Reviews

This book is set in English country side at the very beginning of World War II. Willie Beech is a young boy evacuated to the country side, as so many children were, to keep them safe from the German bombs dropped on London and other major cities. His mother severely mistreated and abused him and her treatment left Willie feeling that he is an unlikable, good-for-nothing, sinful boy. He is sent to live with a crusty old man named Tom Oakley who had pulled into his own shell years before when his wife and newborn baby both died. It doesn't take long for Tom and Willie to bond into a father/son relationship. As they realize they need each other, both Tom and Willie discover peace and contentment. Their happiness is short-lived and Willie's mother decides she needs him with her back in London. He returns to unimaginable abuse, while "Mr. Tom" (as Willie calls him) languishes in the loss of this boy who become like his son. Eventually, Tom decides to take matters into his own hands and go searching for the boy. This book takes the reader to an interesting time in history and it is filled with the grief and tragedy mixed with unity and hope of the early days of World War II in England. The book came out in 1982 and was the author received the International Reading Association's Children's Book Award that year. I agree with The New Yorker's review of the book that said it is "an engrossing and poignant story, with much sunlight to balance the darkness." If you haven't already read this book, or even if you read it years ago, read it again. It is a hopefully and encouraging story that shows the power of friendship and love over tragedy and evil.