Due to unexpected circumstances, I was unable to finish this selection. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity.

This is one of those rare books, told from a child's viewpoint, that works on several levels - for middle grade readers first encountering World War I Britain as well as adults who have the context for Alfie's observations. The narration by Euan Morton is excellent; I couldn't stop listening. While the story deals with the harsh realities of what was called shell shock at the time, the youthful narrator provides a level of distance, as well as a level of hope to the story. Highly recommended.

This novel resonated because of the point of view. Told from a child's perspective, the readers see the effects of 'shell shock' and the complex emotions of a war-damaged father and his son trying to cope. Emotional and real, this novel touches its reader because it is just that, real.