Who Would Like This Book:
This book draws readers in with the innocent yet powerful storytelling of Felix, a young Jewish boy navigating Nazi-occupied Poland. The child’s-eye perspective adds both heartbreak and unexpected hope, as Felix’s love for stories and deep optimism shine through even the darkest episodes. Gleitzman handles the Holocaust's sensitive subject matter with genuine care, making it accessible for mature middle grade and teen readers, as well as adults. If you appreciate historical fiction and stories that balance heartache with resilience, this book will likely resonate deeply with you. It’s also a fantastic pick for reluctant readers, thanks to its short chapters and compelling, fast-paced narrative.
Who May Not Like This Book:
The unfiltered depiction of violence and death, even though it’s seen through a child’s eyes, may be too heavy for younger readers or those looking for a lighter read. Some adults might also find Felix’s extreme naivety frustrating at the start, and the emotional toll of the setting may not be for everyone. Readers who prefer neatly tied-up endings could feel unsatisfied, as the story deliberately leaves some questions open.
About:
'Once' by Morris Gleitzman is a poignant and heart-wrenching story set during the Holocaust, following the journey of a young Jewish boy named Felix. Sheltered in a Catholic orphanage, Felix's innocent perspective gradually shifts as he embarks on a quest to find his parents, uncovering the brutal truths of the Nazi regime. Through Felix's eyes, readers witness the devastation and tragedy of the Holocaust, as he navigates through a world filled with loss, danger, and the harsh realities of war. The narrative style captures the essence of innocence amidst chaos, presenting a unique and compelling portrayal of a dark period in history.
Told in a first-person narrative, 'Once' delicately weaves together themes of innocence, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Felix's character development from a sheltered child to a witness of atrocities reflects a deeper exploration of the human experience during wartime. Gleitzman's writing skillfully balances the heartbreaking moments with glimpses of hope and friendship, creating a story that resonates with readers of all ages. Through Felix's adventures and encounters, the novel provides a moving account of survival, courage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes and depictions of violence, death, and the brutal realities of the Holocaust, making it suitable for a mature audience.
From The Publisher:
Felix, a Jewish boy in Poland in 1942, is hiding from the Nazis in a Catholic orphanage. The only problem is that he doesn't know anything about the war, and thinks he's only in the orphanage while his parents travel and try to salvage their bookselling business. And when he thinks his parents are in danger, Felix sets off to warn them-straight into the heart of Nazi-occupied Poland. To Felix, everything is a story: Why did he get a whole carrot in his soup? It must be sign that his parents are coming to get him. Why are the Nazis burning books? They must be foreign librarians sent to clean out the orphanage's outdated library. But as Felix's journey gets increasingly dangerous, he begins to see horrors that not even stories can explain.
Despite his grim suroundings, Felix never loses hope. Morris Gleitzman takes a painful subject and expertly turns it into a story filled with love, friendship, and even humor.
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What can you read after
Once?
About the Author:
Morris Gleitzman has been a fashion-industry trainee, frozen-chicken defroster, department-store Santa, sugar-mill employee, and screenwriter, among other things. Now he's one of Australia's best-loved children's book authors. His books have been published all over the world.
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