The Vanishing Act

"The best stories change you. I am not the same after The Vanishing Act as I was before.”—Erin Morgenstern, author of *The Night Circus * On a small snow-covered island—so tiny that it canвЂTMt be found on any map—lives twelve-year-old Minou, her philosopher Papa (a descendent of Descartes), Boxman the magician, and a clever dog called No-Name. A year earlier MinouвЂTMs mother left the house wearing her best shoes and carrying a large black umbrella. She never returned. One morning Minou finds a dead boy washed up on the beach. Her father decides to lay him in the room that once belonged to her mother. Can her motherвЂTMs disappearance be explained by the boy? Will Boxman be able to help find her? Minou, unwilling to accept her motherвЂTMs death, attempts to find the truth through DescartesвЂTM philosophy. Over the course of her investigation Minou will discover the truth about loss and love, a truth that The Vanishing Act conveys in a voice that is uniquely enchanting. Review “Jakobsen creates a lot with a little and builds on universals, proving that some truths are, in fact, fundamental.” ( Publishers Weekly ) “A delectable delight, a fetching fable that is both heartbreaking in its poignancy and breathtaking in its delicacy.” ( Booklist ) About the Author Mette Jakobsen was born in Denmark in 1964. She holds degrees in philosophy and creative writing and is the author of several plays. The Vanishing Act is her first novel. She lives in Sydney, Australia. On A Small Snow-covered Island—so Tiny That It Can’t Be Found On Any Map—live Twelve-year-old Minou, Her Philosopher Papa (a Descendent Of Descartes), Boxman The Magician, And A Clever Dog Called No-name. A Year Earlier, Minou’s Mother Had Left The House Wearing Her Best Shoes And Carrying A Large Black Umbrella. She Never Returned. One Morning, Minou Finds A Dead Boy Washed Up On The Beach. Her Father Decides To Lay Him In The Room That Once Belonged To Her Mother. Can Her Mother’s Disappearance Be Explained By The Boy? Will Boxman Be Able To Help Find Her? Minou, Unwilling To Accept Mother’s Death, Attempts To Find The Truth Through Descartes’ Philosophy. Over The Course Of Her Investigation, Minou Will Discover The Truth About Loss And Love, A Truth That The Vanishing Act Conveys In A Voice That Is Uniquely Enchanting. Living alone on a tiny, snow-covered island with her father, dog, and a magician, twelve-year-old Minou deals with her mother's abandonment and hopes to find an explanation when a dead boy washes up on the beach