annecater
Administrator
Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 1629
Location: Lincolnshire
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 Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Murpurgo |
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Synopsis
The incredible tale of a deserted village, a lifelong friendship, and one very adventurous cat.
It's 1943, Lily Tregenza lives on a farm in the seaside village of Slapton, and her life is scarcely touched by the war. Until one day when the villagers are all told to move out of their homes - lock, stock and barrel.
Soon the whole area is out of bounds as the allied forces prepare to invade France. But Tips, Lily's adored cat, has other ideas - and returns to the forbidden area. Frantic to find her, Lily decidees to enter the danger zone to look for Tips herself ....This is a truly wonderful little book - which I would guess is aimed at age 9 - 13 children. It's only short and easily readable in an afternoon.
It's a beautiful story and very well written and shows the war and how it affected this small farming community from a young girl's perspective. It's not just about a missing cat - it is much more than that. It covers Lily's relationship with her family, with an evacuee who is sent to live with them and with the American soldiers based nearby. We also learn about Lily's guilt - she doesnt feel that she misses her Dad (who is away at war) enough, and feels closer to her new friends, the American soldiers.
The book starts as a letter to Michael from his grandmother Lily - enclosed with the letter is her childhood diary which tells the story of the evacuated village and her search for her cat Tips. We know that there is going to be a twist at the end of the book, and the twist is quite surprising but brings a lump to the throat.
As a postscript, Michael Murpurgo explains that the people of Slapton were actually evacuated during the war, and the village and it's beach used as a training ground for the Americans in preparation for the D Day landings.
I would recommend this book to all; adults and children alike.
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Currently reading: The Tent The Bucket and Me by Emma Kennedy and Granny The Pag by Nina Bawden
1001 Challenge Books read in 2009 - 3
1001 Challenge Books read in 2008 - 8
1001 Challenge Books read in 2007 - 13 |
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