Charming and imaginative book that reminded me of American Gods crossed with Scott Pilgrim vs the World. A boy allies with a dog named Bear and a bear named Dog and stumbles into a magical world/video game to save his father.



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Luka and the Fire of Life was written by Salman Rushdie for his youngest son and is a companion book (note, that this is not a sequel) to Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Given to me by one of my bosses for Christmas, I’m really glad I didn’t just stick this on a shelf with some of the other gift books I’ve received over the years. While not the best novel I’ve ever read it was lovely and amusing.

As a surprise miracle child to two aging, doting parents, Luka’s life is idyllic until his father falls asleep and cannot be awakened. It is then up to Luka to go through the realm of magic, a land that is set up just like a video game, and steal the Fire of Life in order to keep Nobodaddy, his father’s a ghostly replica, from drawing all of the life out of him. Along the way he makes new friends and figures out puzzles, but he is constantly working against time. The fire is well guarded and Luka has to rely on the stories of his father as well as his friendships and cunning to not only acquire the fire but get it back before his father dies.

The best word to describe Luka and the Fire of Life is “charming.” I couldn’t help but smile most of the time I was reading it. I loved the fairy tale structure and the bits of modern life woven through it. The way Rushdie explains the world of magic through Luka’s eyes came off just the way a six year old would see things, and that’s what you need to make a fantasy or children’s book believable. There is enough in the plot and world building to keep an adult entertained while reading to a child, as there are several parallels made between the current American political climate and the different groups of people Luka encounters in the magical realm. It’s not hard to see where Rushdie drew his inspiration from, and I think that gives it something extra. My favorite part was how Rushdie handled the ancient pantheons. Without giving too much of the plot away, I found what they had become believable. In a modern world it almost seemed like the only alternative after being worshipped so long ago.

The characters were terrific as well. I’m not anywhere close to Luka’s age, but I remember what it was like to view the world in such black and white terms. Luka is written just right for his age. Rushdie also does an excellent job of transforming the major players in Luka’s life into magical equivalents. For example, the bully he longs to trump is the king of the Rats and the most beautiful girl he has ever seen is named for his mother. These details lend to the believability of the story and held my attention much better than the actual narrative.

I must admit that it took me far too long to finish something that should have only taken me a day. This could be due to the book’s dreamy quality, so it was easy for me to slide in and out. I didn’t feel that rush to finish finish finish like I get with a truly terrific book. This is also not something you should pick up if you’re looking for something similar to Rushdie’s adult novels. It is written with a child in mind, so if books for younger readers aren’t your cup of tea I recommend you pass.

This isn’t the kind of book I will intentionally reread again and again, but I won’t rule it out either. I can see picking it up if I’m not feeling well and want something light and fun. I also plan on getting my niece a copy when she is old enough to enjoy having it read to her. ( )

I get the impression that, for Rushdie, writing 'young adult' means simply means writing 'whatever the hell I want'. The imaginary SuperChildren who would catch even half of the allusions, puns and whatnot he tosses about are probably too small to be a Real Live Market. This book is a 'young adult' title in the same way I am a movie star--we both may have stood next to one at some point, but that's about it.

Having not read Rushdie's other work, it's hard to comment in any detail. Without a second point of reference in his body of work, I can't really discriminate between the Adult Rushdie and Young Adult Rushdie. Although I was curious enough to add *Midnight's Children* to my stack. So that's a Good Sign.

Recommended if you like Zany Fables and/or are a Childish-yet-Perspicacious Adult.

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Sequel to "Haroun and the sea of stories." Not quite as excellent as the original, but still magical storytelling at its finest. This story deals with Luka, Haroun's younger brother, who must travel to the World of Magic to steal the fire of life in order to save their father (who seems to be able to get into trouble than his 12-year-old son). ( )

Cute and clever, but not for me. I was too easily distracted while reading this book. ( )