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adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm running out of ways of describing Morpurgo's books this year! Read quite a few, each one moving and impossible to put down.
This is a fascinating story from the times we sent children over to Australia, for being born out of wedlock, for having no parents, by themselves to a new country. Arthur is one such orphan in 1947, separated from sister Kitty, left only with her 'lucky key' as he travels across the ocean. He tells this story looking back decades later at the terrible years brutalised and enslaved to 'Piggy Bacon', a farmer who exploits boys like him. His story has happier moments with friends and a family he makes for himself, and periods of great sadness. And just when you think Arthur's story is coming to an end... there's a surprise in store and a whole other story to be told. I smiled through my tears as the second part of the book began, and it beautifully finished Arthur's tale with another one of adventure and bravery.
Morpurgo keeps his storytelling style simple, that may be key to his success - he tells his stories simply but well. Never trying to make his readers laugh or to engage them with jokes, he uses his stories to hook us, young and old. Based on truth, as always, they grip you because you know they are real.
This was particularly moving for me, many times over. The title (and elements of the plot) are based on The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which I really should go and read now, as I feel I've read half of it through Arthur.
If you're happy for Morpurgo to make you sob (again) with an enchanting story of family, hope, love and bravery, you'll want to read this. Children aged 8 and above will be ready to try it, and it would be another excellent classroom read.
I read the audio version, and it was superbly read by an Australian narrator who made Arthur's emotions come alive.
This is a fascinating story from the times we sent children over to Australia, for being born out of wedlock, for having no parents, by themselves to a new country. Arthur is one such orphan in 1947, separated from sister Kitty, left only with her 'lucky key' as he travels across the ocean. He tells this story looking back decades later at the terrible years brutalised and enslaved to 'Piggy Bacon', a farmer who exploits boys like him. His story has happier moments with friends and a family he makes for himself, and periods of great sadness. And just when you think Arthur's story is coming to an end... there's a surprise in store and a whole other story to be told. I smiled through my tears as the second part of the book began, and it beautifully finished Arthur's tale with another one of adventure and bravery.
Morpurgo keeps his storytelling style simple, that may be key to his success - he tells his stories simply but well. Never trying to make his readers laugh or to engage them with jokes, he uses his stories to hook us, young and old. Based on truth, as always, they grip you because you know they are real.
This was particularly moving for me, many times over. The title (and elements of the plot) are based on The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which I really should go and read now, as I feel I've read half of it through Arthur.
If you're happy for Morpurgo to make you sob (again) with an enchanting story of family, hope, love and bravery, you'll want to read this. Children aged 8 and above will be ready to try it, and it would be another excellent classroom read.
I read the audio version, and it was superbly read by an Australian narrator who made Arthur's emotions come alive.
This might possibly be one of the best books I’ve read. I’ve always been a fan of this author, receiving most of his books as Christmas/birthday presents even now at 28. I came across it this year and read it again, it’s beautifully written and encourages a sense of wanderlust. I’ve always found it to be a very impressive book that gives a very vivid world building experience through imagination and encourages me to remember my own memories of travelling etc. it’s such a wonderful book. A must for anyone!
this books holds nostalgia for me and i go back to it constantly
yes perhaps the writing isnt the most amazing but the way morpurgo writes from the perspective of arthur and tells his emotions so fiercly is admirable and a gem on my shelf to be sure
yes perhaps the writing isnt the most amazing but the way morpurgo writes from the perspective of arthur and tells his emotions so fiercly is admirable and a gem on my shelf to be sure
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Simple and touching. There's a reason Michael Morpurgo is such a well-respected children's author
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Deportation
Minor: Animal death, Racism
Such a touching and amazing book, I read it when I was a little girl, and It has stayed in my memory for being a great book.
One of the few children's book I re-read as an adult, and I'm so glad I did.
It is still a gripping and emotional tale about family and the separation thereof. The second part is, in my opinion, not as brilliant as the first but still tells a great story with a heartwarming ending.
It is still a gripping and emotional tale about family and the separation thereof. The second part is, in my opinion, not as brilliant as the first but still tells a great story with a heartwarming ending.