Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black by Marcus Sedgwick, Julian Sedgwick, Alexis Deacon
Published by Walker Books US on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 1536204374
Pages: 320
Goodreads

Fans of The Book Thief and Slaughter-House Five will thoroughly enjoy Marcus Sedgwick’s hybrid novel of war torn London and the mythical underground world of Orpheus, a Greek poet. Harry Black is at odds with his family during WWII — Harry is a Conscientious Objector and helps with the Fire Force to protect London during the bombings, whereas his brother, Ellis, is in the trenches. He sketches what he witnesses through the bombings to help him cope, but one afternoon when he leaves the local bar, leaving his brother inside, a bomb is dropped and Harry makes it his mission to find Ellis. Hence, the story is Harry’s search, knowing that Ellis is alive and how Harry must save him.

Inter-dispersed among the wonderfully created graphics are poems/songs written and/or sung by Orpheus as Harry begins to locate Ellis. An interesting combination of war stories and mythology that will urge readers to continue on. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.