself to unravel the mystery of the magician’s plan—before it’s too late.
From the author of the National Book finalist The Way Back comes a story of what to do when you get burned by the magic you’ve been looking for all your life.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
6 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Gavriel Savit
3 books206 followersGavriel Savit is a New York Times Bestselling author. His award-winning writing has been shortlisted for the National Book Award, and has been translated into nineteen languages. As a performer, he has appeared on and off-Broadway, and on stages around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 26, 2023
After receiving an email from a publisher, I agreed to read an ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review of “Come See the Fair” by Gavriel Savit.
Prior to reading this book, I had never read anything written by Savit before. The cover, the title, and the description, however, encouraged me to read this book.
Before I begin, I want to say that Savit did an incredible job on researching the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Although I’m not an expert on that fair, his descriptions were fantastic! I really could believe that I was there. I particularly loved how Savit linked peaches to Mr. Magister’s youth in Georgia and how peaches featured prominently throughout the story.
One thing that I really loved about this book was the inclusion of numerous illustrations by artist Mildred Hankinson. These illustrations were featured throughout the book and I really loved looking at them.
I congratulate Savit on getting his first MG book published, but I have a LOT of concerns about it which include:
1. Lack of Diversity. The author didn’t include any diverse characters in the book, other than foreigners. In this day and age, including diverse characters in MG books is really important.
2. Language. Savit usually writes for an older audience, and this was obvious while reading the book. I only found two instances (as far as I could tell) that included cussing: the words ‘damn’ and ‘rat bastard’. Although most people might think that this isn’t a big deal, one has to ask if including these words was absolutely necessary? In this day and age, libraries, parents, and politicians are banning books for mundane reasons. The language needs to be, and remain, clean. The other major issue I found is something that I can’t believe that the editor overlooked: sentence length. Now, I am NOT a stickler for language, but I have to be honest: Savit’s sentences were a bit overkill. For example, I counted a single sentence and got a word count of 178 words! Other sentences ranged anywhere from 63-73 words long. Some of those sentences ran on and on. As I was reading the book, I just couldn’t believe that the author didn’t break those sentences up into manageable pieces.
3. Content. The MG, Eva, is only about 13-14 years old, but Savit really piles on a lot of potentially age-inappropriate content, with most of it appearing about halfway through the book. For example, the book included suicide, theft, extortion, fraud, kidnapping, murder, grand larceny, and numerous references to alcohol and alcohol consumption. As I read the story, it seemed to me that Eva was in dire need of guidance. It felt like she was just wandering around. Of course, in 1893, the age of adulthood was much younger.
Before I even began reading this book, I wanted to fall in love with this story. For the first half of the book, that’s exactly what I did. But by the middle of the story, the run on sentences, the overly dark experiences that a MG girl was subjected to, and the almost entire lack of diversity really soured it for me.
This is Savit’s first MG book. And, like all new MG writers, I want him to succeed. Savit is a beautifully descriptive writer, and his idea for this book was creative. But I hope that Savit reads this review with an open mind and is able to reference some of the things that I pointed out as he works on his second MG novel.
Prior to reading this book, I had never read anything written by Savit before. The cover, the title, and the description, however, encouraged me to read this book.
Before I begin, I want to say that Savit did an incredible job on researching the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Although I’m not an expert on that fair, his descriptions were fantastic! I really could believe that I was there. I particularly loved how Savit linked peaches to Mr. Magister’s youth in Georgia and how peaches featured prominently throughout the story.
One thing that I really loved about this book was the inclusion of numerous illustrations by artist Mildred Hankinson. These illustrations were featured throughout the book and I really loved looking at them.
I congratulate Savit on getting his first MG book published, but I have a LOT of concerns about it which include:
1. Lack of Diversity. The author didn’t include any diverse characters in the book, other than foreigners. In this day and age, including diverse characters in MG books is really important.
2. Language. Savit usually writes for an older audience, and this was obvious while reading the book. I only found two instances (as far as I could tell) that included cussing: the words ‘damn’ and ‘rat bastard’. Although most people might think that this isn’t a big deal, one has to ask if including these words was absolutely necessary? In this day and age, libraries, parents, and politicians are banning books for mundane reasons. The language needs to be, and remain, clean. The other major issue I found is something that I can’t believe that the editor overlooked: sentence length. Now, I am NOT a stickler for language, but I have to be honest: Savit’s sentences were a bit overkill. For example, I counted a single sentence and got a word count of 178 words! Other sentences ranged anywhere from 63-73 words long. Some of those sentences ran on and on. As I was reading the book, I just couldn’t believe that the author didn’t break those sentences up into manageable pieces.
3. Content. The MG, Eva, is only about 13-14 years old, but Savit really piles on a lot of potentially age-inappropriate content, with most of it appearing about halfway through the book. For example, the book included suicide, theft, extortion, fraud, kidnapping, murder, grand larceny, and numerous references to alcohol and alcohol consumption. As I read the story, it seemed to me that Eva was in dire need of guidance. It felt like she was just wandering around. Of course, in 1893, the age of adulthood was much younger.
Before I even began reading this book, I wanted to fall in love with this story. For the first half of the book, that’s exactly what I did. But by the middle of the story, the run on sentences, the overly dark experiences that a MG girl was subjected to, and the almost entire lack of diversity really soured it for me.
This is Savit’s first MG book. And, like all new MG writers, I want him to succeed. Savit is a beautifully descriptive writer, and his idea for this book was creative. But I hope that Savit reads this review with an open mind and is able to reference some of the things that I pointed out as he works on his second MG novel.
April 6, 2023
Oh boy, where to start. I was very excited to read this lovely middle grade book. The synopsis was intriguing and the Chicago World's Fair setting was interesting.
I was drawn in right away, and all the elements for a good horror story were present. A place that appears and disappears, a mysterious and creepy man who's face cannot be pinned down, the strange and inexplicable passage of time: yes.
However, as the plot started to unfold, I found the story harder and harder to track with. The magical elements either didn't make sense or weren't explained well, and the plot resolution seemed rushed. It was all disjointed and left me feeling more upset because I have too many unanswered questions.
The content warnings of this book are kidnapping, murder, and suicide. Very dark for middle grade.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn in right away, and all the elements for a good horror story were present. A place that appears and disappears, a mysterious and creepy man who's face cannot be pinned down, the strange and inexplicable passage of time: yes.
However, as the plot started to unfold, I found the story harder and harder to track with. The magical elements either didn't make sense or weren't explained well, and the plot resolution seemed rushed. It was all disjointed and left me feeling more upset because I have too many unanswered questions.
The content warnings of this book are kidnapping, murder, and suicide. Very dark for middle grade.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
I am a huge history nerd and absolutely love books that deal with the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (here’s looking at you Devil in the White City). So I jumped at the change to review “Come See the Fair” by Gavriel Savit. This middle-grade read follows 12 year old Eva Root, a fake medium who starts hearing voices that urge her to head to Chicago to see the fair. Along the way she meets Henry, whose mysterious sketches are drawing him to Chicago, and to Eva. As they begin to explore the fair, Eva is drawn into alternate worlds controlled by a dark magician whose promises of magic bring a heavy price.
I think the premise of the World’s Fair is an excellent setting for a spooky middle grade, but this story didn’t really work for me. The beginning had a lot of promise and I was really interested in the magic and world-building, but as the plot unfolded it became hard to follow. The overall story is engaging but I feel like the complicated story lines could be difficult for the target age group. The story also gets pretty dark and while I’m all for that as an adult, I don’t think all middle grade readers will be ready for it. Overall this could be an enjoyable story for the right reader, but I wanted a bit more substance and a less complex plot.
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhousechildrens for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy!
I think the premise of the World’s Fair is an excellent setting for a spooky middle grade, but this story didn’t really work for me. The beginning had a lot of promise and I was really interested in the magic and world-building, but as the plot unfolded it became hard to follow. The overall story is engaging but I feel like the complicated story lines could be difficult for the target age group. The story also gets pretty dark and while I’m all for that as an adult, I don’t think all middle grade readers will be ready for it. Overall this could be an enjoyable story for the right reader, but I wanted a bit more substance and a less complex plot.
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhousechildrens for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy!
March 7, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance. This book had the fantastical feel of The Night Circus and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the darkness of The Deathly Hallows. And I loved it! I also loved that it had a historical feel with Chicago World's Fair and the Chicago Fire entwined in the story.
March 7, 2023
A fun magical story for ya to adult. A girl is told to go to the fair, but things aren't what they seem. Our Mc teams up with a young friend to find the magic of the Chicago fair, but they can't seem to remember things. As time and facts become slippery, she must figure out who is at fault and how to stop them even if it means her losing what little she has left. A clean, easy read good for MA and up.
April 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The pub date for this title has passed, but as I was close to the end, I stuck it out. Perseverance! Yay!
I've left it with an "It was OK" rating. That's my personal opinion, the book just wasn't for me. But I don't think it should prevent anyone else from reading it, because really there was a lot here that was truly lovely. At this moment, I can't come up with any things that I feel need tweaking, it just wasn't the book for me.
The constant descriptions were one of the things that bogged me down. They were lovingly written, and really effective at clearly delineating the setting - and I think that's necessary for a book that's set at the Chicago World's Fair. It was hard to remember in the midst of the lush descriptions that this was an historical novel, and that the author hadn't actually been to the fair personally. That deserves genuine praise, but it didn't work for me for whatever reason.
There's also a fair amount of grief and loss dealt with by the characters, specifically Eva, which for some reason surprised me. There's some pretty complex emotions going on, culminating in a final confrontation that doesn't feel like a confrontation at all. It was largely nonviolent, in contrast with previous events, and in spite of the fact that . I think this might be my one real complaint, if I were to have one - there's so much loss that happens on-page, and I didn't feel entirely satisfied with the way it was handled. Eva definitely works through most of it (although ), but it all came as kind of a shock. The first half or 2/3 of the book is quite relaxed; Henry and Eva visit the Fair, they learn about the Magical Pavilion, they stay there for a while just vibing, and then everything kind of blows up and doesn't really stop for air until the book ends and everything is resolved. And the way in which it was ultimately resolved felt hurried and confusing.
I don't often read standalones, and this might be part of my problem. I felt as though the story would have benefited from being extended just a little, even if just to give the characters a moment to settle. I was just the wrong one for this story, and possibly read it at the wrong time (admittedly I'm in a bit of a slump right now). I encourage others to give it a try!
*I was so confused whether this was middle grade or YA. The cover has mad MG vibes, but the content is pretty intense at times. Maybe some crossover value? Confusions.
The pub date for this title has passed, but as I was close to the end, I stuck it out. Perseverance! Yay!
I've left it with an "It was OK" rating. That's my personal opinion, the book just wasn't for me. But I don't think it should prevent anyone else from reading it, because really there was a lot here that was truly lovely. At this moment, I can't come up with any things that I feel need tweaking, it just wasn't the book for me.
The constant descriptions were one of the things that bogged me down. They were lovingly written, and really effective at clearly delineating the setting - and I think that's necessary for a book that's set at the Chicago World's Fair. It was hard to remember in the midst of the lush descriptions that this was an historical novel, and that the author hadn't actually been to the fair personally. That deserves genuine praise, but it didn't work for me for whatever reason.
There's also a fair amount of grief and loss dealt with by the characters, specifically Eva, which for some reason surprised me. There's some pretty complex emotions going on, culminating in a final confrontation that doesn't feel like a confrontation at all. It was largely nonviolent, in contrast with previous events, and in spite of the fact that . I think this might be my one real complaint, if I were to have one - there's so much loss that happens on-page, and I didn't feel entirely satisfied with the way it was handled. Eva definitely works through most of it (although ), but it all came as kind of a shock. The first half or 2/3 of the book is quite relaxed; Henry and Eva visit the Fair, they learn about the Magical Pavilion, they stay there for a while just vibing, and then everything kind of blows up and doesn't really stop for air until the book ends and everything is resolved. And the way in which it was ultimately resolved felt hurried and confusing.
I don't often read standalones, and this might be part of my problem. I felt as though the story would have benefited from being extended just a little, even if just to give the characters a moment to settle. I was just the wrong one for this story, and possibly read it at the wrong time (admittedly I'm in a bit of a slump right now). I encourage others to give it a try!
*I was so confused whether this was middle grade or YA. The cover has mad MG vibes, but the content is pretty intense at times. Maybe some crossover value? Confusions.
June 27, 2023
I liked this book, but didn’t love it. The descriptions of the World’s Fair were mesmerizing and the magical world within was fascinating. The art work throughout added to the story to help the reader see what was being described. I liked the characters of Eva and Henry. However, the story became too complex with the magic and how it all worked, making it difficult to follow. I understood what was happening, but wasn’t able to be fully immersed in the story. I also felt that the story overall was too lengthy.
I’m glad that I read the book, but it’s not one that I will read again.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC of #ComeSeetheFair in exchange for an honest review. - 3 stars
I’m glad that I read the book, but it’s not one that I will read again.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC of #ComeSeetheFair in exchange for an honest review. - 3 stars
March 20, 2023
Come see the fair, the voice tells her. But Eva, a twelve-year-old orphan girl, doesn’t know where the voice is coming from or what the “Fair” is. She just knows she is tired of performing phony séances to make money for a demanding caretaker. And this is definitely the only time she has heard a real voice from somewhere other than the here and now. Eva decides to run away and ends up on a train with a boy who is drawing a place he has never been, but which a salesman tells him is The Chicago World’s Fair. Eva tells the boy about the voice she heard, and the two soon discover they are being called to the same place. What Eva finds there is something otherworldly, but which perhaps could offer her the home she has always wanted. But sinister forces may have other plans…
Readers may enjoy that the main character starts out knowing séances and the supernatural are fake, only to discover she has an inborn talent for actual magic and spiritual communication. The author effectively builds the story and the tension from strange coincidences, to a wondrous new world, to ultimately something much darker. Readers who like creepy tales of magic and other planes of existence should enjoy exploring with Eva as she tries to understand her new-found experiences.
Readers may enjoy that the main character starts out knowing séances and the supernatural are fake, only to discover she has an inborn talent for actual magic and spiritual communication. The author effectively builds the story and the tension from strange coincidences, to a wondrous new world, to ultimately something much darker. Readers who like creepy tales of magic and other planes of existence should enjoy exploring with Eva as she tries to understand her new-found experiences.
April 18, 2023
I was immediately drawn into this book by the cover and the writing. You will be craving peaches after reading this. I enjoyed the first 25% of this book but it seemed to lose the plot after that. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, even the protagonist. I thought it was a great idea to write a historical fiction for middle grade but I did feel like this one became a little dark in the end
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book!.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book!.
October 17, 2022
Where do I start with this book? If you know the history behind Disney’s Carousel of Progress, have read the Night Circus and enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then you will devour this book like I did. The Carousel of Progress is what I think about when someone mentions World’s Fair. The characters were amazing. It was so enchanting. I was constantly looking to see what would happen or appear next. Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!
My only concerns were how dark the book could be at times, but it was still an amazing book.
My only concerns were how dark the book could be at times, but it was still an amazing book.
March 18, 2023
This book kept me engaged the whole way through. I thought it would be a good way to introduce the Chicago worlds Fair to a younger audience. The plot was ok, but I felt like something was missing, some deeper meaning or more detail nuance I'm certain characters. Ok overall for a middle grade book, but too intense for an elementary age kid.
September 2, 2022
Reading the book summary, this had all the making of a great middle-grade found magic story.
Eva starts as a mistreated orphan who finds a world of magic as she visits the Chicago World's Fair. The start was promising. When we reached the magical elements, the middle-grade sweet spot disappears.
The magic rules are hard to follow, it's very disjointed and full of creepy edicts from this mysterious magical man to an 11-year-old girl: Come to the fair- in the middle of the night and make sure you are alone. Come live at this magical house, don't worry- we will magically make it so no one will remember you are gone. Memories are taken without consent and fuzzy memory gaps happen more than once.
The obedience of the main characters to these mandates in order to learn magic felt equivalent to a kid willingly taking off in a random car because a stranger is offering them candy. Given the age range of the target readers for this genre, this is not the best device to drive the plot.
Eva starts as a mistreated orphan who finds a world of magic as she visits the Chicago World's Fair. The start was promising. When we reached the magical elements, the middle-grade sweet spot disappears.
The magic rules are hard to follow, it's very disjointed and full of creepy edicts from this mysterious magical man to an 11-year-old girl: Come to the fair- in the middle of the night and make sure you are alone. Come live at this magical house, don't worry- we will magically make it so no one will remember you are gone. Memories are taken without consent and fuzzy memory gaps happen more than once.
The obedience of the main characters to these mandates in order to learn magic felt equivalent to a kid willingly taking off in a random car because a stranger is offering them candy. Given the age range of the target readers for this genre, this is not the best device to drive the plot.
December 8, 2023
Eva Root trades her life hoodwinking bereaved audiences at seances for a chance at a new life in Chicago. On the way she needs a boy whose date seems mysteriously entwined with her own, and her new adventure begins. Meanwhile,.among the gleaming white palaces of the Exposition lies another, more mysterious pavilion, home to secrets that will change their lives forever.
Frankly, spooky as hell. It brought to mind the first book on Libba Bray's Diviners series (honestly, the scariest of the lot) as well as Devil in the White City For middle grade this does not mess around. Be prepared for some shocking turns and intensity.
I would have liked a different ending for Eva but I can't deny it was gripping. A great sell for a kid who thinks all historical fiction is boring.
Frankly, spooky as hell. It brought to mind the first book on Libba Bray's Diviners series (honestly, the scariest of the lot) as well as Devil in the White City For middle grade this does not mess around. Be prepared for some shocking turns and intensity.
I would have liked a different ending for Eva but I can't deny it was gripping. A great sell for a kid who thinks all historical fiction is boring.
June 2, 2023
This YA novel grabbed my interest from the start...then when Eva met Mr. Magister, it began to get confusing and very, very dark. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Chicago World's Fair, and the magical world that Eva and Henry found themselves in, but I felt the story got muddled, I didn't understand a lot of the motivations of the characters, and the ending was confusing and felt rushed. I'm also not sure why Eva and Henry, who are clearly very intelligent children, never questioned Mr. Magister's demands and went along with him.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
March 30, 2023
Eva is an orphan who gets by through doing fake seances. She pretends to be loved ones talking from beyond the grave, but she knows that it's impossible. It's a scam she does to survive. But when she hears a voice in her head telling her to go to the Chicago World's Fair, she knows it's very different from the seances. This is real. She meets a boy who has visions of his own and a magician who wants her help to bring magic back to life, but her friend is suspicious. Eva needs to figure out what the magician's plan is and who to trust.
This book had so many of the things I'm always hungry for. World's Fair. Mysterious magical people and places that vanish or can only be accessed by a few people. It's got mystery, friendship, an orphan with the possibility of found family. And maybe those things are why I felt overall disappointed with the book.
The book starts out interesting but turns vaguely confusing around the middle of the book and never comes back. The beginning is a lot of fun, and the descriptions of wandering around the World's Fair is probably the closest you could get to experiencing it yourself. It's well researched and clearly something the author loves.
But once we meet the magician, things get confusing. The magic rules are hard to follow. It's not completely clear where Eva has come from and even what she wants. The setting doesn't seem solid in spite of the historical event as a major point. And one of the most frustrating parts is that the characters don't seem to question things enough. I know a lot of twelve-year-olds who would use more critical thinking than Eva does. The character motivations are never clear and they are generally shallow. Eva starts the book with more personality than she finishes it with.
Worst of all, I read the ending twice, but I am still not completely sure what happened. It depended on characters we hadn't met, and the overall message was "don't trust anything fantastical and wonderful because it will definitely be too good to be true." That could have been an interesting moral, but it felt like talking with the kind of person who discourages children from watching Disney movies in case they get the wrong idea about magic and fairy tales: it's too optimistic and we should all accept how terrible the world is. That's a pretty heavy message for this age, and it isn't handled well. Especially when it does start with such a marvelous sense of wonder.
I guess that moral applies to the book: don't judge a book by its cover because it may sound wonderful and magical from the description, but in reality, it's dark, bleak, and confusing.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book to review.
This book had so many of the things I'm always hungry for. World's Fair. Mysterious magical people and places that vanish or can only be accessed by a few people. It's got mystery, friendship, an orphan with the possibility of found family. And maybe those things are why I felt overall disappointed with the book.
The book starts out interesting but turns vaguely confusing around the middle of the book and never comes back. The beginning is a lot of fun, and the descriptions of wandering around the World's Fair is probably the closest you could get to experiencing it yourself. It's well researched and clearly something the author loves.
But once we meet the magician, things get confusing. The magic rules are hard to follow. It's not completely clear where Eva has come from and even what she wants. The setting doesn't seem solid in spite of the historical event as a major point. And one of the most frustrating parts is that the characters don't seem to question things enough. I know a lot of twelve-year-olds who would use more critical thinking than Eva does. The character motivations are never clear and they are generally shallow. Eva starts the book with more personality than she finishes it with.
Worst of all, I read the ending twice, but I am still not completely sure what happened. It depended on characters we hadn't met, and the overall message was "don't trust anything fantastical and wonderful because it will definitely be too good to be true." That could have been an interesting moral, but it felt like talking with the kind of person who discourages children from watching Disney movies in case they get the wrong idea about magic and fairy tales: it's too optimistic and we should all accept how terrible the world is. That's a pretty heavy message for this age, and it isn't handled well. Especially when it does start with such a marvelous sense of wonder.
I guess that moral applies to the book: don't judge a book by its cover because it may sound wonderful and magical from the description, but in reality, it's dark, bleak, and confusing.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book to review.
March 12, 2023
For much of her life, Eva Root has been in the care of one Mrs. Blodgett, a woman who uses Eva’s preponderance for coercion to her advantage. Eva leads séances anywhere the two find themselves, carefully manipulating guests into receiving the responses they desire. But when one séance becomes more real than any before and Eva is beckoned from beyond her awareness, she does what she must to relieve herself of Mrs. Blodgett and find her way to the World’s Fair in Chicago. Along her journey, she meets a new friend called Henry, and the two discover there is more to magic than they ever realized, and that magic may not be the benevolent entity they initially expected.
This fantastic historical fiction novel expertly blends the real-life World’s Fair in Chicago with a plethora of magical elements. Much like in a dream, Eva and Henry frequently find themselves forgetting conversations or experiencing time in an unusual way. Mr. Magister, initially a welcoming and kindly man, seems to be orchestrating much of the unusual behavior the two youth experience. But as Eva and Henry wander deeper into Mr. Magister’s lair, truths come to light that make them question everything they thought they knew. The magic within the two young people is smothered by that of Mr. Magister’s pavilion, and they must fight to think for themselves as the shroud of mystery attempts to envelop them.
Mature middle grade and young adult readers will love the depth of this story, especially as it takes twists and turns that keep readers guessing as to what will happen next. Detailed descriptions, long chapters, and profound discoveries amplify the intensity of the novel, and though the protagonists are young, they are often called upon to make important decisions that affect the momentum of the story. Additionally, occasional illustrations are included at choice intervals, and these bring the novel to life while helping to depict specific moments and locales mentioned within the narrative. Engaging and filled with historical references, this is a tale that will resonate with readers long after it ends while simultaneously inspiring further research and investigation. It is an excellent precursor to Caraval or The Night Circus that is aimed at younger readers. This is a superb addition to library collections for young people.
This fantastic historical fiction novel expertly blends the real-life World’s Fair in Chicago with a plethora of magical elements. Much like in a dream, Eva and Henry frequently find themselves forgetting conversations or experiencing time in an unusual way. Mr. Magister, initially a welcoming and kindly man, seems to be orchestrating much of the unusual behavior the two youth experience. But as Eva and Henry wander deeper into Mr. Magister’s lair, truths come to light that make them question everything they thought they knew. The magic within the two young people is smothered by that of Mr. Magister’s pavilion, and they must fight to think for themselves as the shroud of mystery attempts to envelop them.
Mature middle grade and young adult readers will love the depth of this story, especially as it takes twists and turns that keep readers guessing as to what will happen next. Detailed descriptions, long chapters, and profound discoveries amplify the intensity of the novel, and though the protagonists are young, they are often called upon to make important decisions that affect the momentum of the story. Additionally, occasional illustrations are included at choice intervals, and these bring the novel to life while helping to depict specific moments and locales mentioned within the narrative. Engaging and filled with historical references, this is a tale that will resonate with readers long after it ends while simultaneously inspiring further research and investigation. It is an excellent precursor to Caraval or The Night Circus that is aimed at younger readers. This is a superb addition to library collections for young people.
November 5, 2024
When Eva Root is adopted by Jenny Blodgett, she is taught everything she needs to know to manipulate an audience into thinking she could channel their loved ones spirits during a séance. For years, Eva is dragged across the country to perform séances to large audiences, but as she grows older and her audiences grow smaller, their livelihood is threatened. That is when the impossible happens: she hears a voice telling her to come see the fair. Eva finds herself on a train to Chicago, where she meets Henry, who tells her about The World’s Columbian Exposition. Together they explore the fair, and when they somehow become separated, Eva stumbles upon the magical pavilion, where she meets a mysterious magician named Mr. Magister. Excited about her discovery, she's determined to share it with Henry, who at first is equally in awe but who quickly starts to question Mr. Magister's nobility. When tragedy strikes, Eva is left to seek the help of spirits to unravel the mystery of the magician's plan before it is too late.
This historical fiction novel is the perfect fusion of magic and real-world events such as The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The detailed descriptions, lengthy chapters, deep revelations, and strategically placed illustrations served to amplify the intensity of the novel. What most fascinated me was how Eva, who initially learns about séances as a con and who believed that the supernatural phenomena are unreal, eventually finds that she has a natural gift for spiritual communication and true magic. This book kept me interested throughout, and I was eager to see what would happen next.
Trigger Warning: This book includes suicide, theft, extortion, fraud, kidnapping, murder, grand larceny, and references to alcohol and alcohol consumption.
@TheHeterogeneousReader
This historical fiction novel is the perfect fusion of magic and real-world events such as The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The detailed descriptions, lengthy chapters, deep revelations, and strategically placed illustrations served to amplify the intensity of the novel. What most fascinated me was how Eva, who initially learns about séances as a con and who believed that the supernatural phenomena are unreal, eventually finds that she has a natural gift for spiritual communication and true magic. This book kept me interested throughout, and I was eager to see what would happen next.
Trigger Warning: This book includes suicide, theft, extortion, fraud, kidnapping, murder, grand larceny, and references to alcohol and alcohol consumption.
@TheHeterogeneousReader
May 8, 2023
My copy was an ARC, y'all. Some of the illustrations may have improved.
Even if you know me, you probably haven't been over to my house.
And even if you have been to my house, you probably haven't been in my bedroom.
But if you had been - don't worry, this is nothing salacious - you might have noticed the photograph hanging above my bedside table.
It's a picture of the Court of Honor and the Manufactures Building at the 1893 World's Fair.
I like to believe that when I die, heaven is the World's Fair. That we just wonder around, gawking, for eternity, one astonishing and peerless exhibition after another, hand in hand with a loved one.
That's where this review is coming from. Because, to be fair (can that be a pun?), this novel's story isn't all that great. It's ok. The magical system is hard to follow (that feels generous) and there are no logical conclusions to things that happen. Those are huge problems and the novel does not overcome them.
Ready for the but?
But as someone who loves the 1893 World's Fair? It's marvelous.
This book is like Fair Porn. First off, the novel's built on the premise that underneath the Fair is a Pavilion of Magic. How perfect is that? The descriptions of various exhibits and buildings are beyond plentiful and extremely satisfying. The way Savit uses the actual history of events at the Fair to structure the beats of the story is... Mwhha. That's me sending it a big kiss.
So, an average title - maybe a little below average? - that had an immense appeal to this subset of its readership.
I've been putting my ARCs in Little Free Libraries, but I'm really torn on giving this one up. It checks off some of my reader boxes that often go unchecked.
Even if you know me, you probably haven't been over to my house.
And even if you have been to my house, you probably haven't been in my bedroom.
But if you had been - don't worry, this is nothing salacious - you might have noticed the photograph hanging above my bedside table.
It's a picture of the Court of Honor and the Manufactures Building at the 1893 World's Fair.
I like to believe that when I die, heaven is the World's Fair. That we just wonder around, gawking, for eternity, one astonishing and peerless exhibition after another, hand in hand with a loved one.
That's where this review is coming from. Because, to be fair (can that be a pun?), this novel's story isn't all that great. It's ok. The magical system is hard to follow (that feels generous) and there are no logical conclusions to things that happen. Those are huge problems and the novel does not overcome them.
Ready for the but?
But as someone who loves the 1893 World's Fair? It's marvelous.
This book is like Fair Porn. First off, the novel's built on the premise that underneath the Fair is a Pavilion of Magic. How perfect is that? The descriptions of various exhibits and buildings are beyond plentiful and extremely satisfying. The way Savit uses the actual history of events at the Fair to structure the beats of the story is... Mwhha. That's me sending it a big kiss.
So, an average title - maybe a little below average? - that had an immense appeal to this subset of its readership.
I've been putting my ARCs in Little Free Libraries, but I'm really torn on giving this one up. It checks off some of my reader boxes that often go unchecked.
April 13, 2024
CW:
Suicide, child murder, no reliable adults, adult murder, arson, kidnapping, child abuse
I do not recommend this book for middle grade readers under 13.
The trouble with that is the main character is 12.
As an adult, I loved the magic and the fantasy.
As an adult I would have liked this book to have a different center, and for the story and the characters to be allowed the depth and darkness they feel like they are asking for.
I’m all for having middle grade books tackle hard and mature themes. The issue for me with this book for anyone younger than 7th grade, and also that raises questions for me for anyone under 16, is that there is not one adult in the entire book able to effectively help or even to believe the children in danger throughout the book.
Further, for the younger audience, there is also no guidance on how to discern whether or not an adult is trustworthy or dangerous. Another review commented that there are many examples of the equivalent of a child getting into a stranger’s car. Indeed, that scenario happens nearly to the metaphor time and time again. Sometimes to the child’s benefit and sometimes to detriment. Nowhere does this story unequivocally help a child understand that no amount of candy or puppies or fancy bed or magic excuse an adult soliciting the trust of a vulnerable child.
I’m frustrated by that aspect of the story because in so many ways I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I was not disappointed in the ending. Contrary to other reviewers, I recognized the characters at the end and felt that part of the tale was well crafted.
If you are an adult who enjoys YA and Middle Grade books, fantasy, and magic, you may also enjoy this book. I can’t recommend it for kids.
Suicide, child murder, no reliable adults, adult murder, arson, kidnapping, child abuse
I do not recommend this book for middle grade readers under 13.
The trouble with that is the main character is 12.
As an adult, I loved the magic and the fantasy.
As an adult I would have liked this book to have a different center, and for the story and the characters to be allowed the depth and darkness they feel like they are asking for.
I’m all for having middle grade books tackle hard and mature themes. The issue for me with this book for anyone younger than 7th grade, and also that raises questions for me for anyone under 16, is that there is not one adult in the entire book able to effectively help or even to believe the children in danger throughout the book.
Further, for the younger audience, there is also no guidance on how to discern whether or not an adult is trustworthy or dangerous. Another review commented that there are many examples of the equivalent of a child getting into a stranger’s car. Indeed, that scenario happens nearly to the metaphor time and time again. Sometimes to the child’s benefit and sometimes to detriment. Nowhere does this story unequivocally help a child understand that no amount of candy or puppies or fancy bed or magic excuse an adult soliciting the trust of a vulnerable child.
I’m frustrated by that aspect of the story because in so many ways I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I was not disappointed in the ending. Contrary to other reviewers, I recognized the characters at the end and felt that part of the tale was well crafted.
If you are an adult who enjoys YA and Middle Grade books, fantasy, and magic, you may also enjoy this book. I can’t recommend it for kids.
July 3, 2023
Dark and fantastical middle grade historical fiction, filled with magic. Eva is an orphan under the care of Mrs. Blodgett, who has molded her into the perfect charlatan medium. Though she performs seances daily, she's never felt the touch of real magic, until one day when she hears a voice from nowhere, telling her to "come to the fair". She's obviously intrigued, and once she hears of the World's Fair happening in Chicago, she quickly heads there. Along the way, she meets Henry, a boy also drawn to the fair by seemingly mystical means. At the fair, they are wowed by the beautiful art and architecture, and soon discover that there's real magic behind the scenes. The enigmatic Mr. Magister opens their eyes to this new world... But something dark might be lurking underneath this magic. Will Eva discover the truth before it's too late?
This story hooked me from page one. The descriptions of the Chicago World's Fair were so evocative, I could easily picture each scene. I enjoyed watching as the characters had their eyes opened to the beauty of the magic, and then was fully held in suspense as things started getting darker. What a turn this story takes! As other reviews state, this story gets surprisingly dark, and the villain is quite terrifying. The lead up and the ending confrontation were fantastic. The ending was a little more nuanced and less happily ever after than I would have preferred, but I think it fits this story well. I really enjoyed reading, and would pick up again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story hooked me from page one. The descriptions of the Chicago World's Fair were so evocative, I could easily picture each scene. I enjoyed watching as the characters had their eyes opened to the beauty of the magic, and then was fully held in suspense as things started getting darker. What a turn this story takes! As other reviews state, this story gets surprisingly dark, and the villain is quite terrifying. The lead up and the ending confrontation were fantastic. The ending was a little more nuanced and less happily ever after than I would have preferred, but I think it fits this story well. I really enjoyed reading, and would pick up again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 15, 2023
I really enjoyed following Eva on her journey of self discovery and courage. Eva Roots is an orphan who has been taken advantage of by the adults in her life. She feels compelled to go to the world’s fair after being called there during a fake seance. Through a series of events, she discovers friendships and experiences painful losses. It brings her to a point of understanding what she wants and doesn’t want out of life.
The story was captivating from the first page. Having been called to the fair in such an unexpected fashion further enticed me into the story. The author has a great way of keeping the audience dangling as one figures out little pieces at a time. Just when you think you know what might happen next, there is a new twist or event unfolding. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but it also brought a good resolution to who Eva Root had become.
If you are particular about foul language, there is some in this book, but is only used a few times where it fit the story. The author is not generous with them and there is no “f bombs”. All the same, if you are sensitive to that for a child’s reading you may want to preview the book first before passing it along to a younger reader.
My favorite part of the book besides how well it was written, was the fun of trying to figure out what the true motivation of the person who owns the magic was, and how he would achieve his desires once they were revealed to the reader. The story was completely unexpected, entertaining and engaging.
The story was captivating from the first page. Having been called to the fair in such an unexpected fashion further enticed me into the story. The author has a great way of keeping the audience dangling as one figures out little pieces at a time. Just when you think you know what might happen next, there is a new twist or event unfolding. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but it also brought a good resolution to who Eva Root had become.
If you are particular about foul language, there is some in this book, but is only used a few times where it fit the story. The author is not generous with them and there is no “f bombs”. All the same, if you are sensitive to that for a child’s reading you may want to preview the book first before passing it along to a younger reader.
My favorite part of the book besides how well it was written, was the fun of trying to figure out what the true motivation of the person who owns the magic was, and how he would achieve his desires once they were revealed to the reader. The story was completely unexpected, entertaining and engaging.
May 10, 2023
This novel is set in the late 1800s, largely in Chicago, in and around the World's Fair held there in 1893. There is magic in any fair, and this one is no different - but the magic is more real than figurative, for a young girl named Eva Root, and something, at the heart of the magic, is rotten.
Eva is an orphan, taken from an orphanage by Mrs. Blodgett, a woman who needed a credible child to perform seances, a common form of scam at the time. After a few years of this, Eva grabs what she can and runs from Mrs. Blodgett's less than tender care, hops on a train, and meets Henry, a boy travelling to his aunt and uncle's home in Chicago to see the Fair. Henry invites Eva to stay with his aunt and uncle, and together, the two children go off to see the Fair. Once there, however, Eva sees something she can't explain, and so begins an adventure full of Magic, and a mysterious man who introduces himself as Mr. Magister.
Drawing somewhat on historical events, this novel uses information about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, including passing reference to Dr. H. H. Holmes, a con artist and serial murderer who was active in Chicago at that time. Due to some rather dark themes and multiple references to murder, this novel is recommended for ages high school to adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Eva is an orphan, taken from an orphanage by Mrs. Blodgett, a woman who needed a credible child to perform seances, a common form of scam at the time. After a few years of this, Eva grabs what she can and runs from Mrs. Blodgett's less than tender care, hops on a train, and meets Henry, a boy travelling to his aunt and uncle's home in Chicago to see the Fair. Henry invites Eva to stay with his aunt and uncle, and together, the two children go off to see the Fair. Once there, however, Eva sees something she can't explain, and so begins an adventure full of Magic, and a mysterious man who introduces himself as Mr. Magister.
Drawing somewhat on historical events, this novel uses information about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, including passing reference to Dr. H. H. Holmes, a con artist and serial murderer who was active in Chicago at that time. Due to some rather dark themes and multiple references to murder, this novel is recommended for ages high school to adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 23, 2023
Eva is a 14-year-old orphan who was adopted by a con-woman, and is made to play at being able to communicate with the dead. But at her latest attempt at a seance con, she hears a real voice tempting her to "come see the fair." A train ride and new friendship later, she visits the Chicago World's Fair with her new friend Henry, and she winds up finding a magical pavilion that no one else can see. But after bringing Henry into the Magic, they start to realize that something is amiss, and start to set about finding out what's going on and why.
This is a middle grade book, but it really doesn't feel like it. There's curious magic going on all the way through. It's delightfully unpredictable, but keeps you at the edge of your seat, waiting to learn more. I like that some of Henry's artwork is actually featured as illustrations throughout the book, and I do appreciate all the callbacks running throughout that point to a previous moment as though the book is saying, "here's that thing you forgot about. It's important now..."
I really enjoyed this book, and the glimpses of the Chicago of the past. What a great read for a history fan.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
This is a middle grade book, but it really doesn't feel like it. There's curious magic going on all the way through. It's delightfully unpredictable, but keeps you at the edge of your seat, waiting to learn more. I like that some of Henry's artwork is actually featured as illustrations throughout the book, and I do appreciate all the callbacks running throughout that point to a previous moment as though the book is saying, "here's that thing you forgot about. It's important now..."
I really enjoyed this book, and the glimpses of the Chicago of the past. What a great read for a history fan.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
July 25, 2024
"Come See the Fair" is a historical fantasy novel centered around twelve-year-old orphan Eva Root. Eva travels the country pretending to channel spirits at seances, convincing her audiences that their loved ones are speaking from beyond the grave. Her routine life takes an unexpected turn when she hears a voice in her head instructing her to come to the World’s Fair in Chicago.
Upon arriving at the fair, Eva encounters a mysterious magician who enlists her help to bring magic to life. As they work together, Eva starts to suspect that the magician's intentions might not be as noble as they initially seemed. When tragedy strikes, Eva is forced to reach beyond death itself to uncover the true nature of the magician’s plan and prevent disaster.
Thoughts:
"Come See the Fair" began with promise, and I was excited for a compelling story. Unfortunately, it quickly went off the rails and failed to meet my expectations. The plot became convoluted and uninteresting, losing the initial excitement and intrigue. Despite the intriguing premise, the execution left much to be desired. The characters and storyline did not hold my attention, and the overall narrative felt disjointed and unsatisfying. I had hoped for a more engaging and cohesive tale but was ultimately disappointed by how it turned out.
Upon arriving at the fair, Eva encounters a mysterious magician who enlists her help to bring magic to life. As they work together, Eva starts to suspect that the magician's intentions might not be as noble as they initially seemed. When tragedy strikes, Eva is forced to reach beyond death itself to uncover the true nature of the magician’s plan and prevent disaster.
Thoughts:
"Come See the Fair" began with promise, and I was excited for a compelling story. Unfortunately, it quickly went off the rails and failed to meet my expectations. The plot became convoluted and uninteresting, losing the initial excitement and intrigue. Despite the intriguing premise, the execution left much to be desired. The characters and storyline did not hold my attention, and the overall narrative felt disjointed and unsatisfying. I had hoped for a more engaging and cohesive tale but was ultimately disappointed by how it turned out.
March 9, 2023
Come See The Fair - Not since Erik Larson wrote The Devil in the White City has there been such a dark tale of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. First, I will admit that this novel is well written and held my interest. It’s a story of a young girl, Eva Root, who starts life at the shill to a unscrupulous woman and together they travel running faux séances. Eva runs away and befriends Henry, a talented young artist, whose sketches somehow reflect future events and people. The two of them are heading to Chicago and the wonders of the 1893 World’s Fair. This is a great grab.
Unfortunately, the book, in trying to be mysterious, becomes dark, and sad, and more intense than many young readers may be able to tolerate. I’m seeing it as if Clive Barker writes YA. That’s sort of a combination compliment and a dig at the author. If the protagonists were older, this would have been an excellent book. If the book channeled a younger POV with less darkness it would have been a better book. I think the author, Gavriel Savit, no doubt talented, missed his audience with this one.
#NetGalley #ComeSeeTheFair #RandomHouseChildren's #KnopfBooksforYoungReaders
#Children'sFiction #Middle Grade #SciFi&Fantasy
Unfortunately, the book, in trying to be mysterious, becomes dark, and sad, and more intense than many young readers may be able to tolerate. I’m seeing it as if Clive Barker writes YA. That’s sort of a combination compliment and a dig at the author. If the protagonists were older, this would have been an excellent book. If the book channeled a younger POV with less darkness it would have been a better book. I think the author, Gavriel Savit, no doubt talented, missed his audience with this one.
#NetGalley #ComeSeeTheFair #RandomHouseChildren's #KnopfBooksforYoungReaders
#Children'sFiction #Middle Grade #SciFi&Fantasy
March 12, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Savit blends suspense and appealing characters with enough creepiness for middle grade readers. Eva is an orphan who makes her living faking seances for the women who got her from the group home. One night something intense happens and she really hears a voice. This spurs her to run away to Chicago at the time of the World's Fair (World's Columbian Exposition). On the way, she meets Henry and he invites her to join him at his family's home. Something mysterious happens to Eva when she discovers a hidden pavilion that doesn't quite fit. Strange and eerie events happen from here and Eva and Henry discover a world of magic including a mysterious older man who woos them and separates them. Some of the story is predictable but Savit brings enough mystery and energy to these plot points to make readers want to know more. I appreciate the ending where Eva defeats the pull for power and finds her way to her own life.
TRIGGERS: Death, fires
Savit blends suspense and appealing characters with enough creepiness for middle grade readers. Eva is an orphan who makes her living faking seances for the women who got her from the group home. One night something intense happens and she really hears a voice. This spurs her to run away to Chicago at the time of the World's Fair (World's Columbian Exposition). On the way, she meets Henry and he invites her to join him at his family's home. Something mysterious happens to Eva when she discovers a hidden pavilion that doesn't quite fit. Strange and eerie events happen from here and Eva and Henry discover a world of magic including a mysterious older man who woos them and separates them. Some of the story is predictable but Savit brings enough mystery and energy to these plot points to make readers want to know more. I appreciate the ending where Eva defeats the pull for power and finds her way to her own life.
TRIGGERS: Death, fires
April 17, 2023
Eva travels with her foster mother channeling loved ones at seances and making said foster mother lots of money that is in no way shared with her. It is during one of these seances that Eva hears a voice she cannot ignore telling her to come see the fair. She meets a nice boy on the train on her way that invites her to come with him to his uncle and aunts house to stay while they both see the fair. It is during one outing to the fair when Eva finds a new secret place with a magician that promises to help her grow her magic. But that is when things start to go bad and Eva is the only that can stop it if she can.
This is an interesting book that fuses history with a creep factor all to its own. A creepy mystery, but creepy it is especially when the bodies start to pile up. I like the characters and the history of the Chicago world fair it makes for an awesome backdrop for a story just like this. I believe this story has something for everyone of all ages so I hope you enjoy it as well.
This is an interesting book that fuses history with a creep factor all to its own. A creepy mystery, but creepy it is especially when the bodies start to pile up. I like the characters and the history of the Chicago world fair it makes for an awesome backdrop for a story just like this. I believe this story has something for everyone of all ages so I hope you enjoy it as well.
May 1, 2023
At some point while reading this I went back to check that it was a middle grade book—and yes, I understand that I am saying this as an adult reading it. Weirdly enough, I could see other adults enjoying this dark, magical story, but more likely an older middle grade or early YA reader—one older than the 12-year-old protagonist. Having said that, regardless of the rough and tumble orphan trope, I think the main character makes more sense as a 13 or 14 year-old. I loved The Night Circus, and in many ways this story reminded me of that, but I would almost be inclined to say that this was a darker tale. In hindsight, the cover has a look of foreboding, but when I chose this book from NetGalley I thought it looked colorful and inviting...and that's kind of how I feel about this book. I was surprised at how everything turned out, and found myself in several instances wondering why Eva didn't use her own magic for a better, less confusing, resolution. But maybe that's just the adult in me, trying to make sense out of magic. I'll let the kids decide for themselves.
September 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed COME SEE THE FAIR. In it, young Eva Root is a medium at a seance--a fake medium at a fake seance. And then, something messages her from Beyond to "come see the fair." Which fair? The World's Fair in 1893.
On the way to Chicago, Eva meets and befriends Henry Poole. He too received the message to head to the World's Fair. But when they arrive, trouble awaits.
The best way to describe this book is "Ray Bradbury's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES mixed with Ally Malinenko's GHOST GIRL." The result is delightful and creepy.
I find the marketing a bit perplexing (in a way similar to Savit's THE WAY BACK). The book has a middle-grade-feeling cover. However, the main character is 14, and her sidekick is 16, if I recall correctly, and about two-thirds of the way through, the story becomes much more disturbing. I'd recommend it rather as a young YA, for ages 12 and up. The writing is beautiful enough and the story compelling enough to engage adult readers (although less than Savit's previous two novels).
On the way to Chicago, Eva meets and befriends Henry Poole. He too received the message to head to the World's Fair. But when they arrive, trouble awaits.
The best way to describe this book is "Ray Bradbury's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES mixed with Ally Malinenko's GHOST GIRL." The result is delightful and creepy.
I find the marketing a bit perplexing (in a way similar to Savit's THE WAY BACK). The book has a middle-grade-feeling cover. However, the main character is 14, and her sidekick is 16, if I recall correctly, and about two-thirds of the way through, the story becomes much more disturbing. I'd recommend it rather as a young YA, for ages 12 and up. The writing is beautiful enough and the story compelling enough to engage adult readers (although less than Savit's previous two novels).
July 31, 2024
I don't know that I can say I really enjoyed anything about this book. For an allegedly cynical orphan, Eva is too trusting and frankly dumb. The villain is an evil murderer because ... his wife and kid died in a fire? People are power hungry? Murder is addictive?
I wasn't either particularly sad when anyone died or especially happy at the inevitable good triumphs over evil climax.
To be honest, I think the only good things about the book are the research that went into it and the way it succeeds in transporting readers to the World's Fair. That and the fact that it has a unique kind of mood. I think of it as Plain Kate without the human heart and grimly poignant themes (please read Plain Kate instead--it's shorter and sad but feels like it has a point). Otherwise, the pacing is glacial, the characters flat, and the themes muddled at best.
I wasn't either particularly sad when anyone died or especially happy at the inevitable good triumphs over evil climax.
To be honest, I think the only good things about the book are the research that went into it and the way it succeeds in transporting readers to the World's Fair. That and the fact that it has a unique kind of mood. I think of it as Plain Kate without the human heart and grimly poignant themes (please read Plain Kate instead--it's shorter and sad but feels like it has a point). Otherwise, the pacing is glacial, the characters flat, and the themes muddled at best.
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