Book report:

Book Report: Once & Then Morris Gleitzman, a well-known English writer with more than 20 amazing books to his name. Once & Then, the book being reviewed, is packaged as an ‘ adult edition’ brings together two famous World War 2 novels based on holocausts: ‘ Once’, published in 2005 and ‘ then’, published in 2008. Felix is an optimistic 10 years-old boy living in a Catholic Orphanage since he was a little baby. Felix changes from innocently naïve, not realizing the true horrors of the Holocaust; to more mature, constantly being cautious and on the lookout for Zelda, his new family. Zelda, a ‘ lively’ little 6 years-old girl whose family was killed by the Jewish Resistance due to her father being a Nazi. Felix’s newfound family, Zelda changes from being childish to more caring and being worried about things above her age. As shown when she was worried about whether they’ll have enough food for the whole family when Genia’s husband come home. Genia is a female farmer who rescued Felix and Zelda. She shelters them and protected them from the Nazis. Although at first she seems harsh, Genia is actually a very soft and kind person. Seeing how she immediately took them in, gave them new identities to live like normal children. The setting of this place was taken in Poland, during World War 2, the period of the Holocaust. This country was actually very fitting for the story. This place showed one of the country invaded by Germany during their quest for power, how even outside of Germany feared the Nazis. To me, there were many themes to this book. Felix’s courage and determination to protect Zelda and Genia, how much they cared for each other, how the power-hungry Nazis eventually was defeated, how strong Felix and Zelda hope was for the war to end. I have actually learned a lot from this book. I think one of problem in this book was Felix’s naivety. The poor boy didn’t even know his parents were at a death camp or the fact that Adolf Hitler was actually the leader of the Nazis. He also wasn’t even aware that it wasn’t his parent books that put him in danger but his religion. Luckily, with the help of Barney and Zelda he was able to learn the real truth and actually made through all the many hardships they had to face. When Felix thought he received a sign from his long-lost parent, he leaves his Catholic Orphanage to find them. Along the way he rescued a little girl called Zelda and their journey begins. Even with all the cruel events thrown at them. This ‘ dynamic duo’ made through their challenges. Changing identities and avoiding local bullies, these two faced a lot even with their new identity. Then the most unthinkable thing happened and their fate was ultimately changed forever. If l were to rate this book, l would give it 10 out of 10. This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. Once you have read a few pages of the book, you’ll just want to keep reading on. There are many more books that Morris Gleitzman has published that are also interesting but l find that the book ‘ Once &Then’ is the most fascinating. This is one of those books that I can’t even take my eyes off. To be honest I wasn’t actually keen at first to read it, since l read the blurb at the back. It was about war and how the Nazis have taken over the Jews. I was assuming it was just about fighting and murder but once l read a few pages, l was amazed how this novel was set. It had both the elements of drama and adventure. Some parts of the book actually got me giggling to myself. I can’t say I don’t like anything about this book; Morris Gleitzman is by far, one of the most brilliant authors alive in my opinion. He wrote the truthful horror of the Holocaust and mixed it with some light humor creating this fine book. This story helped me realized the bitter truth about the Holocaust in a way easier for young people to digest. The ending of the book was the best I’ve seen. I love how he just slowly build the climax and then unleashed what I would say, a big ‘ bang’ to the audience. This book got me hungry for more, I wanted to read the next sequel so bad but unfortunately my classmate borrowed the book before me. Once & Then is a true novel classic.