This is the story of a young boy of dark features abandoned by his parents in WWII to avoid him being harmed by the Nazis. The story starts in the first weeks of the war in 1939 (when the boy was six), following him from village to village in rural Eastern Europe, and through the end of the war in 1945. His journey to avoid being captured by the Nazis, lead him to even worse experiences from every day peasants, priests, and at times, German officers.

Learning another point of view in World War II.

The point of view used. This tale, told in first person from the boy, displays a sheer innocence unknowingly wracked by the brutality of human nature. The trasition in attitude is apparent, but it isn't realized too quickly; much like we don't notice our own transitions until much later.

The graphic nature of the novel. Of course, this is something I hated reading, but it isn't something that takes from the book. I liked what I got from the reading experience, and the graphic nature was needed, but that doesn't mean I liked reading it.

Reflect on human nature. Write this review. Get others to realize wars still go on.

Shocked. Wounded. Frustrated. Liberated (from a form of previous ignorance). Angry. Amazed. Astounded. WTF?

Is a very good author. It seems as though he had endured a similar life, but this fictional account of a life in WWII is written incredibly well. He doesn't dwell on what needn't be dwelled upon, and his writing, although jaw-dropping and horrific, is straight to the point.

It is something that will change your view of things. It is in some ways life-changing, for some more than others, but it does leave a stain...a scar...that can't escape. Some interesting ideas are presented that give you a look at human nature...and specifically why people do what they do.

It is really graphic. Please do not read it if you can't stomach horrific descriptions.

It's a tough read. Sometimes dropping the book to take a break from the graphic descriptions is needed. Feel free to take one. I did often. I want to read it a second time, though, because the messages and ideas touched upon are profound.

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Created Mar 21, 2004 at 10:04pm • Submit your own review...