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The King in the Window (2005)

by Adam Gopnik

Other authors: Omar Rayyan (Illustrator)

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3791168,003 (3.58)10
Eleven-year-old Oliver, an American boy residing in Paris, discovers, much to his astonishment, that phantoms live within the windowpanes and have selected Oliver to lead a war against the "soul-stealers" that inhabit mirrors.
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» See also 10 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 11 (next | show all)
The wonderful part about this book is the feel of Paris and the presence of the past in the present. Racine, Molière, and Richelieu (still adjusting his mayonnaise) are here, and Versailles is really a portal to a different world. The plot is fine, but what I remember is Paris, the dinner with Mrs. Pearson, the clochards, and all the windows.

I think the first half of the book was more satisfying and that it loses itself a bit when the American startup guy enters the story. Maybe New York authors just can’t write convincing Silicon Valley stereotypes. But that is a nit on a fun story with a nice bit of depth. My son didn’t see anything wrong with it. For me, catching myself reflected in the café window isn’t quite the same anymore. ( )
  wunder | Feb 3, 2022 |
Really enjoyed the unique fantasy element. Short summary: Oliver accidentally becomes the King in the Window, King of the window wraiths, and is expected to lead the final battle against the Mirror Master, also called The One with None. ( )
  Sopoforic | Apr 30, 2017 |
I just couldn't force myself to finish it. I did read at least a third, to give it a fair chance, but it was just too slow for this adult. I can't imagine a young person would try as long. ( )
  jrbeach | Mar 3, 2017 |
This is a book about a war in Paris between the Windows and the Mirrors and an average boy who is selected as the king of the Window Wraiths. The story shows real character development in the boy, which is interesting and has some higher principles of ethics and physics were engaging. I read this with my son. It was a very slow start, but we persevered and it paid off. There are some good messages in this book, but it is not preachy. The book shows that they boy can learn to think critically and solve problems. I also like the setting and the freedom that the parents give their son.
( )
  jlapac | Aug 14, 2013 |
This was alright. The story was kind of interesting. It kept me just intrigued enough to keep reading. Honestly, the second half of the book was better than the first, there was more action. Id say its good enough for a one time read. ( )
  DeathsMistress | Nov 29, 2012 |
Showing 1-5 of 11 (next | show all)

» Add other authors

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Adam Gopnikprimary authorall editionscalculated
Rayyan, OmarIllustratorsecondary authorall editionsconfirmed
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If Oliver had simply smiled and joked with his parents while he was wearing the gold paper crown, or if he had just remembered to take it off after dinner, as he had always done before, the window wraiths might never have mistaken him for royalty.
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Eleven-year-old Oliver, an American boy residing in Paris, discovers, much to his astonishment, that phantoms live within the windowpanes and have selected Oliver to lead a war against the "soul-stealers" that inhabit mirrors.

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