William Beech, an eight-year-old boy from London, is evacuated to the country in World War II leaving everything he knows to live with a grumpy old widower, Tom Oakley, who he soon learns to love.
Mister Tom soon learns that all was not well back home in London when unpacking Willie’s brown paper bag that his mum packed for him back home in London. There are no spare clothes, only a bible and a belt to beat him with. What he also discovers is that Willie is all too used to being beaten - he is covered with bruises and bleeding sores- and he can’t keep any food down because he is so malnourished.
Willie soon becomes friends with Mister Tom’s friendly dog, Sammy, and some children from the local school. But his new life in Little Weirwold came to an unexpected halt when he received a letter from his mum asking him to go back home to London. When Willie first arrives, his mum struggles to recognise him and during his stay there, he - and his new-born baby sister Trudy - suffer at her hands, Mrs Beech. Mister Tom, realising that something is wrong, comes to Willie’s rescue.
Through William’s journey we get an insight as to what life was like in Britain during World War II and what it was like to be an evacuee. The author uses clear descriptive language which brings characters to life and describes the suffering and struggles of everyday life at that time. The book is very compelling. I first recommended it to my mum who was in tears by the end of it. Being one of the family favourites, it has taken pride of place on our bookshelf. I would highly recommend Goodnight Mister Tom to anyone.
Jovana Pepic, Year 7
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