Hey ho everyone.
I do hope all is okay with you all?
Okay another two book reviews this week and this week my focus is on 'Warhorse' By Micheal Morpurgo & 'Junk' By Melvin Burgess.
First a bit about the author Micheal Morpurgo. He was born in October 1943, after training for the army, he decided to take up a teaching post having gained a degree.
After a while he noticed he had a talent for story telling and so came the transition from teacher to writer.
Warhorse appeared in 1982 an (i think) was shortlisted as best children's book of the year, however (I'm using my memory so this may not be quite right.) Roald Dahl said that the book was too advanced for its time and that children may not quite understand the misery and cruelty contained within the book and so Micheal lost out, that didn't phase him as (if i remember reading correctly) knew that children needed to know the horror of war and the touching bond between horse and man.
Here is my review of Warhorse.
First of all this is a unique book told from the view point of Joey the horse, who once seperated from his mother ends up on a farm, where Albert bonds with him and looks after him.
Albert is only 15 and when war comes, his father sells Joey to the army. Captain Nicholls promises to look after Joey and from here the horror begins.
Joey meets Topthorn a magnificent black horse who stands 3 hands higher than him, but he is gentle and protective. Nicholls is killed leaving Joey in the hands of the Germans, who look after him well. Topthorn is with him.
Whilst there they stay at a farm where Emilie & her grandfather take care of them, but before long the horses are hauled away, back to war.
Worked beyond limits, many horses perish in the harsh winter and the spring that follows, Topthorn keels over and dies shortly after. Joey is devastated.
The rest and how the story ends? You will have to read the book, as I don't want to give it away.
All in all it is a wonderful story, with misery of war, heartache, heart break and some touching moments. And a final twist in the story of Joey and Albert, who promised him he would find him again.
Simply moving and touching, something that will stay with me forever. 5 out of 5. For me personally this book would suit anyone from the age of 10yrs up, especially if you enjoy history, like i do.
Now onto Junk By Melvin Burgess.
But first a little about the author. Melvin was born in April 1954. His first book was published in 1990. Melvin trained as a journalist, he started writing in his 20's but it was 15yrs before his first book 'The cry of the wolf' was published.
Junk was published in 1996, to much contraversy, due to the nature the book dealt with - the world of drugs and heroin addicted teens. This book was published in the shadow of the film Trainspotting, which also dealt with this issue to an extent.
Junk centres on Gemma & Tar, young people in love, Tar dreams of running away from his life and he wants Gemma to come with him. When they reach their destination, they meet new people, who are not all they seem. Gemma & Tar are drawn deeper into the world of drug taking and both seem to enjoy it, that is until something happens that will change them both. The rest as I always say, you got to read lol.
This book is more for 13 plus due to the content. Overall a good book that deals with the realities and concequences of the characters choices. I would give this 4.5 out of 5.
Okay thats my book reviews for this week, tune in on Friday where I shall be interviewing self published author - Annie Christensen.
And next weeks review will be 'Six Minutes Past Midnight.' & Fallen by Lauren Kate.
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