Science meets Fantasy

The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman narrated by Simon Vance

It's Kate's birthday and rich Uncle Herman, who wears a banana yellow suit and is a bit unorthodox, presents her with a most unusual gift: a train. Not a toy. This is a mammoth-sized steam-belching machine on a track in her backyard. When Kate and her younger brother Tom climb aboard, they begin an adventure that is beyond their wildest imaginings.

The Silver Arrow is a dream come true. Tom and a Kate create their ideal train with such delightful cars as a library car, a swimming pool car, and even a candy car. But the children soon learn that this will not be a pleasure excursion. They are tasked with transporting endangered species to less hostile environments. Kate is the conductor. She is charged with protecting and finding proper homes for animals such as a white bellied heron and a fishing cat.  Yes, they really exist. I looked them up.

There is no evil villain in this tale. The nemesis is time. Kate must deliver all the animals to a new habitat. But the engine’s coal supply is rapidly depleting, the train is running out of track, and the polar bear can't survive much longer in a warm passenger car. While it is clear that humans are responsible for endangering the animals’ existence, this isn’t a blame game. It’s a race to save, to repair, to protect.

Although the story is told in third person, the narrator is obviously speaking from Kate’s point of view. Grossman keeps the tale focused on Kate and her perceptions of the world, from her developing realization of a larger life purpose to her admiration for science, particularly her hero Grace Hopper.

Vance is the perfect match for Grossman’s fantasy. His smooth narration draws listeners in and keeps them enthralled. His phrasing and subtle emphasis on specific words is sublime. The voices for the individual characters match the personality of each, from the rumbling engine and the gruff porcupine to the wondering awe of two youngsters. 

​The ride careens to a wild and wondrous conclusion that will leave readers breathless. But it's served along alongside the comfort of French toast with loads of syrup and melted butter.
Good news: Uncle Herbert makes clear that more adventures await these siblings.

This magical tale is an incredible mix of science and fantasy. There is an unusual selection of intriguing animals with distinctive personalities. Who knew that I would be enchanted by a porcupine, a pangolin, and green mamba? Kate's hero is Grace Hopper and the narrative is sprinkled with delightful Hopper trivia. Grossman has fashioned a fantastic amalgam of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, falling into a strange and wonderful land with droll talking animals and The Magic School Bus, journeying on extraordinary scientific expeditions.  It's a winning, winsome combination.

Listen to a sample here.

Audiobook accessed via NetGalley.

Release date: September 1, 2020  Publisher: Hachette Audio