Have you ever found an old photograph and wondered who the people were or what the story behind it was? Those early photographs often show people in stiff poses with eerie, staring eyes, making it hard to picture them as real, living beings. Perhaps these thoughts inspired Ransom Riggs to write “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”
The story starts with Jacob “Jake” Portman, a teenager with a boring job in a department store. His life is quite unremarkable, except for his grandfather’s intriguing stories about a children’s home during the war, where kids had extraordinary powers. His grandfather shows him old photos of the home’s residents, including an invisible boy, a levitating girl, and a child with two mouths. Jake cherishes these stories until he grows older and starts to doubt their truth.
Then, a tragic incident and a terrifying encounter with a supernatural creature leave Jake traumatized and questioning his sanity. Seeking answers, he travels to the Welsh island his grandfather often spoke about. There, he uncovers astonishing truths about his grandfather’s past and the mysterious children, realizing his own future is connected to their fate.
If this premise makes you think of the X-Men, don’t worry; Riggs quickly sets his story apart. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is rich with adventure, time travel, monsters, and looming danger. Riggs masterfully creates suspense and fear, leaving readers anxious about the characters’ vulnerabilities and survival.
Jake’s character is relatable as he navigates between his ordinary life and his new, extraordinary discoveries. However, more depth about Jake’s personality outside the paranormal context would have strengthened his character. Sometimes, Jake’s narrative voice seemed too refined for a sixteen-year-old, and more background on him would have been beneficial.
The children in the home are captivating, though numerous, making them sometimes hard to track. Memorable characters include Emma Bloom, who can create fire and becomes Jake’s close ally, Millard Nillings, the invisible boy, Bronwyn with her superhuman strength, and Olive, who floats above the ground like a balloon.
Miss Peregrine, the headmistress, is intriguing though I hoped for more depth to her character. The promise of more books in the series suggests we’ll learn much more about her and the other children.
The photographs Riggs uses are striking and add to the story’s dark, mysterious tone. These vintage images, potentially early examples of trick photography, enhance the eerie atmosphere as they blend seamlessly into the narrative.
The story concludes in a way that is both satisfying and open-ended, leaving some elements resolved but others lingering, which keeps readers curious about what happens next. Some subplots felt odd, and certain decisions by Jake seemed risky, yet they fit well into the story and promise further exploration in the series.
It’s easy to understand why “Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children” became a bestseller. With its gripping plot, suspenseful twists, and unique adventure, it’s a hard book to put down. Fans of fantasy will likely find it an engaging read, despite some areas where the story could improve. Riggs has crafted a unique world that leaves readers eager to see how Jacob and the peculiar children’s story continues.
Overall, this story is a thrilling journey that captivates you with its blend of mystery, fantasy, and eerie charm. Jake’s adventures and the peculiar children’s fate make you want to keep turning pages to see how everything unfolds.
