Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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About Me
- Marta Magellan
- I write books for children, mainly on nonfiction topics, but also adaptations of folklore. I worked as a Professor of English, Creative Writing, Survey of Children's Literature, Issues in Literature and Culture, and World Literature. I also write an occasional newspaper or magazine piece (usually on nature or travel) as well as books for children.
At first glance I was a little skeptical of Hugo Cabret, but once I started reading I could not put it down. I absolutely loved it! I thought the book cleverly played out Georges Melies life while adding a mystery to it. The pictures didn't just illustrate what the words were saying but instead they told the story, which I enjoyed. When I had finished reading the novel I wanted to start it all over again! I loved how, by the end you felt a part of the story. I would definitely read another book like this.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED The Invention of Hugo Cabret! I read the whole book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down! Gorgeous book! The pictures were amazing! I absolutely loved how the written story would stop and how the pictures picked it up again with no words. It was like a mini movie in my head. Loved it! Would recommend this book to everyone!
ReplyDeleteThe format of "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" makes it a unique book, to say the least. It's not quite a literary novel, but nor is it a graphic novel. The book's format really brings to mind a common problem in graphic novels: the authors get too (for lack of a better word) talky; they don't know when to just shut up and let the pictures tell the story. "The invention of Hugo Cabret" doesn't have this problem; the talky segments and the picture segments are kept completely separate. Ironically, this helps them work together exceptionally well to tell the story.
ReplyDeleteI think it makes sense to compare the format of "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" to that of the graphic novel because they have the same end goal: they both use a combination of pictures and words to tell a story. Both formats have their strengths and weaknesses.
A disadvantage of the "Cabret novel," as I will be referring to them, is that they cannot have both dialogue and images at in the same place. The graphic novelist has more freedom to exercise subtler use of scenery and facial expressions in dialogue heavy sections, a liberty the Cabret novelist doesn't have. In addition, ever present images of the characters and their situation can create a strong sense of immediacy more easily than a Cabret novel, and if the writer/artist of a graphic novel avoids the pitfall I mentioned earlier (too much dialogue when it isn't needed), then the graphic novel can match the Cabret novel in having textless segments where the pictures tell the story.
Still, the Cabret novel has one important advantage that cannot be underestimated: narration. While a graphic novelist can use narration, it is far more natural in a Cabret novel. A narrator can be as vague or specific as he/she likes, while a graphic novelist must draw the scene in a specific way. Narration also makes internal monologue much more natural, and allows for expository statements to be made without needing to fit it into character dialogue or using awkward narration boxes. That's just no name a few; the advantages of narration are huge.
All in all, I like this new format, and I'm very excited to see if other authors do some interesting things with it.
What you have written could be the beginning of a literary critique of the novel -- in this case focusing on comparing Hugo Cabret to a graphic novel. Good work. I don't know if you can stretch this to five pages' worth, but it does read like a good beginning for a paper.
ReplyDeleteHugo Cabret was a phenomenal novel. It captured the heart of reading and inspired me to push myself to write stories. I loved the entire tone of the book with the feeling of watching a film. The pictures were not illustrations that simply brought the authors words to life, but were actions that pushed the story forward. I could hear the sounds of the train station in the clock tower and I could hear the foot steps of Hugo as he ran from the station guard. I was visually stimulated in this novel. The story itself was interesting and mysterious. It had sympathetic moments where i truly felt for Hugo. I was enthralled by his life and how he only stole to stay alive. His love for his father was heartwarming. This novel I think can only work in the tone of film. Its entire purpose was to make you feel like you were watching a film and dreaming almost. It set out and accomplished its goal. I hope another book comes out like this that can really pull off the same effect that this book has.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." I do agree with Elizabeth Cole on the fact that at first glance you really aren't sure how well the book is going to be. However, after reading the first chapter I was not able to put the book down. It was a magnificent story and it really brought to my attention how unique George Meiles style of writing and creativity is.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I enjoyed the illustrations and the way that they portrayed to what was happening next in the story. The illustrations definitely helped me to imagine what was going on and it is what makes this story fantastic. I really do recommend this novel to everyone and I do hope George Meiles creates another book with the same effect and unique layout.
Guys try to post a comment on my blog --- http://lit2330.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI don't care what you say. I want to check if the blog allows comments.
Thanks
ABSOLUTELY! I’ve always loved picture books, and even though The invention of Hugo Cabret isn’t considered as one, nobody can deny that there are many elements they have in common. However, this new genre, no matter how it will be called, works even better since each picture does more than illustrate, it is actually an indispensable part of the book and determines the reader’s comprehension of the whole story. In Hugo each drawing represents perfectly the unwritten words, those ones the author decided to bring to life throughout amazing images. Also, each image is linked to the following group of words in such a well-thought way that there is no place to anything but curiosity! Reading it was like watching a mystery movie (like those Agatha’s ones), and made me feel nervous, anxious, and excited at the same time the characters were feeling that way. The story, the way it is written and illustrated; the topic, based on real life with a mixture of fictional elements, and the ending, full of surprising events, made this book one of the greatest children’s book I’ve ever read!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the book, I was flabbergasted by the size. Honestly, I was dreading it, that is, until I actually opened it. The detailed pictures intrigued me in such a way that I actually ended up reading it faster than expected. I finished it within the day. I absolutely loved how the pictures were intertwined with the story as part of the revelation not only of the character’s life, but also of the silent film era. Everything about this book was masterfully thought out and presented in a unique way. Aside from the artwork, I also believe the plot was very alluring and mysterious. I am anxious to see if the author continues to write in this style. In addition, I understood that The Invention of Hugo Cabret is going to hit the big screen. Although I have little hope that the full essence of the book will be able to be captured and appreciated in a film, I am still looking forward to seeing it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought the book, I didn't even want to open it. However, as soon as Prof. Molina told us to read it, I decided to give it a chance, and I LOVED IT! I loved the way it’s written. I also liked the way the author mixed reality with fiction (Melies and the beginning of the movie era) It's simple for kids to understand the plot of the book thanks to the pictures. It starts with illustrations and it ends the same way. I enjoyed reading it and felt part of it too. Its mystery made me want to keep reading and the pictures talked by themselves.
ReplyDeleteAt first the book looks a little intimidating because of it's large size. I thought to myself "any kid would be scared to read it," but once I opened to book and started reading I realized it was a great book. It was easy reading and very creatively written. I enjoyed the little mystery of Hugo's invention that allowed the reader to keep wondering what the finished product would be.
ReplyDeleteI thought the book was extraordinary. I absolutely love the style of writing. I like how the pictures are as important as the text between them. All the characters were very unique and very real. The author knows how to keep his readers turning the page. Everything about this book was just incredible. I really enjoyed reading it, there was nothing bad about it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful use of "mixed media" in the sense that the author used both words and images to tell his story. I guess this makes that old cliche of "a picture is worth a thousand words" just a bit more true, for the drawings do an excellent job of conveying mood especially in the depictions of the children and Georges. I enjoyed this book immensely and it has inspired me to have my girlfriend add illustrations to my novel.
ReplyDeleteThe invention of Hugo Cabret made me fall in love with pictures in books again. As a reader I always tend to look through the rest the book. Although with The Invention of Hugo Cabret I felt that if I would look ahead it would spoiled the story for me. I was kept on my toes the entire reading. The photographs and pictures were astonishing there was no wrong imagination of characters, or setting it was all there laid out for the reader. I felt curious about silent films and learning more about them. It worked for me, although for a child I think it could have been more exciting or maybe even having colorful pictures. Hugo was a great character to try to understand, so secretive, and with tragic start but a spectacular ending. I look forward to reading more books within this new eclectic genre.
ReplyDeleteI think "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" was such a great story.I think the way the book looked seemed misleading because I thought it was not going to be an interesting story but I was so taken back when I started to read it.I loved how it was written and the combination of the story and illustration flowed together perfectly.The story defiantly came to life because of the illustrations.Reading the story was like watching a movie.I have to say that the ending was great because it tied the whole story together very well.I really liked reading this book.
ReplyDeleteI was very intrigued when Prof. Magellan told us about this book. I love reading, but I've also enjoyed reading manga (Japanese graphic novels) since the 90's before they became mainstream. These days you can find a graphic novel section in any library or bookstore. I think this book is a sort of spin off from the graphic novel craze that seems to be taking hold of the younger generations today. This book is different, however, in that the pictures don't accompany the words, but instead pick up the story- as many have pointed out already. I wasn't expecting this and was pleasantly surprised. Of course, I enjoyed the story for more than it's graphic format.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of film, the book made a very good first impression on me. It begins exactly as a movie would, with the fade-in and close-ups. Even the fact that the pages are all black made me feel like I was watching the story unfold in a theater. I thought it was interesting that this book is pioneering a new approach just as Georges Melies was a definite pioneer in film. Speaking of Georges, the author showed some real spark of genius in the way that he fit the story so neatly into the mysterious dissapearance of the real Georges.
As for the story, I was really sucked in. I can't help enjoying a good mystery! The author handled the suspense well. The reader is practically in Hugo's shoes as the thrilling prospect of revealing the hidden message draws near. Although I should have expected it, I didn't foresee that the message would turn out to be just as graphical as the book itself. Ofcourse it would turn out to be a picture instead of words!
Overall, the book left me wanting more, but the payoff in the plot was quite satisfying.
This book is a master piece of this decade for children literature. It shows rather than tell; it is perfect in every way. The book combines real and fiction material in an enchanted way that no one has done before. The pictures are not colorful, but they are very expressing and help the story flows. Moreover at the end of the book one can understand why the pictures have no colors.
ReplyDeleteOnce you start reading the book you cannot put it down since the author seeds the mystery right at the first two chapters. Through out the book one finds more mysteries which the pictures help understand. Brian Selznick the author and illustrator creates a story around the life of Georges Melies which was one of the first film makers.
This book is better described in its website and this is a fragment, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not exactly a novel, and it’s not quite a picture book, and it’s not really a graphic novel, or a flip book, or a movie, but a combination of all these things."
Nicholas Sylver
ReplyDeleteAs a reader of graphic novels, I had read "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" countless time. No matter how many times I open that book up, it is almost impossible for me to put down. I actually find the layout to be more interesting than the story surrounding Melies and his life. I don't see a documentary on one of the world's first filmakers. What I see was a revolutionary (whatever you want to call it) book that helped pave the way for graphic novels.
After reading Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek I found myself wondering where these books were when I was growing up in elementary school. Although we had our share of Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, nothing could compare to this. Even at an older age than recommended for this novel, I find myself a bit frightened when having read it at night. For starters, what makes the book distinctive is its use of actual streaming videos which bring life to the words in Ryan (the main character)’s journal. Although words can be eerie enough the videos definitely took the plot to an entire different level. At some points during the story, I found myself simply wanting to read further as opposed to stopping to watch the videos, just because they incited fear.
ReplyDeleteAs Skeleton Creek is a new and contemporary children’s literature piece, many might not know of it just yet. Still, its thrilling plot enthralls the reader, especially the mind of a young reader, into the story, allowing them to feel like a character in the novel. Carman’s simple language and style of writing (in the image of a teenager’s personal journal) ultimately attracted me as it wasn’t a very common format in many modern books of today. Moreover, I noticed the plot kept increasing from the very beginning, as it left me able to anticipate the ending rather than drag on the story with useless details and phrases.
I particularly enjoyed this story because of its rapid and thorough storytelling, as the author utilized Ryan’s journal as an outlet for the unknown mystery that lingers toward the end. Overall, I would read it again and definitely recommend it to another reader. Regardless of its genre of literature, there is no doubt that it captures the imagination, bringing the reader to the town of Skeleton Creek, making them feel like Ryan and Sarah, the two teens who are simply trying to uncover an obscurity in their dull town.
"Not exactly a novel, not quite a picture book,not really a graphic novel,a flip book, or a movie, but a combination of all these things." This is what I would agree on about "The Invention of Hugo Cabre". This new technique of merging such form of illustration and text in the book is quite pleasing. Specifically the variation of tone and values with graphite create a contrast with highlights,allowing the detail to create a soft image, and give the story a realistic feeling. I admired how the illustrations appeared as cinematic sequences, moving the story along at crucial junctures. As if they were stills from vintage french silent movies. Granting the story and antique yet modernized touch, setting the perfect mood of France.Most importantly,this reminded me of being able to watch a motion movie while reading the novel. Rather than the illustrations being something separate or different to the text,it was much more like a motion picture where everything goes hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek I thought I really wanted to know what happened next. It was very interesting getting into the book for since I have a cousin who lives in a small town and have visit, her I can understand how Ryan and Sarah felt. Being in a small town where every one knows your name and not having that much interesting things happen to you can be boring.And if you find something interesting like the town having a secret then I would get on board and explore why no one likes to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the whole concept of reading and going online is also interesting for it gave me an idea of how the place looked and how the characters looked like. As I finished the book and told my little cousins about it they now would like to read it. I really do recommend this book to younger readers because its completely different from what i read back when i was younger and I know that it will grab younger readers with the whole going online and watching videos.
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ReplyDeleteHonestly, I must admit that I have mixed feelings about the book. It is all very strange one side of me loves it, but the other thinks of it as just another brick in the wall. I enjoyed the pictures, it made the stoytelling feel more real by making it very visual, but the author might have over done it with the illustrations. the story itself was short, it was intriguing and it never felt heavy, but story was told in a very blunt way. But it was just too short. I guess I was just expecting more words, since the book is a also a novel. I felt like the story somehow has already been told, maybe not in that same matter but the book felt very repetitive. I was expecting hugo to be the new "alice".
ReplyDeleteBut it really was not. There was nothing the author did in this book that has not already seen in other children's books. My favorite part about the book was the lead character hugo.
I thought he was a very realistic character, he did not feel so good and pure like in most books. He had a very nonchalant personality which is refreshing for a children;'s book. The way he took over for his drunkard of an guardian, and just did it without any hesitation was really cool. I think that the character is someone who children today can easily relate to, instead of characters from other era's.