Mouse and the Cossacks by Paul Wilson

by Paul Wilson

'The first thing you have to know about me is that I have no voice.'This is the story of a curious girl, and the threads of a life she's determined to unravel.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published June 6, 2013

About the author

As a chosen catalyst for those who yearn for a more purposeful, passionate and prosperous life, Paul Wilson Jr. is deemed Chief Inspiration Officer. Wilson has been a medium for leadership, business and life development for over a decade and has consulted with several organizations including the national Football league (NFL). In addition to his latest book, Wilson has authored numerous blogs counting his own, Thrive B.I.G. and Biznovations.net. Wilson is also the founder and president of Biznovations, LLC which designs innovative strategies and solutions to equip individuals and organizations to maximize their social and financial profitability. "

Reviews

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Ruth Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is narrated by a girl called Mouse who doesn't speak. She has just moved in to an old farm house with her Mum. Over the course of the book her sad story unfolds. The previous owner, William Crosby, who is now in a nursing home, has left a series of unsent letters and some of his possessions behind. Mouse takes an interest in these and as her own story is told, so too is William's.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book weaves a tale between the lives of two people who have experienced trauma. Mouse has lost her ability to speak and prefers to stay in her silent world. William spent most of his life living with a guilt from the end of the war. In a series of letters which Mouse finds, William's story unfolds, while Mouse tries to keep hold of her own fragile world, their lives intertwine. I must mention the book cover, lovely flaps made good bookmarks and the embossed cover was very tactile, I found myself opening the pages with care not wanting to crease the cover.

[Yolande · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was standout book of 2013 for me. I originally had the copy from local library. After I finished it, I purchased one.
The story is of a little girl with no voice. She does not speak because of a traumatic incident. The story is narrated by the girl, looking out at her world. It is compelling and eloquent. The characters build and become real and the little girl finds a reason for her life. Not going to say more, it is a beautiful story. Fiction that is tight, simple, eloquent, vibrant, sad, funny. Perfect.

[Penny Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Wonderful characters, interesting, full of compassion. My sort of book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about mouse who hasn’t spoken since an event that made not want to speak and to protect the ones she loved. Her and Mouses mother move to a farmhouse where she finds William Crosby’s the previous owners possessions still scattered around the house which mouse takes an interest in and in the end connects with her and the way family, loss, love and grief effect us all in different ways. I don’t know how I’ve not heard of this author before as this book was so poetically written with a sense of empathy that draws you in and envelopes you with your own thoughts and feelings about the people we know and love and what we don’t know. Please read this author if you haven’t before and I know I will be looking for more by Paul Wilson

[Denni · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I came across this book in my local library. I love the voice of Mouse (and identified very strongly with her) and the way the stories of the main characters intersect and very gradually reveal what had happened to each of them in the past that resulted in how their lives developed. I was also very interested to read about a shocking historical event I knew more or less nothing about. Maybe Mouse's voice is a little too grown-up for a ten year old, even one who is highly intelligent and thoughtful, and maybe there are too many narratives and not all necessary nor properly developed for such a short book, but these are minor criticisms. I will look out for other books by this author.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised that this isn’t better known as it combines a number of elements that have been popular in the past few years - and it’s very well written to boot. There is the ‘quirky’ young girl (in this case she has lost the power of speech), a seemingly curmudgeonly old man struggling with guilt and grief and plenty of mystery of how they are how they came to be the way they are. Alongside this there is also a sub story of the the shameful treatment of Cossack prisoners of war after World War Two. It’s a book that’s been sitting unfairly unloved on my shelves for quite some time but having finally picked it up I really enjoyed it.

[Joyce Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, though you have to be on the ball as it jumps back in time frequently. Layers of the plot were built up and peeled back gently! I was also dumbfounded by the history of the Cossacks and what they endured. Full of emotions and made me think!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Mouse, her hotel stories were just great and Lucas was a superb friend. The historical part I knew next to nothing about and it made me both very angry and very sad, and it makes me want to know more. I think quite a lot of friends will be getting this as a present in the next 12 months. Must now see what else the author has written.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK but nothing memorable.

[Bialey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful compassionate book weaving an intimate and fascinating tale of the two main characters.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.