The Incredible Magic of Being by Kathryn Erskine

The Incredible Magic of Being

The Incredible Magic of Being by Kathryn Erskine

Guest Post by Padma Venkatraman

Like her debut novel, Mockingbird, whose title echoes a classic, Kathy Erskine’s latest title, THE INCREDIBLE MAGIC OF BEING, is similar to Milan Kunderra’s brilliant work, The Incredible Lightness of Being. Like it, I am sure this book will also be adored by many.

Erskine’s title captures two salient features of this book – the incredibly kind, sensitive, funny and quirky narrator, who is fascinated with the magic of the universe and of everyday life. Erskine captures the voice of Julian, the 9-year-old narrator, with uncanny precision. Julian has a special sense of perception that makes him feel intimately connected with the entire universe and all that it holds. If you think that sounds stodgy or unbelievable, think again. Julian will make you laugh out loud, even as you feel moved by the problems he encounters. Meeting him was one of the most enjoyable events of my summer.

When Julian’s moms decide to move to Maine to open a bed and breakfast, Julian hopes the new location will provide new opportunities to deepen family connections that he feels are fraying. His older sister, Pookie, who was once kind and understanding, is now a teenager. She seems distant and uncaring. His two moms, one of whom is more protective than Julian would like, are stressed out by the move and the problems that come with raising an angry teenager.

Frightened though he is of water, he enjoys watching the night sky through his telescope so much that he overcomes his fear by sleeping in a treehouse, by the lake that edges their new property. His overprotective parent is upset by this, but she doesn’t have time to worry about it too much – as other problems loom on the horizon. Their neighbor, the inscrutable Mr. X has lodged a complaint that may prevent his parents from starting the B&B. Julian discovers, as does Pookie, that the family’s savings have been invested in this business. Determined to help out, Julian begins to communicate with Mr. X, and an unlikely friendship begins. We are plunged into an adventure about the magic of everyday life, that ends with a surprise twist that makes us ponder the meaning of our own existence and our connections with one another and with the universe.

Julian peppers his insights on human nature with comparisons to the universe. His incredible knowledge of astronomy and physics enter the narrative – but he presents them as “farts” – facts and random thoughts. His sensitive nature is evident, but he’s never maudlin or sentimental. Instead, he’s uproariously funny. His observations on human nature are woven in seamlessly with the facts he presents. One quickly understands why he has problems relating to his peers, socially – and yet one loves him rightaway.

Through Julian’s wonderful voice, Erskine explores what it means to be different in our society, how we communicate with one another, and the bonds that bring us together as friends and family.

NOTE: This review was based on an ARC

BIO

Padma Venkatraman is the author of three critically acclaimed novels: A TIME TO DANCE, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, each of which was released to multiple starred reviews. Cumulatively, her books have several awards and been honored with inclusion on over fifty best book lists. Her 4th novel, THE BRIDGE HOME, is about homeless children in India and is scheduled for 2019 Spring release by Nancy Paulsen Books. She enjoys teaching and mentoring and visiting schools and has presented keynote addresses at national and international conferences. Visit her atwww.padmavenkatraman.comand @padmatv.