SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
Three rescuers are sent to retrieve a prince, who nine years ago became trapped in the above world. But they are surprised to find the young prince isn't what they expected. And bringing back to his family may prove harder then expected.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Raymond is the young prince. He has been spoiled his whole life and isn't easily impressed by magic.
Odge Gribble is a young girl from a family of hags. They are supposed to curse people and can ill wish them. But Odge is rather ordinary and doesn't think she is a very good hag.
Ben was raised by Nanny Brown. Both of them work for the Throttle family. Ben is hard working, kind and becomes friends with the rescuers. He is very loyal to his adopted mother.
Mrs. Throttle kidnapped the baby prince and raised him as her own. Unfortunately, she has spoiled him rotten.
Hans is a one eyed ogre that is really strong but actually rather sensitive. He has had the ability to become invisible given to him.
Gurkintrude is one of the fairy people. She dresses strangely, with huge living plants on her hat. She is rather shy and develops in the story.
Cornelius is an old wizard who isn't known for his amazing magical skills.
HUMOR
Ibbotson used her trademark humor throughout the story. She is clever and funny, always making me smile with her original dialogue and blunt honesty. I loved when Odge said they should just wait till the king and queen die and have a republic. That's how bad Raymond was.
EVIL HARPIES
When Raymond fails to come home, the king and queen reluctantly send harpies after him. Although the description of them is quite comical they are far less kind-hearted then our rescuers. They are kind of a ticking time bomb as we are told in advance that if Raymond doesn't come home on time then the harpies will be sent.
CHARACTER ARCS
Not all of the characters have arcs. Hans and Cornelius pretty much stay the same. But Gerkintrude becomes more bold while Odge learns to use her abilities as a hag near the climax. I am not sure if Ben really changes. He does show boldness when protecting an animal. But he didn't seem completely meek before then.
FORESHADOWING
There is a hint of ben's true identity when it's revealed that Nanny Brown is thinking of giving Ben a special letter.
PREDICTABILITY-SPOILERS
The one major flaw of the story is that I knew how it would end. I knew the moment that they met Ben that he would be the real prince. And that selfish Raymond was Mrs. Throttle's real son (which she had given birth to after Ben was kidnapped).
But the thing is, I am such a fan of Mrs. Ibbotson that I still had to read the whole book through. I knew that it would still be amusing and have some original and silly scenes. It was and it did.
CLIMAX-SPOILERS
The rescuers plan a distraction with a huge cake and a dance. But chaos ensues, and the end up saving Ben rather then kidnapping Raymond.
CONCLUSION
Ibbotson creates a charming story with likable characters and plenty of funny scenes. But the story is predictable and many of the characters aren't well developed and never have arcs. I give “The secret of Platform Thirteen” three stars.
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