Alfie's father left London four years ago to fight in WWI and has not returned. Alfie's world has dramatically changed: Mum's working, neighbors have been taken away, and food is scarce. Alfie, now nine, is shining shoes at King's Cross Station when he learns that his father is at a nearby hospital being treated for shell shock.
I love reading John Boyne because he writes so simply, and gets a child's point of view "right". But the simplicity is deceptive; the story is rich and deeply emotional. This is a terrific window into Alfie's war experience.
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