What a beautiful, haunting story.
I couldn’t forget this as a kid, and it’s still one of my all time favourite books. This is a moving and compelling tale is about a boy whose genuine nobility of character shines through a young lifetime of (implied) dreadful experiences in a concentration camp.
Following a mysteriously aided escape, the story tells of David’s experiences journeying through several countries in search of (at heart) a reason to continue living.
I hope that doesn’t sound depressing, because this book certainly is not. It is sad in parts, but only when it’s necessary to the story. This is a beautiful tale of hope, courage, honesty, truth and real strength – and David is the most memorable character I’ve found in any book.
A friend I lent this to refused to let her 9 year old read it, believing the subject too dark for a younger child. I disagree, and think David has it right in saying that children need to know what is evil, and what is true.
A wonderful read for age 8–9 to adult, probably best suited to the 9 to 14 group.
