When one of my favourite teachers recommended this book to me, she said that Westall's writing style was like Michael Morpurgo's, only better. And I have to say, I completely agree with that after finishing this novel.The novel is set during the Second World War, and follows Harry as his house is bombed and his family assumedly killed. Not wanting to be 'put into a home' or sent to live with his Cousin Elsie, he goes on the run, meeting a fellow stray in the form of Don the dog on the way. The book is basically his journey to find his 'Kingdom by the Sea' - the place he can truly be happy despite the terrible things which have happened to him.Although a children's book, there are so many complex and serious issues dealt with within the novel. These issues include, but are not limited to: death, trauma, loss, bullying/intimidation, abuse, paedophilia and family problems. All are dealt with in a very mature, yet subtle way, that young readers will understand even if the issue itself isn't something that they are completely familiar with. Wrong-doings are implicated as being wrong, and this is a really wonderful element to the book.The best thing really is that this has been the first book in a very long time to actually make me visualise and picture the settings being described. The entire thing is set in the north-East of England, specifically around the Northumbrian coast and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and given that I am going to be moving there in a few weeks for university I love that now there are places that I would probably recognise if I saw them, purely from reading this book. Although Westall did take liberties with the geography, many of the locations in the book were based on real places, and I would really love to take a trip to see some of these. His subtle writing style again did wonders with the setting - I had a picture in my mind the whole way through, and it's good to know that there ARE still books out there which can be so immersive and imaginative to read.Without a doubt this book gets five out of five from me, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone with an interest in history or just a good tale of travel and friendship during difficult and trying times. This book gave me faith in humanity, even if the ending made me very upset because everything that was good in this world seemed to disappear in a matter of pages. If you read the book, you'll know what I mean. (Please do read it!)P.S. Gotta love the Geordie language and culture interspersed throughout. I have to get used to this!
Un bel libro per ragazzi ambientato in Inghilterra nel corso della seconda guerra mondiale, con una storia di fughe e incontri bizzarri, alcuni piacevoli e altri meno, che metteranno a dura prova il protagonista dodicenne e il suo amico cane. In questo libro l'aspetto che risalta maggiormente, a parte la trama piuttosto interessante e avventurosa, sono le sensazioni e pensieri del protagonista, che sono espressi bene. Nonostante lo stile di scrittura semplice e non troppo approfondito è comunque facile entrare in empatia con lui e questo è una caratteristica che non sempre si trova nei romanzi per ragazzi, dove più comunemente le azioni prevaricano le descrizioni interiori. Un'altro aspetto che mi ha colpita moltissimo è stato il finale, veramente inaspettato e totalmente diverso dai finali edulcorati e banali che sono soliti nei libri per i lettori più giovani. Per ovvie ragioni non posso dire di cosa si tratta, ma credetemi, è un finale piuttosto controverso e che fa riflettere, forse adatto maggiormente ad un pubblico adulto per essere veramente capito, anche se immagino che non a tutti piacerà dato che risulta piuttosto dissacrante nei confronti dei valori famigliari. A me è piaciuto, sicuramente mi ha lasciata un po' spiazzata ma ne ho apprezzato l'originalità e l'audacia.
What do You think about The Kingdom By The Sea (2002)?
At times, the quality of writing was wonderful and I enjoyed the story a lot. Then there were a couple of parts that crossed quite far into uncomfortable and combined with the jarring, perplexing ending, took this from great to "it's ok" for me. It is not a book I would give anyone else's child. Different children can handle different things and I strongly recommend parents of impressionable children read this slender volume first. Specific areas of concern with spoiler (view spoiler)[malicious pedophile grooming a potential victim, child on child violence, abusive behavior by cruel parents (hide spoiler)]
—Cheryl
this has always been my favorite of Robert Westall's books, but I didn't appreciate it in as much *wholeness*, reading on and off and knowing what was coming, as I did the first time I read it.I have, happily, managed to put my hands on the review I wrote when I first read this book in 1992, and here 'tis. A bit long-winded and full of spoilers!-------------------------I'm on page 10 and I'm already in tears. That, I think, is a sign of great writing: because I don't yet know or understand this
—Elizabeth
The first novel I ever read. Intensely emotional for a young teenager. I could relate intimately to the pivotal character - with his youthful perspective on the world and people around him. His situation of loneliness in a war ravaged Britain, poses a challenge for the character and reader combined - such is Westall's ability to make you feel like you are with the protagonist at every page. When on a worrisome walkabout once, I almost slept under an upturned boat just like the character (I found a warmer hostel...) Still got the original publication. A very sentimental possession this book; the end is a spoiler in itself and makes it a book you will never read twice but always savour.
—Mitchell
