Beverly B. reviewed on 2/21/2010 + 7 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This is a short book, can be read easily in a few days. It is the story of a young Jewish boy in Poland during World War II. He is a small boy who is for some reason, alone, feeding himself by stealing. Because he is quick and small, he is good at this and manages to stay alive and also help others stay alive by bringing them food. He is wise in some ways, and ignorant in other ways. The book is troubling because it stirs up memories of the evil that was the Nazi regime during WWII. There are no "good" Germans in this book, except for perhaps one Nazi soldier's girlfriend who does not laugh when her boyfriend and other soldiers entertain their girlfriends by throwing food at the starving Jews in the ghetto in order to see them scramble for the food. Some might find the book depressing but for the perserverence of the boy, his loyalty to others who have been kind to him, and his ability to survive. This book is similar to many other books written about the Holocaust but seen from the eyes of a young boy. Only at the very end do you meet the older man he becomes.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details