100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

The first book of N.D. Wilson’s trilogy follows 12 year-old Henry York, as he discovers portals to other worlds. The reader accompanies him through the uncovering of 100 cupboards that transport him to various unusual, beautiful, and often dangerous fantasy lands. Classified as children’s fiction, the novel explores the consequences of curiosity. Henry can enter the cupboards anytime he wishes, and stay for as long as he wants. However, he must be willing to face whatever darkness he might find once inside. In many ways, Wilson’s novel represents the struggle to accept and remain

in reality. The imagination is a powerful tool; the basis for all forms of entertainment. People create characters, stories, images etc. as a way of expressing themselves. However, it can be difficult to spend time in reality when other more appealing worlds exist in our minds. The many cupboards of 100 Cupboards are symbolic of all the various works and art forms that tempt us to leave the real world behind. Wilson emphasizes the danger posed by fantasy worlds, as well as the importance of finding magic in reality; a lesson that is particularly hard to learn as readers journey through his enchanting novel.

This book falls among my favorites for very personal reasons. While I love the story and the narrative techniques of the novel, this book is special to me because it was read aloud to me. When I was in middle school, I used to get very ill for very long periods of time. During one of those periods of illness, I was unable to open my eyes because the light caused severe headaches. The light would even irritate me through closed eyes, so I was forced to wear a sleeping mask 24/7. My grandfather (who I call Grandad) read the entire book to me, cover to cover. He would sit for hours next to my bed reading, at times having to take breaks because his voice would become too tired or he would start to lose it. Due to the fact that I could not open my eyes without extreme discomfort, the experience of being read to and having the scenes from the book come to life in my head was very special. Those scenes were the only thing that I saw besides my own closed eyelids for days. To this day I feel a very strong emotional connection to 100 Cupboards, and I think I always will. I don’t think words can really express how grateful I am to my Grandad for providing me with that experience. I will never forget the feeling of 1oo worlds coming to life in the darkness.