Review by Beeg -- The Secret of Magic by Natassa Louppou

[Beeg]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Secret of Magic" by Natassa Louppou.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Natasa Loupou intrigues her readers by blending time travel into a discovery of courage and compassion as the main character takes that profound leap from childhood into adolescence.

The Secret of Magic: The Forbidden Box by Natasa Louppou, is a fascinating children’s adventure that magically travels through time. It takes its protagonist, Tania, to different historical events that coincide with her birthday, April 15. Somewhat reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, The Forbidden Box has a talking rabbit Mike, who accompanies Tania on her visits to the Titanic, to Greece during World War II, and to Leonardo da Vinci’s art studio. During these historic moments in time, she gently and significantly makes a difference in the lives of those she touches during her dream-like travels.

This fantasy rated three out of four stars offers its young readers an education that is not only historical but also ethical. Young readers will learn interesting details about the sinking of the Titanic, the Nazi German occupation and food rationing in Greece during World War II, and some little-known facts about da Vinci’s upbringing and a few of his paintings. Ethically, The Secret of Magic also teaches its young readers that a magical story can be used to build one’s courage enough to stand up for the less fortunate. Tania discovers a new-found courage to stop a friend’s being bullied. It falls short of a must-read rating only because grammatical and syntax challenges keep the reader from easily tracking, and therefore enjoying the storyline.

The universal message of this novel may best be captured in a sentence from the last chapter: “We think that the world begins and ends with our own life and perception but the world is vast and endless.” Young people will learn that with seemingly small and unrelated acts of kindness, they can change, not only their world, but the world of those around them.

In closing, the plotline could be tightened by choosing a more appropriate title. The words, Forbidden Box in the title are somewhat misleading in that it is not a box, but a suitcase, and there is never any mention of its being forbidden. Rather, it magically allows Tania to travel to exciting and meaningful destinations. Perhaps the title: The Magic Case, or a title which alludes to her newly discovered powers would be more apropos.

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The Secret of Magic
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