Edinburgh, 1874. Born with a frozen heart, Jack is near dead when his mother abandons him to the care of Dr. Madeleine-witch doctor, midwife, protector of orphans-who saves Jack by placing a cuckoo clock in his chest. It is in her orphanage that Jack grows up, amid tear-filled flasks, eggs containing memories, and a man with a musical spine. Dr. Madeleine warns Jack that his heart is too fragile for strong emotions: he must never, ever fall in love. But of course, he does, on his tenth birthday, and with head-over-heels abandon, for a bespectacled young street performer with a soul-stirring voice. But it's not only Jack's heart that's at risk, it's his very life. Now begins a wild journey of escape and pursuit, from Edinburgh to Paris to Andalusia, where Jack will finally learn the great joys-and the greater costs-of owning a fully formed heart.
"Malzieu's prose is distinctly original, spitting and fizzing with unique similes and striking metaphors, wonderfully translated by Sarah Ardizzone."
"Affords considerable escapist pleasures…Malzieu sketches European landscapes and crafts figurative language with irresistible relish…Calling to mind a host of cultural touchstones, from Pinocchio to The Wizard of Oz, this kaleidoscopic picaresque will enchant many adults and young people alike."
"The celebrated Jim Dale is an inspired choice to present this quirky take on a timeless love story. His lovely English accent, gift for creating voices, and mastery of pace and intensity make this performance a real treat…Dale's skills will enthrall adult listeners. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."
"Malzieu uses vivid metaphors and fantastical inventions to craft a beautifully written tale of love, both maternal and romantic…not unlike a Tim Burton film-dreamy, dark, and magical."
"Malzieu's dark, fanciful Tim Burton-esque story is dually delightful and sorrowful. Multiple Grammy, Tony, and Audie award winner Jim Dale infuses his inimitable charm into this French fable, bringing it vividly to life."
"A phantasmagorical novel."
"Music from Malzieu's band Dionysos is seamlessly and appropriately included at the beginning and end of the story. Jim Dale, talented narrator of the Harry Potter series and many other audio titles, captures the beautiful language of this novel in a fully-voiced reading. Jack's Scottish accent is gentle and easily understood, and the voices of other characters are easily distinguishable. Older teen and adult listeners are in for a treat with this recording. Some graphic sex and language."
