The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | E.L. Konigsburg |
| Products | Young adult novel, middle-grade fiction |
The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World (2007) is a novel aimed at middle-grade and young-adult readers, authored by E.L. Konigsburg, which combines elements of mystery and detective fiction.
The story follows Amedeo Kaplan, a privileged sixth grader, as he embarks on a quest to reveal hidden secrets. By volunteering to assist in the estate sale of an elderly former European opera singer, he becomes involved with degenerate art and explores themes related to the German occupation of the Netherlands.
This book serves as a continuation of The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place (2004), connecting characters and family backgrounds, particularly focusing on the Vanderwaal lineage.
Setting
The narrative is primarily set around the year 2000 in St. Malo, Florida, a fictional naval town featuring an exclusive residential district. Additional scenes take place at an art center located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The story’s historical context extends to Amsterdam, Vienna, and Epiphany, New York—a fictional locale recurring in several of Konigsburg’s works—where key families resided following World War II.
Summary
After moving from Epiphany, New York to St. Malo, Florida, Amedeo Kaplan and his mother become acquainted with their neighbor Mrs. Zender, a retired European opera singer preparing to transition into a retirement home. Amedeo offers his assistance in managing her estate liquidation.
Drawing on insights from his artist father and visits to art establishments in New York City, Amedeo collaborates with his classmate William Wilcox and William’s mother, who is a professional appraiser employed by Mrs. Zender. Together they work through the complexities of the estate sale while uncovering more about Mrs. Zender’s past.
Amedeo’s godfather, Peter Vanderwaal, oversees an art center that is hosting a traveling exhibition featuring Degenerate Art, originally part of Nazi Germany’s 1937 Entartete Kunst display. Following the death of Peter’s father John Vanderwaal, a box revealing his life story comes to light. Within it, Amedeo finds a small drawing signed by Amedeo Modigliani, an artist known for post-war forgeries.
Recognizing the sketch from family photographs at the Vanderwaal residence, Amedeo and William begin to suspect that Mrs. Zender may have deliberately concealed it. When Mrs. Vanderwaal entrusts John Vanderwaal’s box directly to them, they continue investigating the mystery alongside Mrs. Zender’s role in these events.
Reception
Angela Leeper from Book Page described the novel as "a remarkable puzzle" that weaves together themes of art, history, family bonds, and friendship, calling it an exceptional discovery for middle-grade readers and younger adolescents.
Matt Berman of Common Sense Media highlighted that the book suits readers who are comfortable with nuanced ambiguity and advanced vocabulary, noting its intellectually stimulating nature.
Mark David Bradshaw from Watermark Books praised Konigsburg’s ability to depict intricate character relationships and uncover profound insights through an understanding of human behavior.
External links
- School Library Journal, Renee Steinberg review quoted at Amazon
- "The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World", Book of the week, The Washington Post, September 23, 2007.