Play Book Tag discussion

Pied Piper by Nevil Shute - 5* - My Review

Published in 1942, this is a World War II story that was written when the war was ongoing. It follows John Howard, an older English gentleman who returns to a familiar village in France to grieve his son’s death. While there, as the German invasion occurs, he is persuaded to escort two young children back to England, where their grandfather resides. What begins as a favor that should take a day or two becomes a perilous journey across a country at war.

John Howard is a quietly heroic figure, whose sense of duty and integrity guide him through increasingly dire situations. The children also play a key role, with each bringing a unique talent that assists the group on their journey. Shute’s writing is a study in understated elegance. He portrays these characters with empathy, particularly the evolution of the relationship between the children and Howard, who becomes a surrogate grandfather and protector. The pacing is satisfying. It maintains tension without resorting to melodrama, and its historical accuracy enhances the feeling of authenticity.

This novel is both a wartime adventure and story of compassion. Major themes include human decency and the impact of war on the innocent. The author masterfully depicts the chaos and fear of the period, while highlighting the courage and resilience of ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary challenges. It is a fine example of historical storytelling by a person who lived through WWII, and I particularly liked that it was written contemporaneously. We often read of the horrors of WWII, but this one, while not ignoring the cruelties, also showcases the positive impact of one individual on the lives of others in troubled times. If there is such a thing as an “uplifting” novel about WWII, this is surely it.

BWF June Extra P and tagged "europe" x7:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

Yes, only Nevil Shute could write such a heartwarming book about WWII. Even the one Nazi officer turns out to be a decent guy just worried about his grandchild. There are similar themes in The Chequer Board and A Town Like Alice (where there is one sadistic Japanese officer.) His heroes and heroines are ordinary people facing difficult situations with courage and compassion. Some modern readers are unhappy about the terms used for indigenous people in A Town Like Alice. But Shute has several books that celebrate interracial friendship, love and marriage.

My favorite book of his doesn't involve war, it's Trustee from the Toolroom about a modest man who seems to have a small life. His job even involves making and writing about miniature machines. But a family crisis takes him around the world, and he finds he is bigger and more connected than anyone thought.

I have read several of his books and enjoyed them all. I haven't read The Chequer Board so I'll see if I can find it.

Joy D wrote: "I have read several of his books and enjoyed them all. I haven't read The Chequer Board so I'll see if I can find it."

An Englishman tries to find several other guys who were recovering in the military hospital with him. They each have unexpected stories.

I read this a year or two ago. Loved it.