The First Review: Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke

Cornelia at 2008 Madrid Book Fair

If you have seen the 2008 movie Inkheart, but have not yet read the book, then I feel obliged to tell you that the two are nothing alike. Inkheart was written by the critically-acclaimed German author, Cornelia Funke. Her first book translated to English, The Thief Lord, was published in 2002 by Chicken House. However, Inkheart was her first book to win worldwide popularity, making Cornelia the second most popular children's author, beaten only by J.K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. Cornelia has more than 40 books to her name, and she now lives in Los Angeles, USA with her family.

Inkheart, paper back

Inkheart is the story of a book binder (Moe) and his daughter (Meggie). Meggie loves books, and so does her father, although he has never read aloud to her since her mother mysteriously disappeared. They live quietly, moving around often, until the night a stranger knocks at their door. He has come with a warning that forces Moe to reveal an extraordinary secret- a storytelling secret that will change their lives forever.

The book is beautifully written, very descriptive and makes you recall the joys of holding a book in your hands. Inkheart also incorporates characters from other books, such as Peter Pan and The Arabian Knights, and makes one very excited when you recognise the name of a book or character.  While Inkheart is fantasy book, it is not a 'modern' type of fantasy. Popular 'modern' fantasy being Harry Potter or Twilight, Inkheart makes you reminisce about fairies, elves and magic!

I would recommend  Inkheart for ages 10 and up. However, the other books in the series (Inkspell and Inkdeath) are probably not as appropriate for a child under 13. Adults will also enjoy this series: that is, if you can take pleasure in a fairy story.

Inkheart Theatrical Poster

Statistics


Original Language: German
Title: Inkheart, originally Tintenherz
Author: Cornelia Funke
Publication Date: September 23, 2003
Illustrator: Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Ceclie Dressler (Germany) and Chicken House (USA)
Country/ Languages: Germany and USA (German and English)
Pages: 534
Series: The Inkworld Trilogy
Followed By: Inkspell
Film Adaptation: Inkheart, by New Line Cinema (2008), rated 38% on Rotten Tomatoes
Book Tip: The paper back of Inkheart tends to fall apart after you read it a few times, so I would suggest shelling out a few more dollars and purchasing a hard back


Author's Other Works

1. The Inkworld Trilogy: Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath (2003, 2006, 2008)
2. The Thief Lord (2000)
3. Dragon Rider (2004)
4. When Santa Fell to Earth (2006)
5. Igraine the Brave (2007)
6. Reckless (2010)
7. Saving Mississippi (2010)
8. Ghost Hunters Series (2006-2007)
9. Die Wilden Hühner/ Wild Chicks (Only available in German, 1993-2007)
10. The Princess Knight (2003)
11. Pirate Girl (2005)
12. The Wildest Brother (2006)
13. Princess Pigsty (2007)  


You May Buy Inkheart at:


1. Dymocks Online: http://www.dymocks.com.au/ProductDetails/ProductDetail.aspx?R=9780439709101&gclid=CPSz5v7DsKwCFYSI4god3jsAGw
2. Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Inkheart-Cornelia-Funke/dp/0439531640
3. Barnes and Nobel Online: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inkheart-cornelia-funke/1100580276
4. Angus and Robertson: http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/inkheart/1318347/

Or your closest book store! Thank you for reading!