English language
Published Dec. 27, 2008 by Scholastic.
Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
A dialogue-free graphic novel with some sparingly used text interstitials. This is an incredibly atmospheric first part and an experience that is almost like reading a graphic novel. Unfortunately, part 2 carries a lot more text explanation which reduces the atmosphere and undermines the narrative slightly by revealing the story's essential simplicity.
