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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
I have read this book several times now, finding it more enjoyable each time I read and discovering new feelings each time also. My first time reading this book was during Year 3 (age 8), upon reading it at a later age I have found that I have been able to recognise a larger number of mature themes running through the book.
For myself, Tommo represents the whole British force fighting in World War I. His ignorance of the reasons behind fighting the German forces as well as his disillusionment with the British side is characteristic of the young males fighting at the time. Despite this novel being a work of fiction, it is very useful as a tool in displaying the nature of the First World War.
As well as the main theme of the First World War (which is arguably the most important) the internal story of Tommo's relationship with his brother Charlie is also poignant in showing the struggles many have with growing to adulthood.
I found this an extremely heartbreaking story and still the third time I have read this book, I found myself shocked at the revelation of Charlie being the Peaceful brother condemned to death, rather than Tommo. This ability to surprise the reader, even after having read the novel before, is a skill of Morpurgo.
For myself, Tommo represents the whole British force fighting in World War I. His ignorance of the reasons behind fighting the German forces as well as his disillusionment with the British side is characteristic of the young males fighting at the time. Despite this novel being a work of fiction, it is very useful as a tool in displaying the nature of the First World War.
As well as the main theme of the First World War (which is arguably the most important) the internal story of Tommo's relationship with his brother Charlie is also poignant in showing the struggles many have with growing to adulthood.
I found this an extremely heartbreaking story and still the third time I have read this book, I found myself shocked at the revelation of Charlie being the Peaceful brother condemned to death, rather than Tommo. This ability to surprise the reader, even after having read the novel before, is a skill of Morpurgo.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was very sad, and one that can be reread over and over again. It's a part of my heart -- I used to reread this book every month when I was a little pickle. This is the best of Morpurgo's books. I need to reread this book again. I'll update this review when I do.
Read for an S2 class.
Kids don't like it when there isn't a full stop.
What begins in an idealised version of the English countryside's past, right down to secret messages passed through meeting spots in the woods, ends with World War I still in motion. It's a hell of a hellish story about the loss of innocence on personal and universal scales - the small-town drama of home is Earth-shattering, and so too is No Man's Land.
Camaraderie slightly cloaks the horrors of war, but only just. There are screams of terror and of futility that punctuate Charlie and Tommo's time serving, but they feel a sense of duty and brotherhood with those they share the uniform with. Classrooms are used to war literature, but something so unsuspecting does also have a blurring of the lines - the brothers both do and don't want to be where they are, and neither takes precedence. That conflict is a mature concept for young readers (and for those who like binary stances).
Hardest of all is the forward motion of the final few pages. Those old enough to know a little history can fill in the blanks, but an S2 class can feel a little cheated by no hard conclusion. Given the nature of the story, perhaps no solid ending is the best thing we could have asked for.
Kids don't like it when there isn't a full stop.
What begins in an idealised version of the English countryside's past, right down to secret messages passed through meeting spots in the woods, ends with World War I still in motion. It's a hell of a hellish story about the loss of innocence on personal and universal scales - the small-town drama of home is Earth-shattering, and so too is No Man's Land.
Camaraderie slightly cloaks the horrors of war, but only just. There are screams of terror and of futility that punctuate Charlie and Tommo's time serving, but they feel a sense of duty and brotherhood with those they share the uniform with. Classrooms are used to war literature, but something so unsuspecting does also have a blurring of the lines - the brothers both do and don't want to be where they are, and neither takes precedence. That conflict is a mature concept for young readers (and for those who like binary stances).
Hardest of all is the forward motion of the final few pages. Those old enough to know a little history can fill in the blanks, but an S2 class can feel a little cheated by no hard conclusion. Given the nature of the story, perhaps no solid ending is the best thing we could have asked for.
The end of the end made me cry. The author did a really good job writing it.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really good but ruined my emotional integrity every time i left english class. Little Soldiers - The Crane Wives
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced