Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician

The splits between narrators, what each believes to be a reality, and the interpretations of magic make this book enjoyable for me. From each perspective, we are given a different clue as to who Henry is, why he is what he is, and what his outcome may be. But never are we given a definite resolution, much as in standard life. Each individual has their own way of looking at the world, of creating their version of truth from each piece of data they are given. The voices found within Wallace's novel, explaining the life and passing of Henry, each create their own reality, and never can a reader be sure of which is the ultimate one.

I, personally, don't believe there is an ultimate truth in Wallace's depiction of Henry Walker's life, and show more that is a true beauty of the novel to me. How often does an author give so much insight into a character, and yet leave so much to interpretation of the reader? Wallace makes a point that life is about your resolutions, your determinations, your interpretations. Other readers may be disappointed that there isn't a more formal moral or a stronger theme to the book, but to me, it was an enjoyable read, with a unique twist to what authors often try so hard to instill in their readers: belief. show less

A fan of "Big Fish" the book and film, this story has a certain element of fantasy spun in a different manner. An astute storyteller, Daniel immerses the reader in a world of a traveling Chinese Circus whose magician appears to be Negro, unique that it was during the time. Unfolding slowly, we learn about the magician's history and how he came to be, a story unto itself. Several twists and turns and references to the Devil, this is enjoyable though not as much as Bloom's tale in "Big Fish".

This was a curious book. The writing is very good and the plot is compelling. Yet I often felt lost, wondering "What's going on here? Am I just not getting this?" Certainly in the end I had no idea what had really happened, which I did not enjoy at all. It's kind of like a song that sounds beautiful, and yet the lyrics make sense only to the writer (a bit like Tori Amos).

I'm not sure why I waited so long to read this book. I've enjoyed the previous three novels by Wallace and yet, it had been sitting unread on my shelf for over a year. My mistake! This may be my favorite of them all. There's mystery, illusion and great characters. Wallace doesn't disappoint. Plus, he appreciates his fans.

Reviewed by Mrs. Bancroft (Language Arts)
This novel begins with a Depression-era circus. The book has so many twists and surprises I could not stop reading. There are multiple narrators which adds to the mystery throughout. It reads somewhat like Twain, requiring suspension of disbelief while maintaining enough realism to make you question the craziness. You can't tell much about this book without ruining some of the mystery, but if you read to page 45 I don't think you'll be able to stop. Expect this to become a movie. This is the author of Big Fish and there are many similarities within the stories.

Initially, the book was hard to slip into, but after the first two chapters, the different narrators added complexity and a puzzle-like effect that kept my interest--was this real or was this fantasy? I think the biggest shock came with the revelation about Henry's sister toward the end.

However, the resolution was too glib--the private detective "explaining" (deus ex machina) to the circus folk and then the 3 redneck toughs driving Henry to their home to do a magic trick? Not credible.

The different narrative threads/anecdotes--how he came to be black; his meeting with Mr. Sebastian; Marianne's ability and death, were entertaining, but ultimately, the character was a static representation that did not grow or develop from the opening show more chapter. I expected more from the character's search. show less

Wacky but thoughful story that tells of Henry Walker and his life and (mis)adventures as a magician, and how he became what he was - The Negro Magician. Open-ended conclusion left me a bit at loose ends, though.