The Vanishing Act

(Paperback)

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Description

Shortlisted for the 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize The Vanishing Act is a truly magical and spellbinding debut - a story of loss, life, and discovering the meaning of love This is a story about a snow-covered island you won't find on any map. It's the story of a girl, Minou. A year ago, her mother walked out into the rain and never came back. It's about a magician and a priest and a dog called No Name. It's about a father's endless hunt for the truth. It's about a dead boy who listens, and Minou's search for her mother's voice. It's a story of how even the most isolated places have their own secrets. It's a story you will never forget.

Reviews

The best stories change you. The Vanishing Act is that kind of tale * Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus *
A strange poetic and ghostly story... There are echoes of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe but otherwise there is a rare freshness to her storytelling. She relies on using sophisticated but sparse language to create a magical world and story about the grown-up themes of love, loss and - intriguingly - philosophy that can be read and enjoyed by both grown-ups and young adults. And not a vampire in sight * Daily Mail *
Works just as well as a one-dimensional story as it does a thought provoking fable as the beautifully written, haunting set pieces testify -- Ani Johnson * Bookbag *
It is abundant in terms of atmosphere and the beautiful innocence of childhood * PA Review South Wales Argus *
A perfectly poised, fable-like tale of loss, written with delightful whimsy, deep empathy and a beguiling sense of innocence * Graeme Base *

Author Bio

Mette Jakobsen was born in Denmark in 1964, and now resides in Sydney. She is the author of several plays. She holds degrees in philosophy and creative writing. The Vanishing Act is her first novel.