Elisa Sabatinelli

The Secret of the Magic Pearl is a charming nautical-themed exploration of community, family, and a young boy’s courage. I kept in mind while reading that the book is a translation, and that there could possibly some cultural differences that may not have translated fully. And yet, I found the illustrations to be charming and engrossing, and the main character to be thoughtful and mature, yet age-appropriate and believable in his pursuits.
Hector imagines his ideal future in the town where his family identity is so deeply entwined, and as he embarks on his own efforts to find his own thread, he encounters challenges that threaten to change the way of life he holds so dear. Each chapter tackles a question in his life illustrating who or what is important to him, and as you close each, you become better and better friends with Hector. I have no experience with fishing, diving, or anything related to the seafarer’s life- and I found myself increasingly invested in the Marina, in Hector’s family history, and the preservation of his town. It’s hard not to liken Hector’s future with that of the preservation of the town: In the end the book became to me an earnest and imaginative metaphor for the battle with things that both simplify our lives and strip communities of character- industrialization, modernization, gentrification.
Hector and his community are a sympathetic and heart-warming argument for the former, and you will not regret this journey following the heart of this little boy. And if you’re like me, you’ll be left wondering about your own history.… (more)