Author:Joel Stewart
Stanley Wells is a very ordinary boy. But one day he finds himself caught up in a very strange adventure. He meets the mysterious Dr Moon and his canine companion Morcambe - and encounters the terrifying effects of a Wenlock. After being thrown from a train, he realises he's just going to have to get on with things and somehow unravel the mystery of Sorrows, Wenlocks, the blank-faced children he sees all around him . . . and the captivating Umiko.
A truly original work, filled with fascinating characters and strange happenings, from this unique talent. Features Joel's original artwork on every spread.
A triumph, equally accessible to the ten year old and the adult reader
—— Leon GarfieldThe way a child sees the second world war through the small details of her life is movingly captured in a beautiful first-person story first published in the 70s
—— GuardianAn engaging tale with ordinary people made extraordinary by circumstances
—— School LibrarianA book of quite exceptional distinction...a haunting, convincing story which comes close to being a masterpiece of its kind
—— Growing PointThe novel is [...] a knockout
—— The Irish TimesJohn Boyne is clearly unafraid to tackle the big subjects in his fiction for children . . . A good, solid, engaging read
—— Tony Bradman , GuardianWonderful . . . One of the best books of the year. An instant classic
—— Eoin ColferLeaves the reader with a greater sense of how war changes people and their communities, and reminds us that sometimes, the ordinary acts of courage that get a child and his family through each day are as valuable, rare and life-changing as any along the front. Alfie inspires us to be more courageous than we’re used to and to do right by others even when the world is tense around us
—— Oprah MagazineA beautifully paced and touching tale
—— Mail on Sunday