The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo has really divided that children’s literature community into those who adore it and those who strongly dislike it. When I read and heard that people disliked it, I had to get a copy of my own to read. I don’t mind sentimentality in books, enjoy doll books in general, and thought I would probably love it.
Me? I really, really dislike the book. Yes, the ending touched me. But I still felt cheated and manipulated by the time I finished. I didn’t mind that Edward was a doll without a heart, without love, but I disliked the fact that even by the end I didn’t feel like he really GOT it. He still felt that love was something that was given to him and then he would return it. And the ending did nothing to change his view at all.
This was one that I looked forward to. But it is one that you must try for yourself. Which side of the debate do you fall on?
Waking Brain Cells 
I am so relieved to find out that I am not the only person that feels manipulated by this story.
The doll does not grab my sympathy; the brief stories of the different caretakers are more interesting yet resolve simply as vehicles to elicit some emotional response from the reader.
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Thanks for commenting! I keep seeing this book on best book lists and short lists for awards, and I am amazed. Other readers must be seeing something in it that you and I can’t manage to.
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Wow, I didn’t like this book either. I have really liked other books by her, and so have my kids, but NONE of us responded to this one–too maudlin for our taste, and this from someone who cries freely about dog food commercials and the like.
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