Man made boy by Jon Skovron
Allen & Unwin, 2013. ISBN 9781743315132.
(Age: 14+) This is a coming-of-age novel with a difference, described as
'hilarious, romantic and wildly imaginative' and it is all that
indeed. Boy is the son of Frankenstein's Monster and his Bride and
as you can imagine this is not a family that could easily fit into a
normal human suburban life. Instead they live in a community of
magical creatures in a labyrinth underneath a Broadway theatre which
continually runs a magical show featuring all the assorted societal
misfits of the commune: the Diva (Medusa), troll dancers, Charon
the ferryman who acts as stage hand, the Siren whose act befuddles
every adult audience, and led by the redoubtable undead Ruthven.
Boy's only interaction with the world of humans is through the
Internet where he hangs out with other geeks and pursues his passion
for creating coding. Like all teenagers he chafes at the
restrictions of his life and yearns to escape the rigidity of his
confined existence. When conflict with his parents escalates Boy
takes off and attempts to fit into the human world, banking on his
newly created super code to fund his adventure. But something goes
seriously wrong. His code evolves itself into a powerful Artificial
Intelligence which begins to stalk him with disastrous results.
As Boy attempts to dodge and destroy VI (Virtual Intelligence), his
own creation, he is led to other magical enclaves where he meets up
with more mythical misfits and embarks on a bizarre road trip with
the granddaughter/s of infamous Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde. Their cross
country trek introduces Boy to country diners, shopping malls,
undisguised curiosity by strangers, danger, love and heartbreak.
However, no matter how he tries to escape his own creation, the time
comes when he must face it down and rescue his family.
A wonderful story of wild adventures, acceptance and tolerance, the
importance of family support and being true to oneself, this was a
real page turner and fun to read. Both male and female young adults,
from around 14 up would find it immensely appealing. Some strong
language and sexual references would lead me to suggest that your
older readers would be the most suitable audience.
Visit the author's website here .
Sue Warren