"Good Night, Mr. Tom" by Michelle Magorian
Winner, 1982 International Reading Association Children's Book Award
Notable Children's Books of 1982 (ALA)
1982 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1983 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
1982 Young Adult Editors' Choices (BL)
1983 Teachers' Choices (NCTE)
Notable 1982 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
1988 Choices (Association of Booksellers for Children)
Children's Books of 1982 (Library of Congress)
It's not often that a book receives so many honors from so many different groups, making "Good Night, Mr. Tom" very special. The story is set during early World War II when London and coastal cities in England were being bombed. Children in these areas were evacuated to the country where willing families took them in for unspecified lengths of service. (If you recall
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
, the book or film, then you understand this evacuation.)
Pale, thin, and small for his age, William Beech (Willie, he is called) is placed with Tom Oakley, a gruff man in his 60's and resident of Wierwold, a tiny village north of London. What Tom discovers is a multitude of bruises and sores from repeated beatings with Willie's big belt and buckle that hold up his pants.
It's with this discovery that Tom rises up outside himself to become not only a caretaker for the duration, but eventually a father figure. As a young man, Tom lost his beloved wife and baby son in childbirth and became the town's recluse. We don't know his occupation, but I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't been a weaver, much like that one in Raveloe, who also was reclaimed by a foundling, that ol' Silas Marner.
Like Silas, Tom has not had much to do with other villagers until now. Caring for an abused boy brings him out of himself and into the world to assume the care--quite capably and generously--for this bedraggled boy.
In the six months or so that Tom has the boy, Willie grows out of his fear into love and friendship. Even at 10 he cannot read, but Tom teaches him. Willie slowly joins a world he didn't know existed. Also, he becomes very best friends with Zach, another evacuee (his first friend at that).
All good things come to an end. Tom receives a telegram from the mother, requesting Willie return home. She is ill and needs him. Willie can barely remember this creature he calls his mother and fears this trip.
"Good Night, Mr. Tom" is truly a heartwarming book. Watching not only Will learn to love, but also Tom is a reading experience to savor. Fearing for Will as he returns to the viper's nest is painful.
The first half of the book is about the opening of hearts and the
welcoming of love and relationships. The second half is about family love.
This is truly a book well worth the reading!
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Top reviews from other countries
Reading_Tamishly
Favourite book ever!
Reviewed in India on November 28, 2022
Reading_Tamishly
Reviewed in India on November 28, 2022
Carrie, please don’t expose me!!!! (Damn!)
My heart is still breaking thinking about the neglect, abuse and abandonment. Triggering at parts and most disturbing I would say, the book is actually perfect.
You will love Tom. He’s the perfect adult character of all time for me! I just wish every adult to be this giving, caring and nurturing towards every child.
You will also get to know one of the worst mothers ever.
Not going to tell the story all over again. I would just recommend you to pick up this book and feel all there’s the feel about a very much neglected/abandoned child, the child healing slowly, the way a community helps in the healing process as and when the child facing PTSD effects.
The writing is really good! Hope everyone gets to read this book.
The adult reading the book will get to learn to be more kinder and understanding towards children.
The child reading this book will get to learn the difference between when an adult misbehaves and when an adult actually cares.
This book!
Zach, I will always remember you. You are one the best souls I have ever come to know.
Images in this review
Daniela M
Carattere di scrittura troppo piccolo
Reviewed in Italy on January 13, 2020Paul Watkins
Buy it! Read it! You will not regret it!
Reviewed in Australia on January 1, 2023