skyring's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one. An engaging tale of like in Southern England in the months before D-Day. Families forced off their land, cats gone missing, friends made and lost.
It all works out in the end in a most charming way.
It all works out in the end in a most charming way.
yuliapgrlv's review against another edition
4.0
At first glance, this book seems to be yet another typical story about a girl and her cat who keeps on running away, but once you start reading it, you realise there's more to it than meets the eye. Set against the backdrop of World War 2, and more particularly, the D-Day landing practices, it gives the reader an entirely unique and different perspective on the war, as it is told through the eyes of the twelve-year old Lily Tregenze, whose family was forced to leave their village to make way for the army exercises. Through Lily's diary entries the reader gets to know what it was like to live in wartime Britain, which, I believe, makes this book perfect for introducing young readers to the concept of war, death and loss, but also true friendship and love. The only thing I didn't particularly liked though was that unexpected and quite surprising twist at the end -- well, I kind of suspected something like that would happen, but still I had mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I was insanely happy for Lily (even sobbed a little), but on the other hand, I felt really sorry for Boowie's grandfather -- he surely did not deserve that... But on the whole, it was a very enjoyable and entertaining little book and I would recommend it to anyone, children and adults alike. I wish I had read it when I was around Lily's age.
caits10's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
4.5
Looking back, I think this book is what kickstarted my interest in history!! - I first read it when I was 11 because I remember sitting reading it on the balcony of the hotel in Disney Florida when my mum was pregnant with Lou so it will have been October 2011 and I don’t think that I would have been exposed to much other ways of learn about history before high school.
I still think about this book and it’s still on my bookshelf, holds a special place in my heart
I still think about this book and it’s still on my bookshelf, holds a special place in my heart
spiral30's review against another edition
3.0
Lily Tregenza lives in a farm with her family. But then the war arrives.
When she and her family are forced to move outside of the land they are going to use for training, Lily’s cat Tips goes missing into the danger. And she goes in to look for herself…
I got this book from the mystery wrapped books that my local library were doing. This book is more for younger readers as it has big text and a good moral; as most other Michael Morpurgo books are. I thought this book was okay, but I am not a huge fan of this genre so I give it 3/5 stars.
When she and her family are forced to move outside of the land they are going to use for training, Lily’s cat Tips goes missing into the danger. And she goes in to look for herself…
I got this book from the mystery wrapped books that my local library were doing. This book is more for younger readers as it has big text and a good moral; as most other Michael Morpurgo books are. I thought this book was okay, but I am not a huge fan of this genre so I give it 3/5 stars.
adaaawwwg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
1hollieb's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mat_tobin's review against another edition
4.0
Once again, Morpurgo lifts the veil of some of the silenced stories from the wars. This time he explores, through the eyes of Lily Tregenza, life in the seaside village of Slapton. During the Second World War, we discover how this little town was overtaken by American troops who used the land to practice and prepare for D-Day. Tragedy strikes and, as is often Morpurgo's way, he wraps the tragedy with love and hope, ensuring that the history never swamps the narrative. These stories are always, always about people and are richer for it.
jmyodafriend's review against another edition
emotional
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Death, and Animal death
readsndrants's review against another edition
5.0
Its a refreshing and yet heart-wrenching story bundled into an engaging narrative. The little girl, Lily, conveys deep and powerful emotions. About living through the war, leaving their homes, loosing loved ones, and finding joy again, all wrapped up in a layer of innocence. Sad but beautiful, with a happy ending, perfect for a cozy weekend read.