Book Review: Once & Then

The books ‘Once’ and ‘Then’ by Morris Gleitzman are delightful reads, full of horror and suspense. The books, set during World War II, are for ages nine and above.

The story of ‘Once’ begins with Felix, a young Jew who escapes from a Catholic orphanage to find his biological parents. Carrying some food and a notebook with him, he reaches the town where he used to live. But soon he realises that things have changed, and nowhere is safe for Jews anymore.  Everywhere, Jews are being sent out of their homes and taken to work in labour camps.

After saving a girl named Zelda from a burning house, Felix realises that he has to find a way to keep himself and Zelda safe.

The sequel to this book, ‘Then’, is just as exciting and equally full of horror. The story continues on from when Zelda and Felix escape from a train heading to a death camp. Wounded but alive, they begin to look for shelter when they meet Genia, a kind woman who hates the Nazis. Genia takes them home and disguises them as her niece and nephew. But soon people in the town start to get suspicious. Will Zelda, Felix and Genia manage to stay safe? Or will be they be killed by the Nazis?

Once and Then are amazing books about how terrible life was during World War II for so many young children. Luckily, Morris Gleitzman has written two more books to continue the thrilling story- After and Now. 

I can personally recommend these reads for bookworms all around the world.