Joël Dicker, best known for his intricate literary thrillers like The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair and The Baltimore Boys, takes a completely unexpected turn with The Very Catastrophic Visit to the Zoo (La muy catastrófica visita al zoo). This charming, thought-provoking little mystery is unlike anything the Swiss author has written before an accessible, witty, and heartfelt story meant to be enjoyed by readers from seven to one hundred and twenty years old.
The novel begins on Christmas Eve, when a school trip to the zoo turns into a complete disaster. Nobody knows what truly happened, and the parents of young Joséphine are determined to find out. As the story unfolds, the reader begins to understand that disasters rarely come alone, that appearances deceive, and that life often takes turns more unpredictable than we can imagine.
Told through the innocent yet perceptive voice of Joséphine, a seven-year-old girl, the book’s tone is playful but layered. Beneath its lighthearted narration, Dicker weaves deeper reflections on inclusion, democracy, education, and the ever-complicated relationship between parents, teachers, and children. It’s a deceptively simple story that carries the kind of emotional resonance and subtle humor that appeal to both children and adults.
What makes this novel stand out is Dicker’s willingness to step outside his literary comfort zone. Gone are the dark secrets, complex timelines, and brooding detectives of his previous works. Instead, he gives us a tender and whimsical tale that feels like a fable for modern times. The result is a story that entertains while prompting quiet reflection on how society treats difference, how adults misunderstand children, and how even the smallest acts can spiral into chaos or understanding.
Readers familiar with Dicker’s usual style might be surprised, but if approached with an open mind, The Very Catastrophic Visit to the Zoo is a delightful discovery. Its short chapters make it an easy and engaging read, perfect for families to share aloud or for anyone looking for a quick but meaningful escape. The humor feels natural, the pacing brisk, and the story’s mystery element light though it is keeps readers intrigued until the end.
While it’s not one of Dicker’s grand literary achievements, it succeeds beautifully in what it sets out to do: bring people together through reading. The author himself described it as a book meant for shared experiences one that parents, children, and friends can read and discuss together. That spirit of community and connection radiates from every page.
The Very Catastrophic Visit to the Zoo is both simple and profound, funny and reflective. It proves that great storytelling doesn’t always need high drama or complex structure sometimes, all it takes is a curious child, a mysterious zoo trip, and a writer unafraid to try something new.
Final Verdict:
A delightful, thoughtful, and heartwarming tale that reminds us why Joël Dicker is such a versatile storyteller. Ideal for readers young and old who want a mystery with heart and humor.
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