Beatrice Smith Shakespeare has grown up in the Theatre Illuminata, a special magical theater where the characters of all the plays ever written live to act out their parts. The theatre is magic, and the key is The Book. Bertie is different though, she’s not a character nor an employee and she’s quite the mischief maker. She loves the Theatre with all of her heart, but the Theatre Manager tells her she must leave or find a way to make herself indispensable. Meanwhile, not everyone loves the Theatre as Bertie does and some long to be free. Can Bertie find a way to both stay at the Theatre and save it?
I have to admit it took me awhile to get into Eyes Like Stars. The reason is that the world of the Theatre Illuminata is so fully realized as a separate world and has such a huge cast of characters that it took me while to really get into it. But once I did, I really enjoyed this story. The characters, while there are many, are sharply drawn. I especially adored the fairies who kept me simultaneously giggling throughout the pages and feeling exhausted by their boundless energy. I also enjoyed the many theatre references with all of the different characters and lines that were quoted throughout. I think any fan of Shakespeare would enjoy that part! I felt for Bertie, who was struggling to find a strong sense of self–both where she came from and how to make her life significant in the present.
There is a bit of a love story, but it’s not overwhelming at all, and in some ways could have been done without as there was plenty else going on in the story at all times. Apart from a very very minor bit of language and a few jokes, the book is mostly clean.
If you’re looking for a totally different kind of read and/or if you love theater, than I really suggest you check out Eyes Like Stars!
You can check out Lisa Mantchev’s website and blog for more information.
Eyes Like Star is on blog tour right now! Check out these other great sites that are featuring the book:
The 160 Acre Woods, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, A Patchwork of Books, Abby the Librarian, All About Children’s Books, And Another Book Read, Becky’s Book Reviews, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, The Friendly Book Nook, Homeschool Book Buzz, Homespun Light, Hyperbole, KidzBookBuzz.com, Never Jam Today, Reading is My Superpower, Through a Child’s Eyes
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July 6th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I’ve been hearing people talk about this book. Sounds really good!
July 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
[...] There’s a review up at The Friendly Book Nook. [...]
July 6th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I enjoyed your review!
July 7th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I was confused in those first few chapters, too, partly because I didn’t have a clue how far reaching the magic was.
The fairies were fun and funny. They played like any comic-relief character in a Shakespearean play.
July 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I’ve been wondering about this book. Thanks for the great review.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
[...] The Friendly Book Nook [...]