Paris, 1931. Young Hugo Cabret has lost his father, his uncle has been missing for months and it has since become his job to make sure that the clocks are perfectly run in the train station. One day, he is caught stealing from the toy shop and his father's notebook is taken from him. The toyshop owner asks questions Hugo refuses to answer and the man tells him he will burn the notebook. Hugo follows the man home and begs for his notebook back. When they reach the man's home and he closes the door on him, Hugo tosses a pebble at the window and begs the girl that appears to make sure that the man does not burn his notebook.
The next day, Hugo returns to the toy booth and asks for his notebook back. The man claims to have burned it. Hugo goes back every day asking for his notebook and although he refuses to give it up, Papa Georges says Hugo can make himself useful. Each day he returns and little by little, he helps clean the booth and learns from Papa Georges. He also befriends the girl from the window, Isabelle. Through their friendship, they learn the truth about Papa Georges, the magic within everyone and everything and discover exactly why they are so important in this world.
This was an absolutely beautiful book. Although it tops out at about 522 pages, you can read this in one sitting. The book is comprised of mostly stunning black and white drawings that take you through the story. Everything about it comes full circle. It's such a beautiful story.
Having seen the movie, I felt it was necessary to finally get around to reading the book. I wish I had read it prior to the film's release, but oh well. It was just as exciting reading it after having seen the movie as I assume it would have been had I read it before. However, having the movie as a frame of reference was nice. The book and the movie were done so closely. Scorcese was certainly the right man to tackle this movie adaptation. I highly recommend both the book AND the movie. Absolutely proves the importance of knowing that magic is real in one way or another, books and movies.
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