Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, War, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this for GCSE a few year back. I remember instantly hating the book because of the first few paragraphs (and having to read it for school). However, as I read further, Robert Cormier style of writing really interested me; the characters were realistic and the themes were portrayed beautifully throughout the book and because it was not written in chronological order it allowed Cormier to slowly reveal all of the mysteries until the end.
This is a very good book for anybody who likes novels about World War Two at the home front. It makes you question what makes a hero and who, at least in the book, really is one. I really hope that I find myself reading this again one day.
This is a very good book for anybody who likes novels about World War Two at the home front. It makes you question what makes a hero and who, at least in the book, really is one. I really hope that I find myself reading this again one day.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the set texts for school, it's pretty short only 100 or so pages but worth the read.
For those of us who have never known war, there's something chilling about the post-war experience of those who have. For all the bullet-dodging action heroes that Hollywood produces and America consumes, we rarely get a taste for the horrors that the scarred veteran must face upon return to the home-front. Even when a movie does try to convey that horror, it remains a visual experience.
Robert Cormier's "Heroes" has no such problems. Francis, Cormier's young protagonist, has been marred by war, and in the most visceral way. He's lost his face to a grenade. He is unrecognizable, even by those who knew him well, and though cited for bravery, he hides a secret. As we read, we soon learn that he is not the only one. Unlike the gloss and gleam of Hollywood flicks, we are ensconced in Francis' head, fully exposed to his pain and guilt, his regrets and hopes. It's almost too close, and as the novel moves towards a final crushing denouement, we sense as much as we read, guessing and knowing the horrible truth before Cormier lets his protagonist reveal the chilling and even disturbing truth.
"Heroes" develops fast, and it is perhaps the parsimony of words that provides his story with such careful and pointed impact. Each word, section, and anecdote is calculated to one purpose only: the building of a story about a hero, and not just any, but one who is anything but what he seems.
I recommend the read, but because of content (nothing gratuitous or graphic, but merely the subject matter) suggest it for adolescents in their teens. I look forward to reading and discussing with my own children.
Robert Cormier's "Heroes" has no such problems. Francis, Cormier's young protagonist, has been marred by war, and in the most visceral way. He's lost his face to a grenade. He is unrecognizable, even by those who knew him well, and though cited for bravery, he hides a secret. As we read, we soon learn that he is not the only one. Unlike the gloss and gleam of Hollywood flicks, we are ensconced in Francis' head, fully exposed to his pain and guilt, his regrets and hopes. It's almost too close, and as the novel moves towards a final crushing denouement, we sense as much as we read, guessing and knowing the horrible truth before Cormier lets his protagonist reveal the chilling and even disturbing truth.
"Heroes" develops fast, and it is perhaps the parsimony of words that provides his story with such careful and pointed impact. Each word, section, and anecdote is calculated to one purpose only: the building of a story about a hero, and not just any, but one who is anything but what he seems.
I recommend the read, but because of content (nothing gratuitous or graphic, but merely the subject matter) suggest it for adolescents in their teens. I look forward to reading and discussing with my own children.
(read for school)
the quote "sweet young things" will forever make me feel hella uncomfortable
the quote "sweet young things" will forever make me feel hella uncomfortable
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was made to read this book for my English GCSE. I think that the fact I was told I had to read this book as well as having to do countless essays on it's characters and themes will definitely have dampened my opinion of it. The only unbiased thing I can say is that the start was definitely too slow and dull however I was captured into the story by the end. The writing style wasn't anything particularly special however it was fun to read in present day as well as flashbacks. I felt attached to some of the characters however I felt more work could have been done with Francis in order to have the reader connect with him more.
I liked this a lot. The writing style in this book has a sort of timeless feel to it, I think. Very interested in reading more of Cormier's work.