The Rope Trick

by Lloyd Alexander

Book Overview

It's magic! The great American storyteller Lloyd Alexander conjures an engrossing tale of a bewitching magician. Lidi is not only beautiful-she has the talent to perform the greatest magic feat imaginable-the rope trick. But she must find the one master who can teach her how. On her quest to find master magician Ferramondo, she meets some traveling companions who all help on the journey: a child with true supernatural powers, a handsome outlaw with a price on his head, a successful entrepreneur who wants her in his troupe. But when the child is kidnapped, Lidi must abandon the search and summon her own powers to save the girl. The thrilling conclusion is Alexander at the top of his form in a remarkable fantasy that is both light and dark, funny and serious, believable and mystical. As always with an Alexander novel, the real magician is the storyteller himself.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525470204
• ISBN13: 9780525470205
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
• Length: 195 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

its magic!!!

this book is sooooo grate! I read it a wile back and I wont forget it! it gave me the idea to get into magic. and i did. my mom said i have a real gift for magic. this book is one that you wish wouldnt come to an end but of couse it does. you have definently got to read this. its filled with magic, love, and everything that you would expect from a lloyd alexander book. wich to me is every thing. you gotta read this book and all his others! be prepered for an adventure. I hope I spelled every thing rite. and in a couple of years look for Griffin and Athena thats what my magiction name and my helper. READ IT!!!!!

Beyond the Threads

Lidi's father, who bullied her and taught her to be a magician, prophesied that she would never learn the ultimate illusion, the rope trick. Inheriting his tents and wagons after his death, as well as the massive, kind canvasmaster, Jerico, Lidi embarks on a quest to find the one person from whom she can learn the rope trick, the magician, Ferramondo. Along the way, she collects Daniella, the small waif with an erratic prophetic power, and Julian, the large fugitive with a deeply scarred back and psyche.Set in Campania, a country reminiscent of nineteenth-century Italy, the author not only creates memorable villains to chase Daniella and Julian and their beautiful guardian, he concocts an extremely eccentric and curious cast of characters -- including dancing pigs.Alexander's taunt logic leads Lidi and company, not to mention expectant readers, where he has never led before. Those who are familiar with his other works will know that none of his main characters have ever gone "beyond the threads." Precious few authors possess the ability to go there. Readers will find the ending enigmatically comforting. This is one of a handful of books that I would recommend for children who might have to go "beyond the threads."

simply.. magic!

I often wonder if the reviewers in literary periodicals actually read the books they are reviewing. If one does, you will find that Lloyd Alexander's The Rope Trick has a most interesting journey and fantastical ending yet of his books.Lidi is a marvelous, strong willed heroine, not unlike many of his other famous female characters.. This time Mr Alexander has taken us on an intimate journey as Lidi searches for the secret of "the rope trick", an amazing feat of wonder she has heard so much about and must learn for herself.Hopefully I am not ruining it for you when I say that this story blends many of the adventure elements you have come to know and love from the master himself.. and a new angle you might be surprised at.. and an ending you may love (or not). I loved the ending.. and I found it not abrupt at all but very pleasant. Final words? A worthwhile read, a keeper and something you will want to gift to friends and loved ones. LA has definitely done it again! =)

It's Magic!

Lloyd Alexander has done it again, The Rope Trick is really wonderful, filled with all the adventure and humor that has come to be expected from Alexander. The Rope Trick follows formula's that he has often used, those of the small group of companions and friends traveling together, the love interest, the greedy officials, etc. However,the book is unique in that it is written mainly from the point of view of the heroine. While his heroines have a reputation for being strong and smart, among other things, this is the first book in which there is a real insight into what they are thinking, reasoning, and feeling.The book is intricately woven, with every scene and all aspects of the plot seemingly essential. The review above by School Library Jounal seems as though it were written after only a cursory glimpse at the book, as the ending is absolutely essential to the story, and is built up to throughout the book. Also, that review gives away the ending of the book, spoiling any surprise meant for the reader. Anyhow, it's a great book, a very fast read though, so if you only like to read books once, get it from the library, but if you enjoy rereading favorite books, it's definitely worth buying!