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The Rope Trick
Lidi is a brilliant magician, able to perform all manner of astonishing illusions. But one trick eludes her, the greatest in the world: the rope trick. And only one person can teach it to her: the legendary magician Ferramondo. On her quest to find him, she joins up with Daniella, an orphan with true prophetic powers; a handsome outlaw with a price on his head; and a circus owner with a troupe of dancing pigs. But when Daniella is kidnapped by men who want to use her gift for their own ends, Lidi must abandon her quest and summon all of her resources--and magic-working--to save herself.
195 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2002
14 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Lloyd Alexander
134 books2,113 followersLloyd Chudley Alexander was an influential American author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature is the fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain. The concluding book of the series,
The High King
, was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won the National Book Award and the American Book Award. He was also one of the creators of Cricket Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 19, 2021
One of my favorite books of all times. I decided to put up a--well, this isn't a review, but more a note to myself--because I was thinking of books that are guiding lights for me, and this is one. Along with, for example, more recently, Piranesi. Although Piranesi seems to hit more people that way than this one does. I've yet to meet anyone who loved this the way I did, so it may be a lock-and-key thing: book-reader-point in time.
January 15, 2019
I had no idea he was so prolific. And I'm liking his works better and better. I really enjoyed this, an almost fantasy for 'tweens. The magic is almost entirely sleight of hand etc., but there are peasants and villages, caravans and donkeys, and plenty of adventure to delight young readers. Also a little bit of love, and philosophy, and wit, which makes it good for more experienced readers and for rereaders.
But I probably just described many of his works, no? I'm going to keep reading what I come across by him, for sure, except I'm still not interested in the Prydain books.
But I probably just described many of his works, no? I'm going to keep reading what I come across by him, for sure, except I'm still not interested in the Prydain books.
July 23, 2013
"Lidi was not easy to ignore, especially when flame shot out of her fingertips. Also, she had an attractive smile." A book that begins with a pair of sentences like this is off to a strong start. There's even more to say about it if it comes to an ending as mindblowing and intense as this book does. If, in between a strong start and a powerhouse finish, it is a tight-built, thrilling tale of love and magic and danger and perhaps much more, the trifecta may be downright overwhelming. Though it's in danger of becoming one of my all-time favorites, I can't hold back two tiny complaints. First, there's so little of this book that I came to the end wanting more. My other quibble is simply that the final pages left me wrestling with ambiguity, torn between joy and sorrow. It's the kind of ending that could keep a book club debating possible interpretations for a month. These are, technically, good things. But good things often give as much pain as pleasure.
Lidi is a young woman living an independent life at a time when such women—especially among commoners—were rare. Her father taught her the trade secrets of a performing magician, then died resenting her for being more talented than he was. His troubling hint that she will never be a true magician until she learns the Rope Trick haunts Lidi, forming as much a part of her outlook on life as the advice of her burly canvasmaster Jericho, telling her to love her audience. And so she has an open heart, giving love without hesitation, first to a ragged orphan named Danielle, then to a farm-boy named Julian who is on the run from the law. But at the same time, she remains restless and dissatisfied, always seeking the legendary magician Ferramondo, who alone can teach her the fabled Rope Trick.
One of the things that is most interesting about Lidi's quest is how she does not believe in magic, even though her own talent is so strong that it occasionally crosses the line between illusion and something more. In a sense, it is magical how she brings tiny, starveling Danielle out of her shell of imbecilic silence, and goes on to witness Danielle's strange power to tell the future. But even when Danielle is faking it, her seeming power attracts a danger and an evil that follow in the little troupe's wake.
Likewise, it is almost magical—and more than almost—how Lidi captures the heart of Julian and turns him from dark path of rebellion and revenge. But when her search for Ferramondo leads them perilously close to where Julian's troubles began, it seems his destiny won't so easily turn from him. In the scary and agonizing climax of the tale, the search for Ferramondo, the young man's quest for justice, and the little girl's flight from abuse and slavery, converge on one point where the only way out is the Rope Trick.
Award-winning American author Lloyd Alexander here does for medieval Italy what he did for Wales (in the Prydain Chronicles), ancient Greece (in The Arkadians), India (in The Iron Ring), the Arab world (in The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha), and probably many other cultures, from the age of myth and legend to modern times. He creates an original story that vibrates with the resonance of a folk tale, and that tickles the tummy, surprises the mind, and warms the heart by turns. I feel a strong urge to devour as many of this man's books as I can, including the Westmark trilogy, the six-book Vesper Holly series, and such magical stand-alone titles as The Wizard in the Tree and The Fortune-Tellers.
Lidi is a young woman living an independent life at a time when such women—especially among commoners—were rare. Her father taught her the trade secrets of a performing magician, then died resenting her for being more talented than he was. His troubling hint that she will never be a true magician until she learns the Rope Trick haunts Lidi, forming as much a part of her outlook on life as the advice of her burly canvasmaster Jericho, telling her to love her audience. And so she has an open heart, giving love without hesitation, first to a ragged orphan named Danielle, then to a farm-boy named Julian who is on the run from the law. But at the same time, she remains restless and dissatisfied, always seeking the legendary magician Ferramondo, who alone can teach her the fabled Rope Trick.
One of the things that is most interesting about Lidi's quest is how she does not believe in magic, even though her own talent is so strong that it occasionally crosses the line between illusion and something more. In a sense, it is magical how she brings tiny, starveling Danielle out of her shell of imbecilic silence, and goes on to witness Danielle's strange power to tell the future. But even when Danielle is faking it, her seeming power attracts a danger and an evil that follow in the little troupe's wake.
Likewise, it is almost magical—and more than almost—how Lidi captures the heart of Julian and turns him from dark path of rebellion and revenge. But when her search for Ferramondo leads them perilously close to where Julian's troubles began, it seems his destiny won't so easily turn from him. In the scary and agonizing climax of the tale, the search for Ferramondo, the young man's quest for justice, and the little girl's flight from abuse and slavery, converge on one point where the only way out is the Rope Trick.
Award-winning American author Lloyd Alexander here does for medieval Italy what he did for Wales (in the Prydain Chronicles), ancient Greece (in The Arkadians), India (in The Iron Ring), the Arab world (in The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha), and probably many other cultures, from the age of myth and legend to modern times. He creates an original story that vibrates with the resonance of a folk tale, and that tickles the tummy, surprises the mind, and warms the heart by turns. I feel a strong urge to devour as many of this man's books as I can, including the Westmark trilogy, the six-book Vesper Holly series, and such magical stand-alone titles as The Wizard in the Tree and The Fortune-Tellers.
November 21, 2020
happy to report that this one is still as good as my 15-year-old self thought it was
June 12, 2017
This book really isn't all that long, but it took me almost four days to read because it moved so slowly. The characters seemed poorly developed, the language was dull and repetitive, and the ending made no sense. I've liked some of Alexander's other novels, but this one...I wish I'd skipped it.
2/5 on here, 4/10 for myself
2/5 on here, 4/10 for myself
January 26, 2020
It took a while for me to figure out how I felt about The Rope Trick. The ending certainly took me by surprise and it was beautifully done, as is usual for Lloyd Alexander. But it left me feeling sort of depressed, and the whole story had a strangely melancholy tone that even cast a shadow over any lighter moments. It's not at all a mediocre book; it's mature and well-crafted but it didn't make me smile like most of his books do. Perhaps this is due to the viewpoint being solely from adult characters who are already quite jaded. There is a little girl, but nothing is really shown from the child's viewpoint, which is unusual for one of his books.
The Rope Trick is a sad and haunting book. There is not a trace of bitterness in it, but it very much feels like he wrote it when he was weary and resigned. I think it's a very personal story, and I would be the first to admit that it's a very good one. But it was lacking the bit of hope and joy that normally illuminates even his darkest books.
The Rope Trick is a sad and haunting book. There is not a trace of bitterness in it, but it very much feels like he wrote it when he was weary and resigned. I think it's a very personal story, and I would be the first to admit that it's a very good one. But it was lacking the bit of hope and joy that normally illuminates even his darkest books.
August 2, 2008
I've started rereading Lloyd Alexander just because I wanted to read about characters who overcome in the face of adversity and who learn deep lessons. I wanted to read about endearing characters like Jericho:
"He was a large man, and if anybody in Lidi's audience got out of hand, Jericho had only to go and stand next to the trouble-maker, who immediately grew quiet. Jericho was a tiger when it came to protecting Lidid, but she was the only one. He had a secret. He was softhearted. He did everything he could to hide it eve avoiding sick dogs, stray cats, and wounded birds. He knew the world well enough to fear that this might be used against him."
One cannot fail with Lloyd Alexander's books.
"He was a large man, and if anybody in Lidi's audience got out of hand, Jericho had only to go and stand next to the trouble-maker, who immediately grew quiet. Jericho was a tiger when it came to protecting Lidid, but she was the only one. He had a secret. He was softhearted. He did everything he could to hide it eve avoiding sick dogs, stray cats, and wounded birds. He knew the world well enough to fear that this might be used against him."
One cannot fail with Lloyd Alexander's books.
November 7, 2015
I'm hard pressed to find a book of Alexander's I don't love or, at the very least, like. The Rope Trick is magic and romance and family and gypsies, and it's a lovely little book.
April 29, 2023
This book was great.
The twists and turns of the novel kept me on edge, and ready to read the next chapter.
Although at some parts of the story, it was slowing down the pace of the story.
But I didn’t mind that much.
I loved the romance between Julian and Lidi.
And the different conflicts and plot twists of the story.
It was fast paced, funny, action pact, romantic, and just an amazing novel to read when you’re looking for a story to remember forever.
This book is amazing, and should be apart of a series.
Just and amazing, fantastic read.
Recommend this to people who enjoy an original, fantasy novel with an amazing plot!
The twists and turns of the novel kept me on edge, and ready to read the next chapter.
Although at some parts of the story, it was slowing down the pace of the story.
But I didn’t mind that much.
I loved the romance between Julian and Lidi.
And the different conflicts and plot twists of the story.
It was fast paced, funny, action pact, romantic, and just an amazing novel to read when you’re looking for a story to remember forever.
This book is amazing, and should be apart of a series.
Just and amazing, fantastic read.
Recommend this to people who enjoy an original, fantasy novel with an amazing plot!
December 11, 2015
Strong, flashy, red-headed female fantasy lead?
Actually, there is nothing that unusual about a redheaded character, especially in fantasy, but I'm still going to cheer every time anyway. RED REPRESENT.
ANYWAY, The Rope Trick was clever and poignant as only Lloyd Alexander can be. I liked the main character, Lidi, who is talented but not unbelievably/magically so, and stubborn. I liked that this wasn't a coming of age story for her. She is a grown woman. I wanted more of her, though. The lyrical writing is illuminating but also hides a lot. Like personality. I felt the minute the love interest was introduced, she got weaker and less interesting. There are some nice secondary characters though, like the orphan girl Daniella. I like that this is the story of Lidi and her "family", but also every person they run into whose life was touched by the wise Ferramondo.
I loved the use of Ferramando and how he appears differently to different people.
However, I didn't really care for the romance. It smacks of insta-love and makes little sense. Perhaps the problem is that I didn't care for Julian much. His character was clever but I didn't love him. And Lidi got weaker around him.
I also was super confused by the ending.
It was a good book but I was looking for more in it. Still sweet and satisfying, mostly. (That end CONFUSES me!)
Actually, there is nothing that unusual about a redheaded character, especially in fantasy, but I'm still going to cheer every time anyway. RED REPRESENT.
ANYWAY, The Rope Trick was clever and poignant as only Lloyd Alexander can be. I liked the main character, Lidi, who is talented but not unbelievably/magically so, and stubborn. I liked that this wasn't a coming of age story for her. She is a grown woman. I wanted more of her, though. The lyrical writing is illuminating but also hides a lot. Like personality. I felt the minute the love interest was introduced, she got weaker and less interesting. There are some nice secondary characters though, like the orphan girl Daniella. I like that this is the story of Lidi and her "family", but also every person they run into whose life was touched by the wise Ferramondo.
I loved the use of Ferramando and how he appears differently to different people.
However, I didn't really care for the romance. It smacks of insta-love and makes little sense. Perhaps the problem is that I didn't care for Julian much. His character was clever but I didn't love him. And Lidi got weaker around him.
I also was super confused by the ending.
It was a good book but I was looking for more in it. Still sweet and satisfying, mostly. (That end CONFUSES me!)
June 9, 2010
Alexander's Prydain series were second only to the Lord of the Rings in my 'favorites' list when I was a kid, but I never kept up with reading his new books, as they are mostly aimed at younger readers. After this, however, I may go out of my way to get them!
Yeah, this is a kids' book, but it's a really good kids' book. Alexander has a talent of somehow bringing everything to life with a brief, seemingly-simple, but well-turned phrase.
Lidi, a recently orphaned young woman, has decided to keep on with her father's family business as a traveling magic show. Her dream is to find a certain legendary magician and have him teach her his fabled 'rope trick.' Travelling through the provinces of an Italian-esque countryside, picking up a charming ragamuffin fortuneteller and a jack-of-all-trades on the run from the law along the way, she knows her quest is something of a wild goose chase - but feels bound to pursue it all the same. Similarly, her new hired-hand feels bound to pursue revenge against the overseer who murdered his uncle - even though the feelings between Lidi and himself are growing. Both must make decisions about what really is most important to them...
My only complaint with this book is that it ends VERY abruptly. It also seems to give the message that sometimes, the best thing to do about your problems is to run away from them. I've been thinking about this, because it's a sentiment that I actually agree with pretty strongly - but it's rare in fiction, and I think, just because of this rarity, it bothered me. Leaving things not solved but avoided isn't typical of a novel - but I think I liked it.
Yeah, this is a kids' book, but it's a really good kids' book. Alexander has a talent of somehow bringing everything to life with a brief, seemingly-simple, but well-turned phrase.
Lidi, a recently orphaned young woman, has decided to keep on with her father's family business as a traveling magic show. Her dream is to find a certain legendary magician and have him teach her his fabled 'rope trick.' Travelling through the provinces of an Italian-esque countryside, picking up a charming ragamuffin fortuneteller and a jack-of-all-trades on the run from the law along the way, she knows her quest is something of a wild goose chase - but feels bound to pursue it all the same. Similarly, her new hired-hand feels bound to pursue revenge against the overseer who murdered his uncle - even though the feelings between Lidi and himself are growing. Both must make decisions about what really is most important to them...
My only complaint with this book is that it ends VERY abruptly. It also seems to give the message that sometimes, the best thing to do about your problems is to run away from them. I've been thinking about this, because it's a sentiment that I actually agree with pretty strongly - but it's rare in fiction, and I think, just because of this rarity, it bothered me. Leaving things not solved but avoided isn't typical of a novel - but I think I liked it.
September 15, 2017
I usually really like Lloyd Alexander, and I'm super torn on this one because I loved most of it. The characters are vibrant, the stories of each of them are interesting, and I didn't even mind the love story. On the other hand, I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt and a lot of things were left unexplained. And while it's frustrating, I also am fairly sure that was part of the point of the book, which is so focused on illusion, magic, and what is truly real.
In reality, I think this is a 3.5 for me, but I rounded up just because I usually love Alexander so much.
In reality, I think this is a 3.5 for me, but I rounded up just because I usually love Alexander so much.
October 31, 2016
I imagine this book is geared toward elementary children but it is such a simple beautiful story. I really enjoyed it. Short and sweet. For a children's geared novel it was so sweet and easy to read. A lovely story of a girl searching for something she's always desired only to find it hidden within herself all along while finding a rag-tag of a family if you will. Very simplistic but joyful read.
August 11, 2014
I'm always a Lloyd Alexander fan and there are many short "storytelling" stories in this book that promote such a charming morality, including one told by a pig herder. The end, I confess, still makes me confused.
September 29, 2014
A fantasy book with magic and excitement set in italy, full of tales, and just a really good book. Cutest book kiss ever, and i have a crush on JUlian and the romance is ahh perfect. <<
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March 10, 2022Okay, so this book! I was recently cleaning out a closet and found a library receipt for May 2011 - a really tumultuous time for me. I was in my hometown for a few weeks and checked out a childhood favorites: The Rope Trick by Lloyd Alexander. And I thought, hey, I should reread that!
The dedication reads, "for those in search of their own magic," which just feels perennially fitting. This middle grade novel is about Lidi, a young magician, who is on the road with her gruff canvasmaster, performing tricks at inns and in fields whenever she can. At one stop, she takes on a little girl with a quick wit, and at another she falls in with a handsome young ruffian. It's often whimsical, sometimes meloncholy, and the characters spin a lot of yarns. As the story goes on, the lines between performance and real magic blur. All along the way, Lidi is trying to find the elusive magician Ferramondo so she can learn his famous rope trick.
This reading, I wondered what drew me in as a child. Of course, the inkling that magic is real. The understated romance. The dreaminess and how Lidi both has friends and gets shit done all on her own.
See you in another ten years, Lidi.
The dedication reads, "for those in search of their own magic," which just feels perennially fitting. This middle grade novel is about Lidi, a young magician, who is on the road with her gruff canvasmaster, performing tricks at inns and in fields whenever she can. At one stop, she takes on a little girl with a quick wit, and at another she falls in with a handsome young ruffian. It's often whimsical, sometimes meloncholy, and the characters spin a lot of yarns. As the story goes on, the lines between performance and real magic blur. All along the way, Lidi is trying to find the elusive magician Ferramondo so she can learn his famous rope trick.
This reading, I wondered what drew me in as a child. Of course, the inkling that magic is real. The understated romance. The dreaminess and how Lidi both has friends and gets shit done all on her own.
See you in another ten years, Lidi.
November 16, 2019
This wasn't among my favorite of the many Lloyd Alexander books I've read this year, but it is a good read, and it has its own poignancy. One of the last books he wrote, I suspect and perceived that he was anticipating and contemplating the approaching end of his life. It has a somewhat melancholy air to it, and it ultimately deals frankly with death and what follows after. Aside from that, it is typical in many ways to some of Lloyd Alexander's other adventure stories and tales of self-discovery. It did remind me especially of the Iron Ring and the Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio (his last book).
November 26, 2023
The idea behind the book was good, following a group of people who travel around and put on shows (the main character being a magician, then them adding a girl who is a psychic) was interesting.
Lidi spends their travels searching for Ferramondo so that she can learn his rope trick, but struggles to find people who actually knew him or witnessed it.
I overall liked the book for the most part, but I'm knocking down the rating due to the ending of the book. I found the end to just be confusing.
Lidi spends their travels searching for Ferramondo so that she can learn his rope trick, but struggles to find people who actually knew him or witnessed it.
I overall liked the book for the most part, but I'm knocking down the rating due to the ending of the book. I found the end to just be confusing.
October 1, 2018
The ending ruined the book for me. I liked the pacing, the characters and the world-building. Alexander has a way of story-telling that makes something seem magical even when there isn't that much magic. However, how everything was wrapped up at the end once they climbed up the rope, it was so sudden and not very satisfactory. I suppose its symbolic of something, dying or going to heaven or reaching a higher level of thinking, but it didn't give me that full, satisfied feeling I get after reading a good book. It left me flat. Not Alexander's best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
I haven't read a book by Lloyd Alexander before and didn't quite know what to expect, but this was a real treat. I loved the language and the storytelling. It had all the best parts of a YA book for me, quick pacing, relatively simple story that still offers up some nice surprises, and a lot of really lovely characters. A great rainy afternoon read. It gave me some great Diana Wynne Jones vibes and I'm excited to try out more of his books.
April 5, 2020
I have found that I like Lloyd Alexander's characters, I like how he puts a seed here, a seed there, and then it comes to something later. I do not like how slow the burns are, or how the ends of the books seem to be where they should really BEGIN. So the real questions: Is it rereadable? No. But I'd skim it. Would I read the sequel? Yes. Would I probably skip ahead a bit? I dunno.
November 7, 2017
A hidden treasure by one of the hidden treasures (at least hidden in the 21st century) of young adult literature. Just read this book aloud to my 9-year-old daughter. The last chapter may be one of the best Alexander ever wrote -- it captures the true spirit of fantasy and myth.
March 20, 2020
Lloyd Alexander is an author I have always enjoyed. This is one of his lesser known books and while it is not my favorite of his it is still quite good. His writing style is such that it definitely stands up to the test of time.
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August 26, 2025This book is not what I expected. I guess I should really have known better: I've read enough by Lloyd Alexander to know his books are never generic. But the ending was so abrupt and... neutral? I don't know. I think it will have to rank rather lower on my scale of his books.
August 7, 2017
Reread it recently and was awed by the whole thing 10/10 recommend for all ages
June 16, 2019
Newbery Award
September 6, 2019
A good, solid story, and nicely written.... although I admit the end threw me a bit. Almost *too* magical compared to the rest of the book.
May 23, 2020
Simple and sweet; leaves me wanting more
June 3, 2020
A charming book with pleasant characters. Ending seemed rushed.
December 7, 2020
A classic I keep coming back to, though I'm not sure why. It hits a need somewhere for a fairly straightforward story, great writing, family of choice coming together, and a kind of whacky ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews