My Amazon Review of Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier
I read this book at one sitting. It was a Saturday evening and I sat down for a quiet meal along with the book.
Peter Nimble is a thief, not your ordinary garden variety thief but a very good thief. He can pickpocket, climb through windows and steel things from people’s houses etc.
>He is blind but that enhances his abilities to steel. No, you are not getting a blind superman here but a child who has learnt to adapt to his environment.
One afternoon he lays hands on 6 magical eyes and the adventure begins!
The plot is clichéd but the book feels fresh. Mr. Auxier has created a realistic world though one filled with magic and possibilities.
I found the limitations placed on Peter’s perceptions the most interesting part of the book especially the portion where he does not realize that the thieves are going to double-cross him. I am intrigued by his navigational abilities. Yes, a highly developed sense of smell will help but how about finding his way in unfamiliar places such as people’s houses? Surviving alone on the streets? Not so easy especially if you are blind.
Other reviewers have mentioned the bit about lock picking with his fingers. Thin metal filings may have been better tools.
Yes, we have a flawed hero. The relationship between Peter and Peg is nicely done and I liked the way their differences in opinion are handled.
This review would be incomplete without my mentioning SIR TODE. Yes, he is fussy but that is just the tip of the iceberg. He is truly brave which is shown in dramatic fashion towards the end of the book.
I would like to know how Peg grew up. Who looked after her? She was a baby when things went wrong. The same applies to the other children.
Finally, the discerning reader will enjoy the word play in the book. I wish to see more of this in subsequent writings. I look forward to more adventures and hope to meet Peter again sometime.