Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret captivates with its unique blend of novel and graphic storytelling, appealing to both children and adults. The intricate illustrations and historical touch enchant readers. However, some find the pacing uneven, with certain narrative sections dragging. Nonetheless, it remains a highly recommended, innovative work.

Readers who enjoy imaginative, visually rich storytelling akin to The Arrival by Shaun Tan or Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick will be captivated by The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Ideal for those who appreciate a blend of graphic novels and historical fiction with a sense of adventure and mystery.

In the 1930s Paris, orphaned Hugo Cabret secretly maintains the train station's clocks while striving to repair a broken automaton left by his deceased father. He befriends Isabelle, the goddaughter of Georges Méliès, who owns a toy booth there. Together, they uncover Méliès's secret past as a pioneering filmmaker, leading to Hugo's future as a skilled magician and inventor.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

Brian Selznick

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Invention of Hugo Cabret and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Background

chapter

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-12

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Part 1, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-12

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Part 2, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Character Analysis

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Themes

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Essay Topics

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Invention of Hugo Cabret?

Reading Age

Book Details