A Fantastic Story of the old fashioned kind
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This is an emotional roller coaster of a story. Set in World War Two, Mr. Tom is a widower, living alone in his cottage in the country when he is asked to care for a young London evacuee, Willie Beech. Willie's mother is a religious fanatic with mental problems who beats and starves her son and when he arrives on Mr. Tom's doorstep he is a frightened, ill boy.
Despite his gruff exterior, Tom warms to the boy and they form a fantastic friendship which changes both of their lives forever. The book is emotionally challenging in places, dealing quite graphically with the horrors of physical abuse, infanticide, mental illness and the death of friends and loved ones. The issues are handled sensitively and with real thought, but it does push the suitability of the book out of the range of younger readers, making it much more appropriate for twelve plus age range.
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one of the best books ever !
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This has to be one of the best books ever ! Really grips you from page one and and is prone to being under-valued when being descibed as a children's book ! Guaranteed to make you cry....though I was wary at first, the Film with John Thaw is also very good.
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The most moving book!
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This is truly the most amazing book i have ever read. It moved me to the point of lifechanging and to call it a childrens book does not give it any justice. Follow Willy as he finds love, friendship and overcomes great tragedy.
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so sad.
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i read this two years ago at the tender age of 23. for the first time. i am not joking when i say that my husband had to cuddle me as i sobbed uncontrollably. i could hardly see the words for tears. one rarely comes across a book as preciouse as this. at the end of the book when the little boy discovers he is growing i wept with joy.
if you can handle the tears then do read it you wont be sorry but have lots of tissues and a significant other handy.
did someone say this was a kids book. lol no way.
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Goodnight Mr Tom
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This book is about a boy called Willie. He is an evacuee in world war 2. He has to go and stay with Tom Oakley, who lives in the countryside. At first they don't get on, because Tom does not want an evacuee staying with him. Willie is scared of Tom because his mother beats him, therefore he is weary of any adult.
Over the months they grow to become friends. All is well until Willie has to go home to his mother, who he knows, will continue to beat him. Tom is also aware of this and does not want him to go.
The book has a very moving and emotional ending. Read this book to find out what happens when Willie finally returns home.
I read this book when I was I Year 7 (11 years old) and I thought it was very appropriate for my age group.
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