An excellent young adult novel that tells the story of two brothers, Francis and Pieter, who face the same context of World War II but choose opposite paths. Pieter decides to enlist and fight in the war as a soldier, while Francis, a convinced pacifist, refuses to take up arms.
This decision marks a profound turning point in Francis’s life, leading him to confront personal and ethical dilemmas in the midst of wartime chaos. The work is based on real events: Morpurgo draws inspiration from the story of his uncles. The author considers it one of his most personal writings.
The narrative resonates with an intimate and emotional tone, allowing readers to deeply empathize with its characters. The historical background, combined with family biographical details, brings unique human strength and an authentic connection with the past.
The language is simple, with a poetic touch; ideal for young readers and also for adults interested in history. The text is enriched with illustrations that complement and bring it to life; at the end, it includes a family album.
It conveys the value of resilience, as the characters face the consequences of their choices in a devastating context, and it shows how they find meaning even in the midst of pain. It also underlines the importance of historical memory.
It encourages reflection on war, peace, family, and the different ways of facing life’s serious challenges.