After “Ferris” I decided to dive into another very different Kate DiCamillo book. “The Hotel Balzaar” is a lovely hopeful magical fairytale. Like other Kate DiCamillo books, you are pulled into the story from the first page.
Young Marta lives in the maids quarters of the Hotel Balzaar with her mother. Her father, a solider, went off to fight but has not returned and no they have not received a letter from him in over a year. Marta is instructed by her mother to be quiet, stay out of trouble, and never speak to the guests. This is easy for Marta to do until a countess with a parrot checks in and tells Marta she has a series of stories to tell her. As she listens to the stories, Marta begins to wonder if there are somehow telling her about her father’s return. Does he come home? Do the countess’ tale somehow show Marta the future? Read the book to find out.
The illustrations are beautiful. The story is captivating. I opened this book to read on a train ride home and couldn’t put it down. Literally walked off the train still reading. I’ve recommended many Kate DiCamillo books here over the years and this one is definitely one you should read.