44 pages 1 hour read

Avi

The Man Who Was Poe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989

A 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

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

600L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Children's Literature

Topics

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Class

Education

Themes

Society: Class

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Period

Romanticism / Romantic Period