Author: Jordi Sierra I. Fabra
- Fiction
- La Galera, SAU Editorial
- ISBN: 9788424648244
- Release Date: 03-06-2013
-Reviewed by: Milly C. Lugo
Jordi Sierra I. Fabra is a prolific author. He has written books for both adult and youth audiences. Fabra’s book the, Extraordinario Ingenio Parlante del Profesor Palermo is noted as a book for youth, however, the theme and storyline would also appeal to adults.
In the book, Fabra blends the world of magic, science fiction, history, and human nature in a plot spanning two world wars and man’s landing on the moon. We follow the orphan boy Gustav, a child with a Dickensian background and steadfast determination, from childhood to adulthood and death. Fabra then juxtaposition Gustav is juxtaposition against, Klaatu, an extra-terrestrial with advanced abilities and intellect, but lacking any human emotion.
Gustav is intrigued by Klaatu, when he sees him perform with Profesor Palermo as a dummy with clairvoyant abilities. Their relationship begins at this point, with Profesor Palermo serving as the common bond until he dies and shares Klaatu’s “secret” with Gustav.
Despite Klaatu’s highly developed mental power, he is unable to repair the damage to the spaceship that landed him on Earth. His alliance with Profesor Palermo and later with Gustav protects him from discovery until the world is able to discover the elements he needs to repair his spaceship.
The storyline is a blend of ET (the movie) and Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Fabra successfully captures the reader attention in two ways: first, through Gustav’s unwavering adherence to the principles of loyalty and friendship and, second, through the mysterious Klaatu whose appearance in the story provides an element of mystery and fantasy.
While the plot is not unique (alien crashes on earth – needs to return home - human bonds develop, etc.), Fabra was able to develop a story that goes beyond science fiction and explores the dynamics of human emotion.
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