Inkheart (Inkheart Trilogy, Book 1): Volume 1 (Inkheart Trilogy, #1)

by Cornelia Funke

Anthea Bell (Translator)

• ISBN10: 0439709105
• ISBN13: 9780439709101
• Publish Date: 1 May 2005 (first published 1 January 2003)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Scholastic US
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 576
• Language: English

Reviews

4,5 stars

"Books have to be heavy because the whole world's inside them."

I have encountered a bunch of childhood favourites that don't stand the test of time after a reread. I was worried that Inkheart would fall into the same category, but, thankfully, I still ended up loving it.

Inkheart is a book about book lovers. Imagine being able to read your favourite characters out of a storybook, but also dealing with disastrous consequences, villains who are downright despicable and the loss of loved ones. I think it takes an interesting look at a readers' greatest fantasy come to life, while also showing the dangers and consequences. 

I love all the characters in Inkheart. They feel real and their motivations, reactions, emotions and feelings make so much of sense. My favourite character is Elinor because she's the type of character that I usually like - a no-nonsense person with a soft heart.

The plot is repetitive at times, but I didn't mind because I enjoyed the story. The plot is original and unique and I found it difficult to put Inkheart down.

Reading Inkheart felt like a warm hug, like coming home to something extremely familiar. I'm so glad that I decided to reread this series. 

"No, the story must have a happy ending. It wouldn't be right otherwise! She had never liked sad stories"

  

[rakesandrogues]

Ultimately, I could not get myself to read this until there were only five chapters left. I do adore the concept of the book, and I think that there are so many quotable passages in the book, but I couldn't get myself to enjoy the story.

[celinenyx]

This book is about a little girl, Maggie, whose father can read characters out of books. I read this book three times now, and it still strikes me how different this book is from other children's books. It is very, very dark for that age category, and maybe that's why it's so appealing.
The storyline was inventive and I adore Elinor's character and the happy ending wasn't too sweet. The writing was a little childish at times, but what to expect different from a children's book, right?
My only annoyance where the quotes at every chapter. I like quotes, but man, these were way to obvious. They weren't inspiring in any way, and I stopped reading them after a while. Also, what is up with al the Pinces Bride quotes? Does Cornelia Funke have an advert deal with the publisher or something?
Anyway, I surely be reading the next book when I get the chance.

[sstaley]

Slow start...but after chapter 16 it really takes off!

[nannah]

This is such a wonderful book! All the characters are amazing and seem so very real. I love the interaction between all the people.

[SilverThistle]

Inkheart isn't aimed at adults but it was entertaining enough and kept me reading to the end.

The cover of the book makes it appear like a light, fantasy story filled with fairies and nice things......but nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, there are a few fairies but only enough to fill a sentence or 3, the rest of the book is given over to dark, sinister types with murderous intent.

The concept is a fascinating one. The ability to read characters and things out from the pages of a book. As great as that sounds, the reality of it is more of a curse than a gift as the lead characters find out, and you're left wondering right up to the end how they can put things to right.

If this book has any flaws, it's perhaps that at times the pace stalls and is slow to pick up again, also I feel the villains seem to be a bit too one dimensional. Pain, suffering, misery and fear seem to be all there is to them but perhaps since they're a 'baddie' in a storybook, that's all they need ???

I wouldn't recommend it to be bumped to the top of anyone's TBR pile but it's a nice book to fill in the 'between books' times, that might crop up.