Book Brief
208
Novel • Fiction
Providence, Rhode Island • 1840s
1989
Middle grade
8-12 years
600L
Super Short Summary
In The Man Who Was Poe by Avi, set in 1848 Providence, Rhode Island, 11-year-old Edmund seeks the help of Edgar Allan Poe, who introduces himself as Auguste Dupin, to find his missing family members. While unraveling the mystery, they face dangerous adversaries, all while Poe balances his own personal endeavors with his obsession with creating a compelling story.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
2,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Avi's The Man Who Was Poe intertwines historical fiction with mystery, captivating readers with its atmospheric depiction of 19th-century Providence. While praised for its engaging plot and vivid, dark ambiance, some critics find the pacing uneven and the blend of fact with fiction occasionally confusing. Overall, it is commended for its originality and compelling storytelling.
Who Should Read The Man Who Was Poe?
A reader who enjoys The Man Who Was Poe by Avi is likely drawn to historical mysteries with gothic elements, much like fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events or The Graveyard Book. They appreciate tense narratives, intricate plots, and atmospheric settings. Ideal for middle-grade to early teen readers craving suspenseful and thought-provoking stories.
2,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Novel • Fiction
Providence, Rhode Island • 1840s
1989
Middle grade
8-12 years
600L
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