The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
#1 of 3 in Left-Handed Booksellers of London Series
on Goodreads (23,951)
What’s inside...
A girl’s quest to find her father leads her to an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. From the bestselling master of teen fantasy, Garth Nix. In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn’t get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin. Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops. Susan’s search for her father begins with her mother’s possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms. Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan’s. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New.
Character compass
Susan Arkshaw
Vivien
Merlin
Vivien Upbright
Merlin Upbright
Discussion points
What do you think about the world that Susan discovers with the left-handed booksellers? How does it compare to our world?
How do the characters respond to challenges and unknowns in the story? Can you relate to their reactions?
What role does magic play in the story? Do you think it changes the characters’ lives for better or worse?
What did you think about the relationship between Susan and Merlin? How do they help each other grow throughout the book?
If you had the chance, would you want to explore the hidden world of the booksellers? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical hidden world. Discuss what it would look like and what kind of adventures they might have there.
Reflect on the choices that the characters make and ask your child what they would do in similar situations, fostering a connection to the book’s moral dilemmas.
Discuss the historical and cultural elements present in the book. This can be a wonderful opportunity to explore topics like the significance of books and the storytelling tradition.
Use the book’s thematic elements of mystery and discovery as a bridge to inquire about your child’s feelings towards the unknown or new experiences.
Share your own thoughts and reactions to the book to model thoughtful engagement and to show that discussing books is a shared, family-oriented activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of acceptance and understanding differences.
Explanation: The protagonist, Susan, navigates a world where left-handed booksellers possess unique magical abilities, highlighting the concept of differing abilities among individuals.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and embrace individual differences in their peers, fostering an inclusive environment in schools and communities.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and resilience.
Explanation: Susan faces numerous challenges and threats in her quest, demonstrating bravery and perseverance throughout her journey.
Real-World Application: Instills the virtues of bravery and resilience in children, teaching them to face their own challenges with courage and never give up despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: The significance of teamwork and collaboration.
Explanation: Susan teams up with the booksellers, combining their skills to overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Promotes the importance of teamwork in achieving goals, encouraging children to collaborate effectively in group settings at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: The impact of knowledge and learning.
Explanation: The left-handed booksellers use their vast knowledge of magical and mundane books to solve mysteries, emphasizing the importance of learning and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to pursue knowledge and education, highlighting how learning can open doors to solving problems and understanding the world.
Example Lesson: Taking responsibility for one's actions.
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences for their actions, good or bad, teaching the importance of accountability.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of being responsible for their actions and the impact they can have on others.