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ljhat81's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
An important read for all, Michael Morpurgo really takes you back in time to show you how it was in the First World War.
readbycallum's review against another edition
4.0
Another read for school. There’s a reason Morpurgo is a national treasure.
Like War Horse, this book contrasts the protagonist’s idyllic (mostly) childhood in rural England with the horror and atrocities of French warfare.
Unlike War Horse, this book shifts its focus to the futility and cruelty of the British command and how the class system allowed the ruling classes to slaughter hundreds of thousands of its men. Written as part of a national campaign calling for soldiers who had been court martialled and executed for cowardice/desertion. The campaign was successful and the men received a partial pardon in 2006.
Like War Horse, this book contrasts the protagonist’s idyllic (mostly) childhood in rural England with the horror and atrocities of French warfare.
Unlike War Horse, this book shifts its focus to the futility and cruelty of the British command and how the class system allowed the ruling classes to slaughter hundreds of thousands of its men. Written as part of a national campaign calling for soldiers who had been court martialled and executed for cowardice/desertion. The campaign was successful and the men received a partial pardon in 2006.
cremazzapazza's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
katebarrett's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cerim's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book almost 20 years ago when I was given it by my granny. She and I went to see a stage version of the novel in 2015 and absolutely loved it. The story has stayed with me for years, and I felt that this was the perfect book to read during the Remembrance weekend.
Although aimed at children, this book is beautiful. A very well handled account of a fictional soldier, as a dedication to the 306 men shot by the firing squad for ‘cowardice’ during WW1.
Highly recommend this short novel for everyone.
Although aimed at children, this book is beautiful. A very well handled account of a fictional soldier, as a dedication to the 306 men shot by the firing squad for ‘cowardice’ during WW1.
Highly recommend this short novel for everyone.
clo_clo's review against another edition
5.0
The ending still screws me over years later! Like, he thinks he’s gonna eventually get his happy ending and take care of his brother’s child and wife, but the audience knowing that he’s going to the Somme and there’s a high probability that he won’t survive makes it all the more heartbreaking!
heartprint's review against another edition
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
3.25
3.25-3.5 stars
definitely not a genre i go for. read it so I could teach it--it was as i expected. unshakable feelings of dread as I read the main character's thoughts whilst growing up.
definitely not a genre i go for. read it so I could teach it--it was as i expected. unshakable feelings of dread as I read the main character's thoughts whilst growing up.
clofle92's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jamie99louw's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
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? No
3.0