Figgs and Phantoms [Paperback]

Ellen Raskin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1992

Mona has the most unusual family in townÑand the most notorious. While she hates all the attention her eccentric relatives bring to her, there is one Figg family member she likes: her uncle Florence, the book dealer. But Uncle Florence keeps hinting that heÕs going to find his way to Capri, the Figg family heaven. And that means leaving Mona behind. Can Mona find Capri before itÕs too late, or will she learn that things are seldom what they seem when books are involved?

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ellen Raskin was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up during the Great Depression. She is the author of several other novels, including the Newbery Award-winning The Westing Game, the Newbery Honor-winning Figgs and Phantoms, and The Tattooed Potato & Other Clues. She also wrote and illustrated many picture books, and was an accomplished graphic artist. She designed dust jackets for dozens of books, including the first edition of Madeleine L'Engle's classic A Wrinkle in Time. Ms. Raskin died at the age of 56 on August 8, 1984, in New York City.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc; First edition (1992)
• ISBN-10: 0590459619
• ISBN-13: 978-0590459617
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,562,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but perhaps not for every child., March 11, 2004

By 

Gypsi Phillips Bates "bilbiophile" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Figgs and Phantoms (Newbery Library, Puffin) (Paperback)

The Figgs are an odd family and Mona Lisa Figg regrets being one. They have their own special place to go after death (Capri), they are all talented in some bizarre way and they revel in their unordinariness. Mona's not sure she believes in Capri, can find no specific talent and just wants to be like everyone else.

The only Figg she cares for is her Uncle Florence. When he dies, she finds Capri for herself, wanting to stay with him. This journey, naturally, makes her a better person in the end, more understanding and loving of her family and herself, and grants her a peace she hadn't had before.

There are some extremely funny bits and lots of nearly psychedelic incidents. Though it is listed as a juvenile book, I feel that it should be slanted more towards the young adult category as some of it simply too complex for a juvenile book. Some of the word play, situations and themes would be--in my opinion--meaningless or confusion to anyone younger than the late teens. Having said that, I can not give it a blanket recommendation and would recommend that a parent read it first to see if the discussion of death and the afterlife would be appropriate for their child.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary book -- but not what you expect, June 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Figgs and Phantoms (Newbery Library, Puffin) (Paperback)

I love Ellen Raskin. Like many readers, I searched out this book because of my deep attachment to The Westing Game. Figgs & Phantoms turns out to be something quite different, a moving (and, at times, unsettling) comic fantasy. But I'm *so* glad I read it. F&P is more effective than most adult novels in exploring what it means to belong; to find your path in life; to be a success; and to die. It's really unlike anything else I've read.

One caveat: I first read this book as an adult, and I have no idea how kids respond to it. For a wonderful Ellen Raskin book closer in feel to the Westing Game, definitely look for a copy of the out-of-print classic "The Tattooed Potato and Other Clues." [Barring that, "The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel)" is a good choice.]

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars :), September 27, 2001

By 

Marisa (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Figgs and Phantoms (Newbery Library, Puffin) (Paperback)

Mona Lisa Newton is feeling rather depressed lately. Her family consists of, among others, Uncle Truman Figg, the human-pretzel-turned-sign-painter who always makes exactly one mistake on his signs; Uncle Florence Figg, who later coincidentally added the middle name Italy; Newton ("Newt") Newton, the used car dealer; Sister Figg, baton twirler and tap dancer, named by being raised by one older brother; Gracie Jo, the dog catcher, and her son, Fido Figg the Second (the first was a dog). Mona finds she only feels close to Uncle Flo, a book dealer. After hinting that he may have to leave soon for "Capri" - apparently the heaven for Figg-Newton family members, Mona knows she must unravel the mystery surrounding the place. --Packed with tons of clever wordplays, subtle mystery clues, and funny moments (especially all of Uncle Truman's signs!) this is one book not to miss!! --Marisa

This is an intiguing, funny, and very nicely woven story.