LitPick Review
The war rages on as Max, a young Jew in Nazi Germany, struggles to hide his true emotions and survive in a world filled with hatred and danger. When his parents are forced to send him away to Great Britain, Max promises to find his way back to them. As he embarks on a perilous journey, he is joined by two invisible goblins who provide commentary on his life and add a touch of humor and mischief. In Great Britain, life on the Montagu estate is far from luxurious. Antisemitism runs rampant and enemy bombs fall from the sky. Determined to keep his promise, Max sets his sights on becoming an enemy spy. But is twelve-year-old Max shrewd and tough enough to become a spy?
Opinion:
“Flick of the wrist. Cast of the fly. Hooked.” These words perfectly describe the gripping opening pages of Adam Gidwitz's Max and the House of Spies. Drawing from his own family history, Gidwitz authors a poignant and captivating tale set against the backdrop of World War II. Max, the fearless protagonist, possesses all the qualities desired in a hero: courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, and an irrepressible spirit. Gidwitz creatively lightens the weight of the story by introduction of goblins Stein and Berg. Together with a strong and determined protagonist, robust and memorable characters, a vividly depicted setting, and a gripping plot filled with tension and emotion, this book is a must read. A cliffhanger ending leaves readers anxiously anticipating the next book. Fans of historical fiction and adventure will not want to miss Max and the House of Spies!
