Title: The Book of Everything by Guus Kuijer (Translated by John Nieuwenhuizen), ISBN: 0439749182, Arthur A. Levine Books, New York, 2006, $16.99, 101 pp.

Genre: Coming of Age/Religious/Fantasy. Grades 6-12.

Characters: Thomas, a 9-year-old Dutch boy with special insights; Mrs. Van Amersfoort, the mysterious witch who lives next door; Thomas’ sweet, loving Mother; Thomas’ puritanical, abusive Father; Margot, Thomas’ “dumb” sister; Eliza, a 14-year old girl with a leather leg who Thomas befriends; Aunt Pie, Thomas’ liberated aunt; Jesus, who regularly visits and talks with Thomas.

Plot: Thomas, a 9-year-old Dutch boy living in post-WWII the Netherlands, writes down everything in his journal, which he appropriately calls his Book of Everything. Thomas’ only ambition is to be “happy” when he grows up, and he has special, personal relationship with Jesus. Though he is a curious and hopeful boy, Thomas is still routinely subjected to punishment at the tyrannical hand of his militantly religious Father, and must also witness his Father beat his Mother. But, one day, when Mrs. Van Amersfoort, the “witch” who lives next door, saves Thomas from the jaws of “Bottombiter” the Dog, a strange new friendship is formed.

                Mrs. Van Amersfoort allows Thomas to borrow books and listen to music, but when his father finds out, Thomas is told to stay away from her because she is believed to be a communist sympathizer. Then Thomas finds a letter under his door from Mrs. Van Amersfoort addressed to his father. His curiosity aflame and fearful for what Mrs. Van Amersfoort might say to his Father, he opens it. All it says is: “A man who hits his wife dishonors himself.” Thomas pins the letter on the inside of his shirt, next to his heart.

                Next, the plagues of Egypt seem to visiting Thomas’ home, first, when the water in the fish aquarium turns blood red, second, when a horde of frogs descends on the front door of the house. With a little coaxing, however, Thomas is able to convince the frogs to leave.

                Mrs. Van Amersfoort and Thomas decide to start a “reading-aloud club,” where Thomas will read poetry, interspersed with music from Mrs. Van Amersfoort’s collection. After a conversation with his sister Margot, Thomas decides to place the letter Mrs. Van Amersfoort sent his Father in the family Bible, where his Father is sure to find it. When he does, Thomas’ Father accuses everyone in the family of treachery, until Margot, finally having had enough of her Father’s brutal ways, threatens him with a knife. Thomas’ Father leaves, promising never to return, but within an hour is back in his study, meeker if not wiser.

                Thomas is shocked—and fearful of how his Father might react—when Mrs. Van Amersfoort tells him the first meeting of their club will be held at his house. However, his Father is no match for the horde of women and children who invade the house with laughter and joy. Thomas’ Father locks himself in his study in protest, and the party goes on happily. Later, when he must go to bed, Thomas confers with Jesus about whether there is any help for his father. Jesus says there is not.      

Touchy Areas: A scene or two of domestic abuse. Some will also be challenged by the unique, provocative rendering of Christianity in Thomas’ conversations with Jesus.

Related Titles: The Book Thief (2006) by Markus Zusak; Upstairs Room (1990) by Johanna Reiss

Movies: Magnolia (1999); Millions (2004)

Music: Prelude à la nouvelle journée (1920) by Matthijs Vermeulen

Related Websites: The Official Holland Site (http://www.holland.com/global/)

Art: Jacob Wrestling with an Angel (1659) by Rembrandt

Poetry: Lucifer (1654) by Joost van den Vondel

Classic Works: The Praise of Folly (1509) by Desiderius Erasmus

Evaluation: Charming, adventurous, playful, challenging, humorous and moving, The Book of Everything is a true work of art. Beautifully written, efficiently paced, Kuijer’s work offers both a high level of intelligence and artistry. Evocative and provocative, this book is endlessly rewarding and thought-provoking while remaining entirely accessible for younger readers. I rate this work 10 out of 10. 

Reviewed by: David Pyles, University of Toledo