Book Review: ND Wilson’s “100 Cupboards” trilogy
The “easy” part about writing book reviews is that they’re opinion pieces. You may not AGREE with my opinion. You may even think my taste in books royally stinks. It’s okay; there’s no right or wrong. You can even TELL me you disagree – and why. (As long as you do it nicely. Mean/rude comments will be deleted).
The HARD part of writing book reviews is that sometimes I sit staring at a blank page trying to do justice to a truly delightful read. That’s the case today.
A Twitter contact recommended N.D. Wilson‘s “100 Cupboards” trilogy. I’m quite glad she did. (I’m also glad I didn’t discover the books until AFTER the third one was published.) Wilson has a gift for description that allowed me to immediately immerse myself in his world(s). The characters were introduced but their personalities weren’t presented in a heavy handed fashion. Instead I felt as if I grew to know them as the story progressed, much as if I were making new friends.
The story itself is not new. A young boy, orphaned in practice if not legally, is packed off to live with unknown relatives where he finds adventure that forces him to learn about himself, and grow, until evil is defeated and everyone lives happily ever after. What I enjoyed about Wilson’s version is the adventures in the last two books are caused by Henry (the protagonist) taking responsibility for his actions in the first book. While he has his share of trepidation, he usually grits his teeth and takes action. When his family & friends look to him as leader, it’s because he’s actively earned the position, not passively received it through circumstances.
The books have a little bit of everything: humor, danger, adventure, and magic. The joys of everyday, common experiences overlay the story and the importance of true family and friends intertwine with supernatural powers. I loved reading these books. Even more, I loved that I could recommend these books to my kids.
