From The Mixed-Up Files Of Mrs Basil E.

by E.L. Konigsburg

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

I remember reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler in fifth grade. I was enamored with the concept of E.L. Konigsburg's book. I think it was the idea of slipping away, rebelling with a theme that was similar to the first book in the Boxcar Children series ie children running away from an apparently cruel situation.  I was drawn to the theme of "the grass is always greener".

However, as an adult, the story was told too simplistically to hold up throughout the years. I think as the book was written in the 60s From the Mixed-Up Files comes across as a little outdated. It was subtle, and it pains me to say it, but the use of a phonebook shows a story's age.

Lastly, with the plot of a prolonged stay in a museum, it reminded me of A Night at the Museum and I am not a fan of Ben Stiller.

Overall, I think the problem with From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler was not the plot, inventive characters or E.L. Konigsburg's writing style it came down to the fact that it remains a young adult book. It is best related to Wendy Darling being unable to travel to Neverland. She is all grown-up and too old to journey with Peter Pan again.

This review was originally posted on First Impressions Reviews