The Magic Kingdom

"Among Mr. Elkin's best works of fiction . . . A comedy that cuts so many ways that it leaves us bleeding with laughter." — The New York Times Eddy Bale's twelve-year-old son died after a terrible, drawn-out illness. Now, determined to help alleviate the suffering of other sick children, Eddy plans to take a group of seven terminally ill youths on a dream vacation to Disney World. Accompanied by four eccentric chaperones, Eddy and the kids embark on what is meant to be a magical retreat that quickly devolves into a series of disasters when the kids turn out to be more full of life than anyone expected. Written with deadpan humor and poignancy, The Magic Kingdom is a striking and honest portrayal of life and death—and the trouble that ensues when one attempts to master either. This ebook features rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the author's estate and from the Stanley Elkin archives at Washington University in St. Louis.