Scan barcode
A review by katykelly
After the First Death by Robert Cormier
5.0
Wow. I wasn't expecting something so tense and unremitting when I picked this up. I'd never heard of this, but loved The Chocolate War.
And it's an idea that drew me in - terrorists hijack a bus of young children (aged 5) to force American high command to agree to their demands and publicise their cause.
A three-way narrative ensures, mostly shared between one young terrorist, Miro, and the incredibly young bus driver Kate. The third narrator is Ben, whose role in the story isn't clear at the start, as the son of the general in charge of foiling the plot.
For a book destined for the eyes of young adults, it's quite disturbing and does not shy away from the worst aspects of hostage situations. Yes the worst MIGHT happen. The background of the terrorists gives some sympathy but of course the small innocents on the bus remind you of what they are doing.
Just how will it end? Well, it's a powerful and quite quickly escalating climax, and won't satisfy many, but it feels appropriate somehow. It will resonate though, and I couldn't help thinking it would make an excellent film, some very strong parts in there.
For me, Ben was the weakest part of the story, but possibly because his role was minor until near the end and his character not as deeply explored as Kate and Miro.
Powerful, intense read, does not pull away from some quite upsetting moments and situations.
And it's an idea that drew me in - terrorists hijack a bus of young children (aged 5) to force American high command to agree to their demands and publicise their cause.
A three-way narrative ensures, mostly shared between one young terrorist, Miro, and the incredibly young bus driver Kate. The third narrator is Ben, whose role in the story isn't clear at the start, as the son of the general in charge of foiling the plot.
For a book destined for the eyes of young adults, it's quite disturbing and does not shy away from the worst aspects of hostage situations. Yes the worst MIGHT happen. The background of the terrorists gives some sympathy but of course the small innocents on the bus remind you of what they are doing.
Just how will it end? Well, it's a powerful and quite quickly escalating climax, and won't satisfy many, but it feels appropriate somehow. It will resonate though, and I couldn't help thinking it would make an excellent film, some very strong parts in there.
For me, Ben was the weakest part of the story, but possibly because his role was minor until near the end and his character not as deeply explored as Kate and Miro.
Powerful, intense read, does not pull away from some quite upsetting moments and situations.