shanny1366's review against another edition
5.0
I thought that I was going to hate this book. I usually am neither a fan of World War II novels nor stories about young boys during the "good old days," but I ended up absolutely loving it. The characters all have depth and the plot brings out so many different emotions. I loved that it shows both Will and Tom having emotions, handling those emotions in healthy ways, and acknowledging that these emotions are not weakness. This book was written in the '80s and it demonstrates a healthy kind of masculinity that many people still struggle to embrace today.
moniqueranger's review against another edition
5.0
Even after 30 years, this book still makes me cry. When asked what my favorite books are, this one has been in my top 5 since middle school.
trin_ney18's review against another edition
4.0
What a whirlwind. Definitely dense in some area but it still managed to rip out the most raw and intense reactions from me.
I did drop my rating down to a four from my original read in 2014 because it just doesn't quite compare to the books that I call my favorites today. It will always have a special place in my heart, though.
I did drop my rating down to a four from my original read in 2014 because it just doesn't quite compare to the books that I call my favorites today. It will always have a special place in my heart, though.
chellski's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Child abuse, Antisemitism, Confinement, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Vomit, Injury/injury detail, and Death of parent
zoesbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
No matter how many times I read this book I love it all over again.
happy_introvert's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
stuffinmybrainhole's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
utdawson's review against another edition
4.0
While this book received a children’s award, there are some tough, even disturbing themes that would be difficult to process without discussion and/or help of an adult. The author did a good job of taking the reader through them and it was interesting to read about life in the English country during early WWII.
mal_grace's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0