Brilliant book - as well as the other books from this author
|
|
Being Dutch (as is the author) I really enjoy the fact that this book is offered in other languages as well. I have read this book for the first time when I was around 9 years old and re-read it several times since. The story is a great adventure and being based on historical facts it is educational as well! A recommendation for both children and grown ups enjoying the combination of a great tale and an interesting history. I can also recommend Thea Beckman's other books, like Hasse Simonsdochter, the triology of Thule and her other historical novels. Her books are very inspiring and of great value for anyone who has read them, young or old.
|
|
|
I read this 15 year ago
|
|
I read this 15 years ago in Dutch ( the original language the book is written in ) and I have to say I thought it was brilliant . Even now 15 years later is still remember the main parts of the story and recommended to a friend for his little sister.
|
|
one of the best historical children's novels ever written
|
This work by Thea Beckman - inspired by actual historical events - is considered "classic" in the Dutch children's literature (i.e. age 10 and up). True, Thea Beckman's gift to capture the reader from cover to cover, is particularly evident here. In preparation for writing this book, the author spent nearly two years of conducting historical research, including numerous field trips to the respective locations across Europe. In 1974 "Crusade in Jeans" received the European award for the best historical children's novel.
The challenges that the 8.000+ stray children face during their journey through medieval Europe, seem to be as numerous as they are various: no food, no medicine and under threat of constant attack. Equipped with nothing more than his no-nonsense wits and a 20th century kitchen knife, Dolf tries to organize the children's army as effectively as possible and to prepare them for the journey through the mountains and the battles ahead. Yet in the course of the story, Dolf comes to realize that in the end it is true friendship, hope and shared dreams that give people the strength to succeed and to overcome life greatest challenges.
In support of the criticism given by previous reviewers: I would have given it six stars were it not for the bad translation. Too many sentences seem to have been translated too literally - or even completely left out - causing that much of the original intended meaning/feeling is somewhat lost. Hence the four stars.
On a side note: i anticipate the soon-to-be-released movie based on this book; indeed, with such a basis (for the script) the director would have to be extremely clumsy to mess up this one! ;)
|
|
|
What a fantastic read!
|
This book had me spellbound from the moment I picked it up, I did not want to put it down! It has all the ingredients of a great adventure story: excitement, laughter, tears, villains and heros. The book is written and sold as a childrens book, but is a great read for adults as well. What a shame none of the writer's other books are available here.
I highly recommend this book, for young and old alike!
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada