Once

"Everyone deserves something good
in their life. At least once."

Title: Once

Author: Morris Gleitzman

First Published: 2005

Series: Once Series

Genre: Historical Fiction

Available As: Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Ebook

My Rating: 9/10

Felix is a 10 year old Polish boy living in World War II. He was originally from an orphanage where his parents dropped him off when he was little. One day in the orphanage, Felix witnesses police burning all the books and he is intrigued why they would do that. He then runs away in search of his parents, to find that the world isn't what it seemed.

World War II is a brutal war fought for many years. Told from the events from the Holocaust, Felix was on the run from the Nazis and struggling to survive. Being Jewish, he knew that if he was ever caught, he would never make it back alive. Journeying through the co
untry, he is joined by a girl called Zelda and they both made their way to the city, where they meet some friends in hiding.

Once is told from Felix's point of view, where he is struggling to survive and understand the world for it isn't as he once knew it. In the city, he meets Barney, a Jewish dentist, who is taking care of children in hiding. Through most of the book, Felix believes that his parents are alive and waiting for him to bring him home, until he witnesses the actual world. But being with these people, Felix finally understands the true danger of the world.

This book is a very sad yet heart-warming book. It gives of the aura of hope and tragedy. Like, even though things are horrible and it couldn't get any worse, there is still some good out there. Also, Felix is filled with hope for a better life for him and his friends. He keeps his hope until the end. When things were bleak, he would tell stories to the children in hiding and bring some happiness and laughter to their lives.

This book is a beautiful book and is wonderfully written. It was quite sad, but it's a great read.