The Midnight Palace
#2 of 3 in Niebla Series
What’s inside...
A dark mystery lurks in the heart of Calcutta in this young adult novel from bestselling author Carlos Ruiz Zafón, translated from the original Spanish by acclaimed translator Lucia Graves. Set in Calcutta in the 1930s, The Midnight Palace begins on a dark night when an English lieutenant fights to save newborn twins Ben and Sheere from an unthinkable threat. Despite monsoon-force rains and terrible danger lurking around every street corner, the young lieutenant manages to get them to safety, but not without losing his own life. Years later, on the eve of Ben and Sheere's sixteenth birthday, the mysterious threat reenters their lives. This time, it may be impossible to escape. With the help of their brave friends, the twins must take a stand against the terror that watches them in the shadows of the night-and face the most frightening creature in the history of the City of Palaces.
Character compass
Ben
Isobel
Sheere
Seth
Michael
Roshan
Ian
Aryami Bosé
Jawahal
Discussion points
How do you think Ben and his friends felt when they discovered the secret of the Midnight Palace?
What would you do if you were in Ben's shoes and had to protect your friends?
Why do you think the author chose to set the story in Calcutta? How does the setting influence the story?
What is the significance of friendship in the book? Can you share a personal experience where your friends helped you through a difficult time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the setting by asking them to describe what they think Calcutta looks like based on the author’s descriptions.
Discuss the concept of bravery with your child. Ask them to give examples of brave actions by the characters and relate them to real-life situations.
Utilize the historical elements in the book to have a mini-lesson about the history and culture of Calcutta during the time period of the story.
After reading the book, prompt your child to talk about the different emotions they felt through the storyline. This helps in understanding their empathy and emotional perception.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Midnight Palace', the young characters must collaborate to solve mysteries and confront challenges, demonstrating the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the protagonists face their fears to protect their friends and uncover the truth, showing resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with courage, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: The significance of family and friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the bonds between the characters, showcasing how relationships can provide support and strength during difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of nurturing relationships and being there for others, applicable in fostering friendships and family ties.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The characters' quest to uncover the mysteries of their past highlights the importance of curiosity and seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and pursue learning, whether through reading, asking questions, or exploring the world around them.
Example Lesson: Handling loss and grief
Explanation: The characters in 'The Midnight Palace' experience losses but find ways to cope and remember loved ones, showing a delicate handling of grief.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and process their feelings of loss in a healthy way, whether it's a pet, a loved one, or moving away from friends.