Mira Bartók Livres

In this extraordinary debut novel, Mira Bartók introduces Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with one ear and a longing to belong. He finds himself at the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, run by the malevolent Miss Carbunkle, who sees her terrified charges as mere tools for servitude. The groundlings, part animal and part human, are forced to labor in classrooms and factories, deprived of joys like singing and music. Arthur, known only by the number 13 etched on a medallion, has never known another home. However, an unexpected act of bravery leads him to form a bond with Trinket, a young bird groundling, who gifts him a real name—Arthur, inspired by the noble king of old tales—and a true friendship. Together, they use Trinket’s clever invention to escape the confines of the Home, embarking on an adventure that reveals Arthur's true destiny. With rich imagination, shimmering language, steampunk elements, and captivating plot twists, this high fantasy tale promises an exhilarating journey and has already garnered attention for a major motion picture adaptation.

In the tradition of The Glass Castle, two sisters confront schizophrenia in this poignant literary memoir about family and mental illness. Through stunning prose and original art, the narrative captures the love between mother and daughter, the complex meaning of truth, and family’s capacity for forgiveness. At her mother’s memorial service, Mira Bartók hears a striking observation about their relationship with their mentally ill mother, Norma Herr, who was once a vibrant piano protégé. After being struck by schizophrenia at nineteen, Norma's mental state deteriorated, leading her to obsess over dark thoughts and fears for her daughters' safety. As the girls left for college, Norma's behavior escalated, forcing them to change their names and sever contact to stay safe. While Mira pursued her career as an artist, exploring various parts of the world, memories of her mother lingered. A debilitating car accident prompted Mira to confront her past, leading her to reach out to a homeless shelter where she believed Norma was living. Upon discovering that Norma was dying, Mira and her sister traveled to Cleveland for an unexpected reconciliation. At the hospital, Mira found keys to a storage unit filled with family photos and childhood memorabilia, reigniting memories she thought were lost forever.