Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. Puffin, 1983.

A worthy classic. This book deals with many topics including World War II and the evacuation of children from London, and child abuse. The deaths of Will's baby sister, Trudy, and his best friend, Zach, are just part of a powerful whole. Trudy's death is problematic as it is a result of their mother's abuse and neglect brought about by her unstable mental condition. Her subsequent suicide is a relief and provides Will an opportunity to experience a normal childhood. Will cannot fully assimilate Trudy's death because he has to heal himself. Zach's death results in Will withdrawing into himself. But his emergence from grief gives Will the chance to become the child he should always have been. Will realises that he can live without Zach even though [he] still misses him. The BBC telemovie version is also worth viewing. 

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