Peng Shepherd’s novel, "The Cartographers," has been on my TBR list for a while. Like many people, I have a fascination with maps, and geography is one of those subjects that is pleasant to learn about and to teach. When my children were small, I had a huge map of the world pinned to the wall in our dining room, of all places, so not chic, but everyone who came to the house spent time staring at that wall. During parties, there would be clusters of people surrounding it, pointing to places seen and unseen. It was a conversation starter for sure. I think that’s why the premise of this book intrigued me. That and a dose of magical realism.
I was not disappointed
This story is an imaginative exploration of secrets, family, and the literal magic that can be hidden within the lines of a map. This is a story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the allure of a dusty archive, the thrill of a hidden discovery, or the profound sense that maps are more than just paper and ink—they are gateways to understanding our world and, perhaps, other worlds entirely.
Honestly, it had me thinking about maps in a wholly different way.
The novel centers on Nell Young, a promising cartographer whose career was tragically derailed by a seemingly worthless, mass-produced gas station map that her renowned academic father, Dr. Daniel Young, deemed a piece of junk. Years after their falling out, Daniel is found dead in his office at the New York Public Library, and hidden in his desk is that very same, supposedly insignificant map. This discovery propels Nell into a dangerous and thrilling quest to understand why this map was so important and to uncover the secrets her father dedicated his life to protecting.
What makes "The Cartographers" so compelling is its ingenious premise: the idea of "phantom settlements" or "paper towns"—fictitious places added to maps to protect against copyright infringement (which was an actual thing) that might, in this world, be real. Shepherd masterfully weaves together a narrative that spans generations, revealing a hidden society of cartographers who have discovered that these paper towns can be physically entered, but only with the specific map that depicts them.
The characters are richly drawn, particularly Nell, whose grief and determination drive the narrative forward. Her determination actually started to annoy me a little bit, I kept wanting to tell her to slow down and think a minute, but characters in novels rarely listen to me.
The supporting cast, including past and present members of this secret group, each brings their own motivations and secrets, adding a layerof complexity to the unfolding mystery.
Shepherd's prose captures the almost reverent passion the characters have for maps. The pacing is excellent, balancing historical chapters with present-day sequences of discovery and danger. The novel also touches upon theme of legacy, and the sacrifices we make for our loved ones.
"The Cartographers" is more than just a clever mystery; it's a love letter to the art of map-making. It’s also a book that reminds us that there are still wonders to be found, hidden in plain sight, if only we know how to look. There is a very satisfying touch of magic in this book that I will carry with me every time I look at a map, from now on.
This past weekend found my husband and me at Ave Maria University for our son Kevin’s graduation. It was a beautiful occasion made more so by the fact that it was just two hours. The people who planned this ceremony are geniuses of timing.
Michael Knowles was the commencement speaker, and his speech was excellent. If you are interested, you can find it at the link below starting at 42:39. It’s a short speech for a commencement but filled with profound observations and a great deal of humor.
Another book to add to the neverending Must Read List. How could you do this to me? ;)
I'm now reading Ariel Lawhon "The Frozen River" and you were right, it's great!!
Sounds intriguing! I will look for it. Thanks for the recommendation.