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44 pages 1 hour read

The Man Who Was Poe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989

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Book Brief

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Avi

The Man Who Was Poe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Providence, Rhode Island • 1840s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

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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

4.0

2,375 ratings

53%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.0

2,375 ratings

53%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Edmund Brimmer

An 11-year-old boy from London, England, who moves to Providence, Rhode Island with his twin sister and Aunt. He is determined to find his missing family members and navigates the challenges of growing up and seeking truth amidst mystery.

A famous American writer who introduces himself to Edmund under the guise of a detective character, assisting in solving the mystery of the disappearances. Poe is a complex figure, grappling with personal struggles and entwining reality with fiction throughout the story.

Edmund’s stepfather and the antagonist of the story, who abandoned his family after stealing their money. His aspirations for wealth and status drive the plot's central conflict.

A young accountant at the Providence Bank involved in the kidnapping and robbery plot. He is characterized by his sinister demeanor and serves as the dangerous muscle behind Rachett’s schemes.

The missing women related to Edmund, whose disappearances propel the narrative. They exhibit resourcefulness in the face of adversity and are intricately linked to the story’s mystery.

A member of the Providence Night Watch, depicted as rough and driven by reward rather than virtue. Initially appearing as a distraction, he eventually aids in the resolution of the mystery.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Providence, Rhode Island • 1840s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

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