The Book of Everything

March 27, 2006
This brief post-WWII novel packs an emotional wallop. In 1951, following the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, nine-year-old Thomas lives a fear-filled existence with his mother, sister and abusive father. Though Thomas's father ends every evening meal by reading aloud a Bible passage, he routinely beats both Thomas and his mother. Things change after Thomas befriends the reputed "witch" next door. Indeed, Mrs. Van Amersfoort, whose husband was executed by the Nazis for aiding in the Resistance, takes subtle steps to help Thomas and his family. Her deep magic may also be responsible for the odd occurrences in Thomas's household, which eerily parallel the story of Moses and the pharaoh that Thomas's father is reciting. The young hero records these events, and his encounters with Jesus (funny, at times irreverent conversations) in "The Book of Everything" he writes in each day. The narrative, told from Thomas's perspective, draws heavily on Christian symbolism—Mrs. Van Amersfoort serves Thomas a cordial "as red as blood"—and frequent episodes of magical realism (e.g., the angels in heaven "covered their eyes with their hands and sobbed loudly" when Thomas's father strikes his mother). Readers who enjoyed Frank Boyce's Millions
will find the same sophisticated storytelling here (though without the plentiful humor), and a satisfying resolution, as Thomas's father gets his comeuppance, and the young hero sticks by what he wants to be when he grows up: happy. Ages 9-12.

July 1, 2006
Gr 4-6 -In spite of his hard life, Thomas believes in happiness. He adores Eliza, who has an artificial leg. He sees Jesus and talks to him. He sees tropical fish in the canal. In between his father -s beatings, he records all he believes, thinks, adores, and sees in his "Book of Everything". His Bible-quoting father justifies his brutality toward his son and wife as, -It is the man -s task to lead and instruct his wife and children. And if they refuse to listen to him, he has no choice but to -&. - Things come to a head when his older sister threatens their bullying father with a carving knife, their mother stands up to him, and neighbors turn against him. In the end, he sees that his lonely father is terrified of life. He is encouraged by an unlikely ally, Mrs. van Amersfoort, who lost her husband to the Nazis, but still believes in happiness. Winner of the Flemish Golden Owl award, this book is enchanting. The translation manages to hold the shaky feel of a postwar Netherlands. Thomas is proof that there is beauty in dirty streets and that innocence cannot be destroyed. A solid, if not first, purchase." -Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2006
Gr. 8-11. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, nine-year-old Thomas responds, "Happy. When I grow up, I'm going to be happy." His rigid, religious father, who hits his wife and children, warns Thomas, "Only good-for-nothings and weaklings are happy." Fortunately, Thomas is aided by a neighbor, who introduces him to Beethoven and poetry; a remarkable older girl with a leather leg; and even the Lord Jesus, who actually communicates with Thomas from time to time: "Hey there, Thomas. Everything under control?" Set in Amsterdam in 1951, this slender Dutch novel is filled with quirky characters, frightening family confrontations, and laugh-out-loud moments. Dark humor and a wry, ironic tone, reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut, give the story a sharp edge. In a faux introduction, the author explains how the elderly Thomas gave him the book and warned him that he should read it first because it "may be too disrespectful." This irreverence may disturb some but delight others, who will cheer on the earnest, good-hearted Thomas.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)