The Invention of Hugo Cabret

4 out of 5 stars

This book provides a rather unique experience.  It's a rather quick read I'll admit, I finished the 533 page book in less than an hour.  This book is kind of hard to describe, but I'll take a stab at it.

I will quote the author for his most adequate description:  "So what is, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" anyway? "... this 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."

This book is an experience rather than I read.  It truly immerses you in the world of Hugo Cabret.  It opens your imagination and helps you delve into the world of the first films.  The one drawback is because of its style, characterization and plot somewhat lacks.  Overall, I would say that the experience is rather magical.

I've recently watched the movie based on this book and I would strongly recommend both.  They are not something that I would go back and read/watch multiple times through, but the enriching experience of that first through?  Definitely worth it!