The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale

Book Description

It is 1917, and while war wages across Europe, in the heart of London, there is a place of hope and enchantment. The Emporium sells toys that capture the imagination of children and adults alike: patchwork dogs that seem alive, toy boxes that are bigger on the inside, soldiers that can fight battles of their own. Into this family business comes young Cathy Wray, running away from a shameful past. The Emporium takes her in, but Cathy is about to discover that the Emporium has secrets of its own.

Review

The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale is an enchanting literary fantasy where toys come alive and dreams take flight.

Papa Jack’s Emporium opens its doors with the first frost of winter. Offering room and board with no experience required…where else would teenage runaway Cathy Wray go?

If you’re looking for a marvelous holiday tale, look no farther! A magical toy store?

Come on.

But wait, this is not only a happy-go-lucky tale of animated toys.

In The Toymakers, Dinsdale skillfully explores themes of love, loss, innocence, and the power of imagination. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn world, the toy store offers the characters a shining refuge. But, inevitably, the grim realities of the greater world creep in and the story darkens.

All are welcome at Papa Jack’s Emporium, for everyone was once a child, no matter what they’ve done or whom they’ve grown up to be.
—The Toymakers, Robert Dinsdale

I found the novel poignant and haunting. While heartbreaking, it is a beautifully crafted tale. The prose is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the emporium’s enchanting creations. I loved that each of the intricately developed characters carries their own burdens and secrets.

The plot isn’t fast, but who wants to rush through a beautifully worded novel?

If you enjoy literary novels where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur (like The Night Circus or The Ten Thousand Doors of January) give The Toymakers a try.

Content Warning

Depression, PTSD, Sibling Rivalry, Starvation, Suicidal Ideation, Teen Pregnancy, War, Wounds

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Seongho Jang on Unsplash