The New Adventures of Tom Sawyer
and Huck Finn
Shadowfall
Publications (2011)
246 pages
ISBN
9781936457090
After reading some of the darkest and grimmest historical fiction
from Lisa Mannetti's talented and twisted mind, I had the chance to
read her latest novel which demonstrates her penchant for the
whimsical and satirical. She already showed her humorous side with 51
Fiendish Ways to Leave Your Lover, illustrated by Glenn
Chadbourne, but this novel was to show a deeper exposure of her funny
bone. At least, that's what I'd hoped given the source material was
penned by Mark Twain.
It's with a sigh of relief that this novel is most assuredly not a
literary mash-up a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. With
all due respect to authors who cram their prose in-between the
passages of literary classics, I much prefer when an author explores
brand new material with those established characters. Lisa doesn't
merely throw some witches and werewolves into some of Twain's old
lore. She crafts her own story by absconding with two literary icons
and dropping them quite unceremoniously in her world. And the way she
does it is both mischievous and charming.
Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn find themselves reincarnated as a
pair of white fluffy kittens, and given the monikers--for a little
while anyway--of Cream Puff and Coconut. Aside from that niggling
detail, the two boys acclimate themselves to their feline lifestyles
rather well. They're adept at finding prime spots to nap, are waited
on indoors, and have free roam outdoors. Not terrible for a couple
kids at heart. This setup alone would have been amusing enough given
Lisa's talent; just let the two have quaint adventures in the
backyard chasing mice and generally being cats; but Lisa takes Huck
and Tom and really makes their new lives interesting.
They're adopted by a witch who calls herself Lady B and given their
true names back of Tom and Huck, as she recognizes their spirits and
enlists them as her familiars. As they start their new lives with her
in the Chancery House, they not only become better acquainted with
being cats, but also acquainted with witchcraft, even learning a few
tricks of their own. If antics involving magic and Lady B's werewolf
friends, and an antagonistic woman named Lily, there's a love story
brewing for Lady B as she searches for true love. Tom and Huck get
the idea to help her out, in their own impish ways.
Personally, I was always more of a fan of Mark Twain's sardonic wit
in his letters and essays, though it's been years since I last read
any of those--I really should remedy that. I read Tom Sawyer and
Huckleberry Finn way back in junior high as required reading, and
like most required reading, I repelled from it. I think Lisa has
warmed me up to it, thanks to reminding me just how vibrant and
varied the language was. And Lisa expertly employs that Twain style
of writing, telling this story through Tom Sawyer's eyes. The
mannerisms and speech feel so much like what I remember from Twain's
writing, it was remarkable.
There were lulls for me in a few spots, but I was impressed overall,
and one particular scene involving a seance was outright hilarious.
The book is worth reading for that alone, in my opinion. I read the
grown-up edition of the book, which is one of two editions, as a
version of younger readers is available for purchase, too. I think
that must exist solely to exclude some of the racier moments in the
story, but I'll bet the heart and hilarity are intact.
If you're a fan of Twain, it's a must read. If you're in the mood for
some humor and fantastical escapades, this book is a pretty safe bet,
as well. Lisa's done it again.
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