Midnight Magic. Avi

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Avi. 1999. Midnight Magic. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780590360357.

PLOT SUMMARY
Set in Italy 1491, in the Kingdom of Pergamontio, Mangus the Magician and his apprentice, Fabrizio, are summoned to the castle of King Claudio to banish the ghost that haunts his daughter -only to discover that it is worse than that.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

After being tried for the sin of performing magic, and in exchange for his life, Mangus the Magician is pursuing Reason and Science over the dark mysteries and intrigues of the Middle Ages. Mangus is not a real wizard but a former entertainer, and indeed he does not believe in magic but rather that every mystery can be explained through logic and reason. He and his apprentice, Fabrizio, spend their days of house arrest in a cold dark home filled with old tomes of knowledge.

One stormy midnight Fabrizio casts his tarot cards. Hoping to see a great future for his master Fabrizio draws: THE CASTELLO, THE KING, THE GHOST, THE PRINCESS, THE TUTOR, THE QUEEN and DEATH. In that moment, the story begins! A soldier arrives to escort Mangus to help the King free the princess from her ghostly visions. Fabrizio follows his master to the King’s side and soon the pair discovers a foul plot is afoot involving a missing prince, murders, hidden passages and of course, the king's deceitful adviser, Count Scarazoni. The tarot cards’ message unfolds as Avi rolls out a wonderful story. The book feels predictable until the plot twists -just when you think you have it figured out. I liked the end when truth and reason win out over lies conspiracy and everyone lives happily in peace and comfort.

The story flows well. I enjoyed the innocence of the plot; not riveting, but certainly entertaining. Avi skillfully weaves serious philosophy into a stirring and spirited piece of fiction. Something that really made this book work for me was the clever banter between Mangus and Fabrizio. Referencing old sayings of truth and wisdom their interactions are humorous and sometimes quite profound. (“I think it’s better to be a living donkey than a dead wise man” –Fabrizio page 127)

[A taste of an early conversation… ]

“Fabrizio, if you buy with ignorance, you will be paid with the same coin.
“But master, you know what people say, ‘False gold often buys more than iron.’
Fabrizio, a fool is paid in folly.
Master, if a foolish man makes a map, let him journey alone.
(Mangus) Ah, but until all men are wise, the wise must act for all men.
Master, just because a flea needs blood to live, am I obliged to carry him on my skin?”
(Page 60)

I have heard about Avi and see his books fly off the shelves. I was curious what the buzz is about so chose him for our featured author of Historical Fiction. After reading the synopsis for this novel I decided it was probably one that I would enjoy. The book was okay - nothing spectacular but an easy and entertaining read. I’m not an “Avi-fan” yet though I’ll likely give another of his novels a try –perhaps his other books are more riveting. I will look forward to the next one.

FEATURED AUTHOR: AVI

Edward Irving Wortis and his sister were born 1937, in New York and were raised in Brooklyn. His twin sister gave him the nickname "Avi" at an early age. He grew up in a family of readers, writers, and artists but did not come easily into his gift. “Teachers told young Avi that his writing didn't make any sense. Little did they know he had dysgraphia, a learning disability that makes writing difficult. Yet, with boundless talent and the encouragement of an understanding tutor, Avi kept writing.” Avi is now a proud author of many novels. For 25 years his career as a librarian supported both his family and his writing until literary success enabled him to retire and become a full-time author. He has won Newbery awards for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (1990), Nothing But The Truth (1991) and Poppy (1995). He writes historical novels, comedies, animal adventures and ghost stories –all for a young audience. Avi lives with his wife in Denver, Colorado. His website features interviews, biographies, photos, and his bibliography of published work. Avi says that his favorite book he’s ever written is “The Next One.”
http://www.avi-writer.com/avi_biography

REVIEW EXCERPT

“Weaving in the age-old clash between superstition and reason, Avi creates a sort of 15th-century Holmes and Watson in the characters of Mangus and Fabrizio, who continually trade aphorisms (" `Fabrizio, if you buy with ignorance, you will be paid with the same coin.' `But, Master, you know what people say, False gold often buys more than iron' "). With snappy dialogue, nonstop action and lavishly embroidered period backdrops, this will please Avi's fans and may well win over some new ones.” (Publishers Weekly: Barnes & Noble)

CONNECTIONS

The inclusion of a ghost and the incongruities of science and magic evoke the lingering question of whether there is truth in the supernatural or if it's merely something science has yet to explain. What mysteries exist today that science has yet to interpret? How do people define these phenomenon in modern day?

Scholastic provides some really wonderful discussion questions for Midnight Magic. One particularly good discussion point scholastic offers is below:

"With its medieval setting, Midnight Magic shows how through time human nature has basically remained the same. Consider Count Scarazoni's statement, "There are laws against magic. Our people fear it" (page 32). At what other times in our history would this statement be true? What does his comment reveal about human nature? What are other things against which people have made laws mainly because of fear?"
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=1054_type=Book_typeId=3982

For ideas on lesson plans and other AVI connections for the classroom check out http://www.webenglishteacher.com/avi.html .