Good night Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

Hi all I know it’s been way too long since my last post, but let’s dive in to one of my all time favourites… in case you may have forgotten my reviews follow the format of

CAWPILE

CHARACTERS

ATMOSPHERE

WRITING

PLOT

INTRIGUE

LOGIC

ENJOYMENT

Synopsis

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian is the unforgettable story of young Willie Beech, evacuated to the country as Britain stands on the brink of the Second World War. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the unlikely care of grumpy old Tom Oakley. But then his new-found happiness is shattered by a summons from his mother to return to London. As the weeks pass by Tom begins to worry when William doesn't answer his letters, so he goes to London to find him, and there makes a terrible discovery.

Review

Characters

William is undoubtedly the character that almost everyone pulls toward when asked “Who’s your favourite?” and rightly so he is a troubled and somewhat traumatised young boy that is crying out for the love and attention of a decent parent. His journey, is one of both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in equal measure. He craves acceptance, but also interaction with children his own age. When he is placed in a situation where that can happen freely and is openly encouraged, he finds himself feeling completely inadequate to do so. Both academically and socially. But with the help of his new friend Zac and the kindness of his teachers and Tom he is soon able to see that he has as much to offer them as a friend as they do him.

My personal favourite character in this story however, has got to be Tom. The arc of Tom’s character during this story is utterly brilliant, he starts out as a stubborn old mule of a man who seems to lack any compassion for the situation of both the war or those impacted by it. Yet when he is lumbered with the responsibility of career to William he is forced to see and think differently, at first I believe his impression of William to be guarded and reserved, with no more of an assumption that William’s behaviours and issues are nothing more than that of a child who has been torn away from his home and all he knows to live with a stranger in the country. To a point of course he is right, but it doesn’t take long for him to realise there may be more to this boy than meets the eye. His manner and attitudes toward almost everything are steeped in the fear and uncertainty of a child with deep rooted issues of complexity that will be extremely difficult to uncover. As their relationship develops Tom’s determination to reveal the truth about the boy he is growing to love is beautiful to see. The lengths he will go to in order to both learn about yet protect him are boundless. It’s impossible to feel anything but pride for him as a reader. It’s evident that the more Tom grows to care for William though, he is struggling with his own issues of grief and guilt for the loss of his family. The death of his wife and child clearly play heavily on his mind, but William and his almost blissful innocence soon begins to show Tom just how much he has to offer this wonderful young boy. The way their lives are intertwined so completely by the end is exactly what you crave for them both and you can see that they both find the perfect fulfilment within each other that they both were unaware they needed.

Atmosphere

This book is so steeped in atmospheric quality that you cannot help but let yourself be completely and utterly consumed by it. When in a war stricken London you can sense the intense fear and uncertainty of the whole surroundings, and the oppressive nature of the circumstances in which this time period exudes. Similarly when we are whisked away to the bright and calm countryside, the tension is realised and a beautiful serenity ensues. It’s very cleverly done by Magorian, the stark differences in the atmosphere is instantaneously portrayed so that there can be no confusion as to where you are at any one moment. It forces the reader into the mind and body of the characters in ways that are so subtle it’s almost impossible to ignore. The reading experience is enhanced beyond anything that I have ever read of the same time period, thanks to the excellence of its portrayal.

Writing

In my opinion this is a book for all ages. Although there is a definite older sophistication to the writing style that will appeal to an older generation of readers, it in no way means that the younger reader would struggle with the language or structure of it. It is billed as a children’s novel and rightly so, but as an adult there is plenty within the language to make it feel multi-generational. The topics and themes of this book, are very delicately and tentatively approached, showing a great respect and understanding for its target audience.

This was the first book I read on my own at school, after which I was set a comprehension test to see just how much of it I was able to really absorb, I forget now what my results were but considering I have re-read this book every year of my life since, I think that proves the quality of it. I believe I owe a great deal of the enjoyment I got, and still get from it to the style of writing. To me if the writing style on the page itself is not enticing no matter what is trying to be described and portrayed then the book is fighting a loosing battle. I think over the years I have uncovered all of the secrets that the writing may have to offer but it is unfailing in its ability to draw me in time after time, year after year. The writing for me is timeless.

Plot

(I don’t want to discuss specifics of the plot in order to keep this a spoiler free review but if that is something you want to see from me let me know in the comments and I shall oblige)

This story is a wild ride. The plot takes us on a journey of beautifully crafted twists and turns that some may find unexpected. There is never a moment that this book looses its pace, it picks up and dies down perfectly with the characters and atmospheric portrayal in its entirety. We have both calm and serene moments interwoven with high stakes danger alongside heartbreaking revelations. This story really does offer its reader everything within a relatively small number of pages.

There is very little need for world building as it takes place in a time and place that we all be familiar with our world at war, so naturally it begins with the characters and their development into the wholesome and well rounded beings we grow to know and love. You are standing by their side as they discover and journey through the trials and tribulations that said time period. The main body of the plot is gripping and exciting whilst then having times of ease to follow to allow for reflection on the difficulties, we have just seen. The balance of intensity and calm is excellently put together. The ending gives in my opinion exactly what you as a reader want. A happy ending.

Intrigue

If it were possible I wish I could have the experience of reading this book for the first time all over again. I now know what will happen as I turn the pages, yet I keep doing it time and time again. The intrigue never fails to make each experience as wonderful as the last.

Logic

What can I say other than flawless.

Enjoyment

If you hadn’t already guessed by now. I adore this book.

It never fails to be one of the most beautiful reads of every year. I will never be able to recommend it highly enough!

Everyone on the planet needs to read this book IMMEDIATELY!

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️