REVIEW: Goodnight Mister Tom - Michelle Magorian

Title: Goodnight Mister Tom
Author: Michelle Magorian
Publisher: Puffin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 358 Pages
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Blurb

London is poised on the brink of World War II. Timid, scrawny Willie Beech -- the abused child of a single mother -- is evacuated to the English countryside. At first, he is terrified of everything, of the country sounds and sights, even of Mr Tom, the gruff, kindly old man who has taken him in. But gradually Willie forgets the hate and despair of his past. He learns to love a world he never knew existed, a world of friendship and affection in which harsh words and daily beatings have no place. Then a telegram comes. Willie must return to his mother in London. When weeks pass by with no word from Willie, Mr Tom sets out for London to look for the young boy he has come to love as a son. 

Thoughts

The book follows William 'Willie' Beech, who is an evacuee from London, who goes to live with Tom Oakley in the village of Little Wierwold.

I loved this book, I just found it such a delight to read, the writing was absolutely fantastic, and just such an easy read.

I loved the relationship between Will and Mister Tom, it was just a joy to read, and you really wanted these two to become family. Tom just became fantastic when he went against Will's mother's wishes. You read quite literally that she is abusive towards Will, and you don't realise how abusive she is until later in the story.

There is a part in the story that I did find hard to read emotionally (I actually had to put the book down and steel myself for that part of the book, as it was hard going).

I found that this book contained a lot of issues, and with this book aimed at young readers, they are good for them to discuss further (Abuse, Mental Health, Loss).

I found this book had me laughing and crying in equal parts, and it was just a fantastic read. I would recommend this to everyone to read.