The Wild Things
The Wild Things
Dave Eggers
Hamish Hamilton
€18,99 hardback
The book of the film of the book. It’s a very rare occurrence when one of your favourite childhood books is turned into a film that you actually want to see, and then into an adult book that you want to read.
Eggers’ rich and descriptive prose has managed to retain the pace of the original book despite the absence of those familiar illustrations. Max becomes a ‘real-life’ boy with a personality and emotions that surprisingly concur with my own idea of Max when I read the children’s version of the book.
In the original Where the Wild Things Are, Max is able to escape the problems of his home as he rampages through his imaginary island. In this version, Eggers allows the issues to plague Max throughout his journey, and this becomes the main difference between the adult book and the children’s title. As adults we know that this kind of escapism doesn’t really exist — but it doesn’t mean we can’t try and have some fun while running!
Eggers’ work is great read for young adults as well as adults, and especially for those looking for an enjoyable, inspiring trip down memory lane.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is also available at Dialogue Berlin for €8,99.
The film, Where the Wild Things Are, directed by Spike Jonze, is on general release in Germany from mid-December.