If you could have any wish, what would it be? For twenty-six-year-old teacher's aide Lucy Hart, her wish is to adopt her former student, Christopher. Sadly, she doesn't have the financial resources to make it happen. Lucy wants to give Christopher, who tragically became an orphan, a better childhood than she had. To deal with parents who didn't pay any attention to her, Lucy escaped into the books of Jack Masterson. His Clock Island series was her refuge. Jack, who had stopped writing his books, choosing to live on his secluded real-life Clock Island, emerges from retirement announcing he has written a new book and has created a contest to give away the only copy to one of a few lucky readers. When Lucy is invited to the island to try and win, she hopes she can walk away with the prize and the money it would bring. All of the people invited to participate in the contest are adults who had childhood hardships and are equally motivated to win. The seemingly fun and difficult contest takes on a more serious meaning as each of the superfans of Jack's books are forced to deal with their childhood trauma.
It's hard to categorize The Wishing Game, which has a Willy Wonka feel. There's no actual magic in Meg Shaffer's book, but it has a whimsical, magical sense. I found the book to be incredibly creative and heartwarming although it was very sad at times. I love books about storytelling and this one was extremely satisfying. While geared to adults, it will bring out your inner child. I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books / Random House for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in advance.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Contemporary Fiction.
Publication Date: May 30, 2023.
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Nice review! It is a pick in Book of the Month Club. It's likely to be my choice.