4.5

Absolutely perfect. The voice, the plot, the pace, the tension. The ending. The icing on the cake is having Gleitzman himself read the story in the audio version. 110% satisfied.

A testament to the power of imagination and story-telling, even during the most horrific times. Felix’s character was so forlorn, tender, and naive, yet also so resilient, strong and loyal. He was generous, observant, curious...he is what we should all strive to emulate during tough times. I absolutely adored this gem of a story.

This book wasn't for me. I knew that going into it, and wouldn't have touched it if it wasn't for work. We teach this book to our Y7 class because it's from the perspective of a child. For that I suppose it works, you very clearly get the perspective of this young character. What you also get alongside that however, is the fact it's truly irritating, only for this to be doubled later when meeting the even more irritating Zelda. I'll admit it got a chuckle or two out of me due to the innocence/childish ignorance of the protagonist. The worst crime of this book is that it quite simply, is boring. Along Felix's journey things kind of just happen without much to them, maybe in a way that a child would experience them, or maybe it was simply how boring the book was. I will admit, I am biased against this book to begin with, I don't care for stories of WW2, the holocaust, or even from the perspective of children. I am not sure however, how far these biases have gone to affecting my reading of this book or if it really is just that dull.

Made me cry a river as a child

Brilliant, what a great introduction to controversial prose for kids.

I agree with some of the other comments that the main character, Felix, comes across as extremely naive. But I actually liked it. How many adults were just as naive... or just as determined to convince themselves that the Nazis were not evil and must have reason behind their actions. Unfortunately, theNazis did not have reason, only hate behind their insane purge, and it is darkly enchanting to watch as the blindfold is slowly stripped from Felix's eyes.

I've always been fascinated by Holocaust stories, and this one is no exception. Felix is a charming character.

Some disturbing scenes.

Sooo good!
Storyline is amazing & it’s such a heartfelt story