44 pages • 1 hour read
AviThe Man Who Was Poe
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Man Who Was Poe by Avi, set in 1848 Providence, Rhode Island, 11-year-old Edmund seeks the help of Edgar Allan Poe, who introduces himself as Auguste Dupin, to find his missing family members. While unraveling the mystery, they face dangerous adversaries, all while Poe balances his own personal endeavors with his obsession with creating a compelling story.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Avi's The Man Who Was Poe intertwines historical fiction with mystery, captivating readers with its atmospheric depiction of 19th-century Providence. While praised for its engaging plot and vivid, dark ambiance, some critics find the pacing uneven and the blend of fact with fiction occasionally confusing. Overall, it is commended for its originality and compelling storytelling.
Who Should Read The Man Who Was Poe?
A reader who enjoys The Man Who Was Poe by Avi is likely drawn to historical mysteries with gothic elements, much like fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events or The Graveyard Book. They appreciate tense narratives, intricate plots, and atmospheric settings. Ideal for middle-grade to early teen readers craving suspenseful and thought-provoking stories.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
600LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Children's Literature
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Class
Education
Society: Class
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Romanticism / Romantic Period