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Revision as of 09:57, 1 August 2016
, 09:57, 1 August 2016no edit summary
Oh! I found ''The Hypnotist'' to be such a compelling read. Told by both Pip and Jack Morrow, the professor, we feel strongly the oppressive structures of segregation from two points of view - via the oppressed themselves and via the shock and horror of outsiders. Pip navigates as best he can while Jack tries to subvert as best he can. But both live in fear of the dangerous and unstable Erwin. We also hear from Hannah, who may be mute, but sings beautiful songs to herself in her head. I don't want to say too much about the storyline itself for fear of spoilers but it's all a wonderful blend of kitchen sink realism, accurate historical detail and an atmospheric dollop of magic realism. Anyone interested in hypnosis will find it fascinating, too.
Laurence Anholt (along with his wife, Catherine) is best known for his many, wonderful books for younger children. One of our favourites is [[One World Together by Catherine Anholt and Laurence Anholt|One World Together]]. ''The Hypnotist'' is his debut novel for YA readers - but really, you couldn't tell. It's a very assured piece of writing. It draws you in from the very first page and keeps your attention until the last. I would recommend reading the afterword, which explains the way in which avoiding one story led Anholt to this story - but that both stories have the same impulse: to explore oppression, prejudice and what it is to be powerless. ''The Hypnotist'' does a wonderful job on all these things.And how could you not be well-disposed towards any YA novel that riffs on Dickens?!
Recommended.
