The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World

By: E.L. Konigsburg

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Discoveries

Amedeo Kaplan dreams of discovering something -- some treasure no one realizes is there until he finds it. And he would like to discover a true friend to share this with.

Improbably, he finds the friend in aloof, edgy William Wilcox. And even more improbably, he finds his treasure among the memorabilia in the house of his eccentric neighbor, Mrs. Zender. But Amedeo and William find more than treasure -- they find a story that links a sketch, a young boy's life, an old man's reminiscence, and a painful secret dating back to the outrages of Nazi Germany. And they discover unexpected truths about art, friendship, history, heroism, and the mysteries of the human heart.©2007 E. L. Konigsburg; (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc.

An important book to read

I was first introduced to E L Konigsburg when I was in 6th grade not too long after The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler came out. She set me on a path to look at art more deeply, more questioningly, and with even greater appreciation. While this her last book, which I just happened upon, is not "easy" it is nonetheless important. It is critical for our youth to understand where art fits in our history and not take it or those who gave their lives in preserving it for granted. It is also imperative that we not forget that art is the keeper of our humanity and our souls as art transcends language, class, race, and religion. This book is not about wizardry or a lighthearted story; it requires something of the reader and it like many of her books also charges her readers to thought, to conversation and to continue even though the story has ended. Sadly and terrifyingly history can, often does, and will repeat itself if we as a whole do not stay vigilant. Works such as this need to be encouraged not dismissed because one might actually walk away with important knowledge.

Not 4 kids

I love kids' stories, I guess for their escapism. I thought this would be a childs adventure, but it wasn't. Not one that most children or preteens would find interesting, I think. And maybe not teens or adults. There were some moments of brilliant imagery. But, all told, it's one of my least favorite Audible stories so far.