The Rope Trick

Rating:
Summary: Wound pretty tight
Review: "Rope Trick" is both similar and different from many of Lloyd Alexander's previous works, and it seems first and foremost to be a study on the characters rather than a story. Not that that's a bad thing -- Alexander's plot is intriguing, fresh, and has plenty of lovable and complex people.

Lidi is an excellent magician, but there is one magic trick that she doesn't know: The fabled rope trick. She and her kindly mentor Jericho rescue a neglected orphan from an abusive innkeeper, and find that little Daniella can predict the future. No sooner have the two made her an "Added Attraction" (she predicted that too) than they encounter a young outlaw named Julian sleeping under their wagon. A scuffle with soldiers sends them on the run to another province.

There they bump into many different people who have encountered the strange magician Ferramondo, who is seen differently by every person. He also knows the rope trick. Lidi begins a desperate search for Ferramondo, convinced that she will not be a true magician until she does. But sinister men are trying to get hold of Daniella for their own gain, and Julian is seeking revenge against "Baboon," the man who killed his uncle and drove him to become an outlaw.

This book is somewhat different from most of Alexander's books. The protagonist is a young girl rather than a boy (even the Vesper Holly books were narrated by a man) with a sad past, and there are more serious, melancholy themes. Julian in particular is a break from Alexander's naive young heroes-in-training, who learn their lessons along the way. It's also full of more introspection, as Lidi often stops to contemplate herself and others. The love story between Lidi and Julian is handled with delicacy, and goes very gradually over the book.

Perhaps the biggest problem is the finale. It's more than a little difficult to understand why what happens does happen, as it doesn't really seem to be entirely connected to the plotline behind it. It is, however, an interesting development and opens possible paths to a sequel; the various subplots are woven together like... well, like a rope. Alexander's writing is spare but amazingly evocative, and his dialogue is full of the same pep and charm as ever.

Fans of Lloyd Alexander will find an enjoyable tale of magic and mystery, and newcomers will enjoy this introduction to Alexander's work. Not his best, but a very good read.

Rating:
Summary: simply.. magic!
Review: I often wonder if the reviewers in literary periodicals actually read the books they are reviewing. If one does, you will find that Lloyd Alexander's The Rope Trick has a most interesting journey and fantastical ending yet of his books.

Lidi is a marvelous, strong willed heroine, not unlike many of his other famous female characters.. This time Mr Alexander has taken us on an intimate journey as Lidi searches for the secret of "the rope trick", an amazing feat of wonder she has heard so much about and must learn for herself.

Hopefully I am not ruining it for you when I say that this story blends many of the adventure elements you have come to know and love from the master himself.. and a new angle you might be surprised at.. and an ending you may love (or not). I loved the ending.. and I found it not abrupt at all but very pleasant.

Final words? A worthwhile read, a keeper and something you will want to gift to friends and loved ones. LA has definitely done it again! =)

Rating:
Summary: John Peters's review is flat wrong!
Review: Let's get this straight - In his School Library Journal review of "The Rope Trick," that Amazon uses as a review of this book, John Peters gets nothing right, to the point that is makes me wonder whether he just flipped to the last few pages in order to mail in his review and collect a check.

This book is brilliant, a challenging work designed to tax the reading and comprehension levels of young teens. Besides giving away a major part of the ending, Peters badly misconstrues major themes in the work. This is a book about how we see God - in our own image, mostly - and how we each find our path to God. It is a major book for young teens that addresses issues such as causes of sectarian conflict as well as the individual's relationship to the Divine.

Read this book, and more importantly get your your young teenaged readers to read it, and then discuss it with them. You and they will not be disappointed. Ignore anything Peters writes - same result.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond the Threads
Review: Lidi's father, who bullied her and taught her to be a magician, prophesied that she would never learn the ultimate illusion, the rope trick. Inheriting his tents and wagons after his death, as well as the massive, kind canvasmaster, Jerico, Lidi embarks on a quest to find the one person from whom she can learn the rope trick, the magician, Ferramondo. Along the way, she collects Daniella, the small waif with an erratic prophetic power, and Julian, the large fugitive with a deeply scarred back and psyche.

Set in Campania, a country reminiscent of nineteenth-century Italy, the author not only creates memorable villains to chase Daniella and Julian and their beautiful guardian, he concocts an extremely eccentric and curious cast of characters -- including dancing pigs.

Alexander's taunt logic leads Lidi and company, not to mention expectant readers, where he has never led before. Those who are familiar with his other works will know that none of his main characters have ever gone "beyond the threads." Precious few authors possess the ability to go there. Readers will find the ending enigmatically comforting. This is one of a handful of books that I would recommend for children who might have to go "beyond the threads."

Rating:
Summary: It's Magic!
Review: Lloyd Alexander has done it again, The Rope Trick is really wonderful, filled with all the adventure and humor that has come to be expected from Alexander. The Rope Trick follows formula's that he has often used, those of the small group of companions and friends traveling together, the love interest, the greedy officials, etc. However,the book is unique in that it is written mainly from the point of view of the heroine. While his heroines have a reputation for being strong and smart, among other things, this is the first book in which there is a real insight into what they are thinking, reasoning, and feeling.
The book is intricately woven, with every scene and all aspects of the plot seemingly essential. The review above by School Library Jounal seems as though it were written after only a cursory glimpse at the book, as the ending is absolutely essential to the story, and is built up to throughout the book. Also, that review gives away the ending of the book, spoiling any surprise meant for the reader.
Anyhow, it's a great book, a very fast read though, so if you only like to read books once, get it from the library, but if you enjoy rereading favorite books, it's definitely worth buying!

Rating:
Summary: The Rope Trick
Review: This book was an amazing fantasy. I was unable to put the book down. The characters in this book were very realistic and intriguing.
Lidi is an amazing young lady, who learned the trade of being a magician from her father. Lidi's father would always tell her that she would not be able to do the ultimate illusion, the rope trick. The rope trick became a defining goal in Lidi's life. Lidi grew up to become a great illusionist, even without the rope trick. Jericho, the canvas master, seemed to be a mentor to Lidi. He would always try to guide her in the right direction and keep them out of trouble. Jericho seemed to be the gruff and grumpy type of man; although it turned out he was just the opposite. Jericho turns out to be a very caring man. Daniella is the sweet little surprise in the book. Daniella is truly the added attraction to this book. If these characters are not a good enough reason to read this book, then the underlying love that builds between Lidi and Jillian could just be the reason you would be looking for. Jillian is an enigma that only reveals his answers when persuaded.
This book has a way of mystifying the reader with its characters and the magic that is enfolded in the entire story. This is a wonderful book for everyone to read.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: This book was great!I tried to put it down, but found myself picking it up again. I liked the characters. Lidi isn't one of those mushy, shy girls that usually star in books. I really like Julian and Jericho and I definately loved Daniella. You should give this book a chance.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: This book was great!I tried to put it down, but found myself picking it up again. I liked the characters. Lidi isn't one of those mushy, shy girls that usually star in books. I really like Julian and Jericho and I definately loved Daniella. You should give this book a chance.