The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge
M.T. Anderson
Eugene Yelchin, Illustrator
Candlewick, 2018 523 pages
Grades 4-7
Fantasy/Adventure

Told by two brilliant children's authors in alternating text and illustration. Anderson narrates with text the point of view of Goblin historian Werfel the Archivist, who is saddled with the unpleasant task of entertaining a cranky elf. The goblins and the elves have been at war for centuries and, finally, an olive branch has been extended in the form of visiting historian, Brangwain Spurge, who has been shot by slingshot into goblin territory to deliver a present to the goblin king. Spurge is picky and ornery and is unreceptive to goblin manners and culture. Yelchin shows readers the prissy elf's point of view in illustrations and we see a very different interpretation of events. Meanwhile, letters from Spurge's supervisor and childhood tormentor are included, conveying an insider's perspective to the motivations of the proceedings as reported to the elfin king.  One misunderstanding leads to another until Werfel finds himself in a heap of trouble and the target of animosity from fellow dwarfs. Spurge, for his part, becomes disillusioned with the mission and finds his loyalty wavering. Who is the true cause of the war and who is the real enemy?

I loved, loved, loved this book. It has rich layers and depth beyond the first glance, so much so that I think I need to re-read it. I dismissed this book at first thinking that the cover looked too dated, but because of the two creators involved, who I have great respect for, and the many starred reviews, AND the national book award nomination, I finally picked it up--and then couldn't put it down. It starts off weird-and then gets weirder. An allegory of war and misunderstanding other cultures, disguised as a fairy tale, Anderson and Yelchin have created a modern tale with the heart of something ancient that reflects present society. Within the story there is action, twists, and humor and surprises, along with a heartfelt ending. This title reminded me of the work of Brian Selznick, yet darker, and with a different effect. The creators use the different formats to express the different points of view; demonstrating that two people can see the same situation in completely different ways. At first the two stories interpret the same situation completely differently, yet as the story progresses and the two historians learn to trust each other and become friends, the narrators are telling the same story, just in different formats. The words and illustrations have the feel of a medieval manuscript. The black and white illustrations resemble ancient woodblock drawings and feel pulled from a centuries old tome. Kids will not be naturally attracted to this book. It will require some hand selling, but those who dive in will find it worth the effort. My favorite book of the year so far!