Author:Tabitha Suzuma
Twelve-year-old Parisian boy Louis Whittaker has a lot on his plate - his parents are locked in a custody battle over him and his brother and sister, Mum's always working late and Dad's rarely allowed to visit them. Louis finds release in his dance classes and discovers he has a real talent for ballet. But suddenly, Dad whisks them away on a surprise holiday to England, right in the middle of the school term. Something isn't right - Dad is acting strangely again: could it be he has not fully recovered from his mental breakdown? The rented farmhouse in the Lake District is nice, but why is Dad furnishing it and why won't he let them call home? Then Louis comes across a poster - a missing person's poster. And it has his face on it.
This excellent book has haunted me since I first read it
—— Daily MailThis year's most haunting fantasy
—— Sunday Times (1969)The accomplished performance of a mature talent
—— Jill Paton WalshA 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