Title: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
Author: John Bellairs
First published January 1, 1973
180 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.74
Overview
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a thrilling tale of magic and mystery. When Lewis Barnavelt goes to live with his uncle Jonathan, he doesn’t expect to be plunged into a world of enchantment.
But his uncle and neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both skilled magicians.
As Lewis begins to learn magic himself, he accidentally brings back the former owner of the house – Selenna Izard – and discovers that she and her husband built a clock that could destroy the world. Only Lewis and his companions can prevent the clock from bringing about the end of humanity.
Exciting and suspenseful, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
About the Author
John Bellairs was an American novelist who specialized in Gothic literature. He is famous for two books in particular: The House with a Clock in its Walls, which is beloved by children, and The Face in the Frost, which was a groundbreaking work of fantasy when it was published in 1969.
Bellairs was a highly educated man, with a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame University and a master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago. He spent several years working as both a teacher and a writer, even spending a year at Shimer College during its most noteworthy period.
However, in 1971 he decided to focus solely on his writing career.
Editoral Review
The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs is a classic gothic children’s novel that was first published on January 1, 1973. Bellairs was an American author who wrote many gothic horror and mystery novels for children, and this book remains one of his most popular and enduring works.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a perfect introduction to the gothic genre for young readers, as it is filled with mystery, magic, and suspense.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls is set in the fictional town of New Zebedee, Michigan, where a young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt is sent to live with his eccentric uncle, Jonathan. Lewis soon discovers that his uncle is a warlock and that his house is filled with strange and magical objects, including a mysterious ticking clock that is hidden somewhere within the walls.
Lewis becomes fascinated with the world of magic and begins to learn the secret arts from his uncle, but he soon realizes that there are dark forces at work in the house, and he must use his newfound skills to save himself and his uncle from a terrible fate.
Bellairs’ writing style is engaging and accessible, with a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. The characters are well-drawn and memorable, with Lewis being a particularly sympathetic and relatable protagonist.
The setting of New Zebedee is also vividly described, with its old houses and cobbled streets adding to the atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.
One of the strengths of The House with a Clock in Its Walls is its ability to appeal to both children and adults. While the book is marketed as a children’s novel, it deals with themes and ideas that are relevant to readers of all ages.
The book explores issues of loss, grief, and the search for identity, as well as the power of magic and the dangers of using it for selfish purposes. The themes of the book are timeless and universal, making it a classic that can be enjoyed by generations to come.
One of the weaknesses of the book, however, is its lack of diversity. The characters are all white and there is little representation of other races or cultures.
This is a limitation that can be addressed in future adaptations or reimaginings of the story.
Overall, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a delightful children’s novel that is sure to captivate readers of all ages. It is a testament to John Bellairs’ skill as a writer and his ability to create a world that is both magical and grounded in reality.
For anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read, this book is highly recommended.
Rating: 4/5
