The Grand Central Cinema Club: Lights, Camera, Mayhem!
Paying homage to some of Dublin’s greatest characters (O’Casey’s fictional Juno and the real-life Lugs Branigan) and America’s literary and film icons (Harper Lee’s fictional Jem and the actual child movie stars Shirley Temple and Judy Garland), Nolan has created a high-octane escapade that is a love letter to the Golden Age of Cinema.
The novel follows a group of spirited young cinephiles from both sides of the Liffey as they fight to save a young American starlet, Dottie Bright, from the clutches of the Chicago mob. Ironically, they are aided in their quest by a gentleman thief, known as the Magpie. Nolan uses the overarching theme of friendship to gently examine class divisions and the importance of empathy, loyalty and cooperation.
While the narrative is set nearly a century ago, Nolan respectfully adapts Dublin’s 1930s demographic to render it more inclusive and appealing to today’s reader. His crime-busting cast blends local Dublin children with those of Italian and Indian heritage. Nolan’s trademark humour is evident throughout the tale. The dialogue is witty and accessible; thus, the cast of characters appear authentic, relatable and engaging. The action verges on slapstick, with the young friends thrown into increasingly absurd situations that mirror the frenetic energy of a film set. The plot embraces a sense of chaos that younger readers are sure to enjoy. Meanwhile, the mystery element to the story provides enough suspense to keep pages turning.
Recommended for movie lovers aged 8+ who enjoy comedic adventures and historical fiction.
