The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World | E.L. Konigsburg

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World | E.L. Konigsburg | A fascinating, deeply moving novel

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The Mysterious Edg...

	The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World E.L. Konigsburg Ginee Seo Books, 2007 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Another Konigsburg triumph

"The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World" is a companion piece to "Silent to the Bone" and "The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place." It stands on its own, but the three novels enrich and cross pollinate one another even though they are not "sequels" or "prequels." Because it involves an art mystery, it is also a descendant of Konisgburg's Newbery Award winning novel, "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler." But what a descendant it is.

As you have probably read in the previous reviews, this novel addresses the art that was stolen during the Holocaust. In some places it becomes a primer on "Degenerate Art" and on the Nazi persecution of Jews, homosexuals, Roma (gypsies) and other non-Aryan "undesirables." (There are generalizations about the Germans in World War II, some of which certain readers may find disturbing, though they come from the mouth of a character--Leilani Vanderwaal--who has survived the German occupation of Holland, and whose point of view--stated simply and almost eerily without drama--is entirely understandable.)

"Mysterious Edge" is redolent with literary resonance: names like Fortinbras, Epiphany, Amadeo, and even Lancaster (remember the War of the Roses and how the House of Tudor established itself?) dance along with everyday life in a small, heat-stifled Florida town, giving the narrative a quirky depth. Even the name of the town, St.Malo, recalls the real St. Malo, the walled French town that became notorious as the home of privateers and pirates, reminding us in yet another way of theft, murder and betrayal.

Konigsburg's novel is filled with coincidences, but not the kind that seem contrived--the kind that seem destined, at least to this reader, who has experienced numerous odd coincidences over the course of her life. Amadeo Kaplan sets out to do something important, to discover something important, and what he discovers are not only artistic masterpieces long buried, but an unexpected best friend, William Wilcox, and a eccentric neighbor, former opera "diva" Mrs. Zender, whose past holds secrets that are nearly unbearable, more so because of their common re-occurrence on the stage of world history. The Holocaust is but one of humankind's continuing attempts to eradicate parts of itself. Mrs. Zender is certainly one of fiction's most memorable characters. (In her own way she rivals Mrs. Coulter of Philip Pullman's masterful "His Dark Materials" trilogy.)

Konigsburg is a great writer. Read the section describing Amadeo's first encounter with Mrs. Zender's kitchen and her rotary dial princess phone, just shortly after the book commences. Read it out loud so you can savor every word.

Can you tell I loved this book? I loved the characters, the wit, how each chapter ended, how the book ended. I was left with the truth: life is inherently mysterious and just living is an heroic act. We are always on the edge of something--we know not what until we get there. And art can not only be redeemed, art itself redeems us.

Thank you, E.L. Konigsburg for yet another thoughtful, intelligent, moving novel.

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A fascinating, deeply moving novel

Having previously read Konigsburg's (outstanding) short stories in Throwing Shadows, I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel. However, by the end, I was blown away -- not just at how fascinating I found the story, but also how surprisingly poignant it was. It's a tough novel to sum up in a few sentences, but you won't be disappointed.

It puts you on the edge of you seat.

I really love this book. Very impressive. Very funny and sad. I cried my heart out. I didn't want it to end.
I want to recommend this book for those who love art, history, feminism, and truth. Not only for kids but also for grown-ups. The greatest book I've ever read. Definitely.

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reviews: 1, page 2

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