The Cardturner - Hardcover

Sachar, Louis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1408808501 ISBN 13: 9781408808504

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2010

Synopsis

When Alton's ageing, blind uncle asks him to attend bridge games with him, he agrees. After all, it's better than a crappy summer job in the local shopping mall, and Alton's mother thinks it might secure their way to a good inheritance sometime in the future. But, like all apparently casual choices in any of Louis Sachar's wonderful books, this choice soon turns out to be a lot more complex than Alton could ever have imagined. As his relationship with his uncle develops, and he meets the very attractive Toni, deeply buried secrets are uncovered and a romance that spans decades is finally brought to a conclusion. Alton's mother is in for a surprise!

About this title

Review:

`In Alton Richards, Sachar has created a credible and funny teenage lead . . . The human drama is gripping'
--Financial Times

'A master storyteller' --Angels and Urchins

'Brilliantly multi-layered' --Jewish Chronicle

'A dab hand at teaching by story...Light and fun' --Spectator

`This is Sacher, owner of the most distinctive, clever, funny, philosophical voice in children's fiction . . . a whale symbol on the page warns of forthcoming bridge analysis, which the readers can skip if they want. But they probably won't. Because this is Sachar' --The Telegraph

`This is an engaging, coming-of-age story about the myths and realities of family secrets which also gives an insight into the fascinating world of duplicate bridge'
--Carousel

`The genius of Sachar's prose is that it's so plain and unshowy you don't notice the daredevil artistry of his storytelling until it's too late. You don't know you've been cut in half until you try to walk away . . . As Uncle Lester might say, nicely played, Louis'
--Frank Cottrell Boyce, Guardian

`This tender, whimsical book turns up tricks and trumps, laughter and love. A wonderful read'
--Bookfest

`This book is very well written . . . I was gripped'
--Teen Titles magazine

`I wasn't really that bothered about finding out about playing bridge, but he made what could have been a really dull and boring subject exciting'
--Teen Titles magazine

Book Description:

A 17-year-old boy, a rich blind uncle, an attractive girl and a mother who is looking forward to an inheritance create a heady and exciting cocktail of opportunity

This brand new novel from the bestselling author of Holes, is nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2011

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1408808501
• ISBN 13: 9781408808504
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352