Review Detail

I have always been a huge fan of Brian Selznick and The Kaleidoscope does not disappoint. Selznick's latest novel weaves a series of interconnected short stories which focus on the themes of loss and separation examined through different lenses. The book is exquisite, dreamlike, mysterious, full of puzzles and wonder. Each chapter acts as a kaleidoscope of viewpoints and emotions. Selznick does explain that he drew inspiration from the early days of the pandemic, dealing with separations from loved ones.

Each chapter begins with a kaleidoscopic image and a nameless narrator trying to make their way back to James. Other than that, it is hard to describe the main plot of Kaleidoscope, it is so much more than just a mysterious plot but a creator of strong emotions for the reader. It is just hard to go into plot details without giving away the best parts of the book itself.

What I liked best: The storytelling and how everything comes together. Some of the most impactful chapters for me are "The Ice" or "The Spirit Machine" and "The Apple." It pulls you through page after page, sometimes it made me smile, and other times I might have cried just a little bit. This will be remembered as an important text coming out of the Pandemic.