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Lord of the Nutcracker Men
A young boy gradually comes to understand the difference between his toy soldiers and the bloodshed of the First World War in this poignant story. Ten-year-old Johnny loves the army of nutcracker soldiers his toymaker father whittles for him. Johnny eagerly plays at war, demolishing imaginary foes. But in 1914, war with Germany looms, and all too soon Johnny's father is swept up in the war to end all wars as he proudly enlists to fight at the front in France. Johnny believes his father will be back in a few months, in time to celebrate Christmas with him and his mum. But the war is nothing like any soldier or person at home expected. It is brutal and horrific. The letters that arrive from Johnny's dad reveal the ugly realities of combat -- and the soldiers he carves and encloses begin to bear its scars. Still, Johnny adds these soldiers to his armies of Huns, Tommies, and Frenchmen, engaging them in furious battle out in the muddy garden. His war games bind him to the father he longs to see again. But when these games seem to foretell his dad's real battles, Johnny thinks he possesses godlike powers over his wooden men. He fears he controls his father's fate, the lives of all the soldiers in no-man's-land, and the outcome of the war itself. In this haunting and poignant tale, Iain Lawrence explores the irrationality of war and its effect on lives that are all too fragile.
269 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2003
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369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 2, 2011
This review is part of my Poppies & Prose feature. You can find out more about it here.
“Below me were my wooden soldiers. The nutcracker men were hidden in the dark shadows of the tree and the wall, but the moonlight gleamed on my Frenchmen and my Tommies…The guns in France pounded away with their faint little thunder, and I thought that my real dad would be just like my model, wide awake, watching the sky.”
This was one of those rare, wonderful books that you read without knowing anything about.
The idea of the book fascinated me: a toy maker is drafted to the trenches and sends carved soldiers that he sees to his ten year old son, Johnny, back in England. As Johnny collects the toy soldiers and creates an army to fight back the strong nutcracker soldiers that his dad made him before he went, he notices that the battles he makes up in the mud under the beech tree are becoming more like the ones that his dad writes about.
Doesn’t that sound like a brilliant and unique way of telling a story about a boy whose dad is fighting in WW1?
Yes.
And it really was.
This book had me captivated and I read it within a couple of hours, not realising how much time had passed until I realised that the day had slipped into dusk.
Whoops.
I was riveted by Johnny’s story (I would also like to be best friends with him) and the unlikely friends he makes while he is living in Kent, avoiding the dangers of London.
The only thing that is preventing me from giving this book the full five stars were the letters that Johnny received from his dad.
And I have to admit I’m still not sure I should be so picky.
And I am being picky so please take that into account.
I found it very difficult to believe that a father would write to his ten year old son every minute detail of what happened to him when he went over the top . I understand the necessity of telling children the truth about the horrors of the war, or at least explaining that it isn’t like playing with toy soldiers in your back garden, but there is a difference between telling them the truth and scaring the living daylights out of them!
Poor Johnny.
Surely he would have liked a bit of reassurance that the dad he was already worrying about wasn’t going to die like the men mentioned in the telegrams the postman brings around.
But, like I said, I am being picky because if I ignored the niggling in the back of my mind… the letters were really well executed and, as this is really Johnny’s story in England, allowed the reader to get a sense of what is happening over there. And the soldiers that accompanied these letters, becoming more and more twisted and broken, was a really effective and poignant way of illustrating that war, as the tagline suggests, is no longer a game.
So I don’t mind admitting that I’m the world’s biggest wuss when it comes to anything that resembles a puppet, clown or ventriloquist dummy. And nutcracker men don’t necessarily come under this category but there was definitely something extremely… eerie isn’t the right word… but well yeah eerie about these little guys.
I loved how Mr Lawrence introduced an extremely subtle yet intriguing element of magic within this story. As he states in his author’s note at the end: “There was something about the Great War that inspired the belief in the supernatural”. Whether this was the sightings of apparitions of English archers protecting the soldiers from the Germans on the same ground as they did against the French centuries earlier, ghostly soldiers or the famous case of the Angel of Mons. I thought the mystery behind what was really happening with those wooden soldiers and their influence was in equal measures unnerving and poignant.
Oh and one last thing… that last paragraph?
Urrrgh, shivers.
“Below me were my wooden soldiers. The nutcracker men were hidden in the dark shadows of the tree and the wall, but the moonlight gleamed on my Frenchmen and my Tommies…The guns in France pounded away with their faint little thunder, and I thought that my real dad would be just like my model, wide awake, watching the sky.”
This was one of those rare, wonderful books that you read without knowing anything about.
The idea of the book fascinated me: a toy maker is drafted to the trenches and sends carved soldiers that he sees to his ten year old son, Johnny, back in England. As Johnny collects the toy soldiers and creates an army to fight back the strong nutcracker soldiers that his dad made him before he went, he notices that the battles he makes up in the mud under the beech tree are becoming more like the ones that his dad writes about.
Doesn’t that sound like a brilliant and unique way of telling a story about a boy whose dad is fighting in WW1?
Yes.
And it really was.
This book had me captivated and I read it within a couple of hours, not realising how much time had passed until I realised that the day had slipped into dusk.
Whoops.
I was riveted by Johnny’s story (I would also like to be best friends with him) and the unlikely friends he makes while he is living in Kent, avoiding the dangers of London.
The only thing that is preventing me from giving this book the full five stars were the letters that Johnny received from his dad.
And I have to admit I’m still not sure I should be so picky.
And I am being picky so please take that into account.
I found it very difficult to believe that a father would write to his ten year old son every minute detail of what happened to him when he went over the top . I understand the necessity of telling children the truth about the horrors of the war, or at least explaining that it isn’t like playing with toy soldiers in your back garden, but there is a difference between telling them the truth and scaring the living daylights out of them!
Poor Johnny.
Surely he would have liked a bit of reassurance that the dad he was already worrying about wasn’t going to die like the men mentioned in the telegrams the postman brings around.
But, like I said, I am being picky because if I ignored the niggling in the back of my mind… the letters were really well executed and, as this is really Johnny’s story in England, allowed the reader to get a sense of what is happening over there. And the soldiers that accompanied these letters, becoming more and more twisted and broken, was a really effective and poignant way of illustrating that war, as the tagline suggests, is no longer a game.
So I don’t mind admitting that I’m the world’s biggest wuss when it comes to anything that resembles a puppet, clown or ventriloquist dummy. And nutcracker men don’t necessarily come under this category but there was definitely something extremely… eerie isn’t the right word… but well yeah eerie about these little guys.
I loved how Mr Lawrence introduced an extremely subtle yet intriguing element of magic within this story. As he states in his author’s note at the end: “There was something about the Great War that inspired the belief in the supernatural”. Whether this was the sightings of apparitions of English archers protecting the soldiers from the Germans on the same ground as they did against the French centuries earlier, ghostly soldiers or the famous case of the Angel of Mons. I thought the mystery behind what was really happening with those wooden soldiers and their influence was in equal measures unnerving and poignant.
Oh and one last thing… that last paragraph?
Urrrgh, shivers.
August 14, 2008
Currently reading.
What an interesting way to look at the World War I.
From the homefront of a young man whose father goes to war.
and the people he interacts with.
The author compares WWI w/Homer's "Illiad". What a comparsion.
He also discusses a British poet w/"might had deserted" and gave reference to his poetry.
What an interesting way to look at the World War I.
From the homefront of a young man whose father goes to war.
and the people he interacts with.
The author compares WWI w/Homer's "Illiad". What a comparsion.
He also discusses a British poet w/"might had deserted" and gave reference to his poetry.
December 28, 2018
ספר מקסים ונוגע ללב. סיפורו של ילד בריטי בתקופת מלחמת העולם הראשונה, המספק הצצה למה שהתרחש במלחמה ההיא. מומלץ מאוד.
August 21, 2017
Was an alright book. But it got boring to me... I found it interesting at the start of the book but the excitement dropped. Half way through the book it got more exciting, like as all the ghostly things started to happen. That really made me want to read on and on but still got bored (Was my favorite part of the story by far though). It got more and more boring as I read on. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes war or sad/emotional books. :)
December 6, 2017
Onvan : Lord of the Nutcracker Men - Nevisande : Iain Lawrence - ISBN : 440418127 - ISBN13 : 9780440418122 - Dar 240 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2001
August 21, 2017
It was a pretty dandy book if I do say so myself. It had great story and a creative way of purveying information of the war. It's characters are very unique indeed and the way they interact with each other makes them seem more real. A nitpick I do have though is that the ending was a bit rushed and all of a sudden like a bullet came whizzing pass your ear when you least expected it. I think the ending was SUPPOSED to emotional but the lack of detail and speedy closure just took the life out of it. One of my favorite parts though is when a specific character gets devastated due to a certain person dying the way she interacts with people after that seems very realistic and for me hits close to home.
Overall, I do think this is a nice read even if it is kinda short if I put the effort into it I could read it all within a day but that was not the case. In my opinion it makes perfect movie material and a film adaptation of the story could be extremely popular. I do think these characters are worth a look since they have a certain naivety to them while others shudder in the darkness of the truths that stay away from the public eye.
Overall, I do think this is a nice read even if it is kinda short if I put the effort into it I could read it all within a day but that was not the case. In my opinion it makes perfect movie material and a film adaptation of the story could be extremely popular. I do think these characters are worth a look since they have a certain naivety to them while others shudder in the darkness of the truths that stay away from the public eye.
July 28, 2020
I was looking for a new historical fiction book told from a male perspective to add to my classroom library. This one was recommended to me and did not disappoint! I feel like so much interest is put on World War II and the Holocaust that there are not as many options for World War I books. The story is beautifully told through a series of letters from the front and 10-year-old Johnny’s thoughts on the war from home. The connections between the toy soldiers, the Illiad, and the events of the war are masterfully done. Although the events of the story do not take place on the front, Lawrence is able to give the reader just enough to make this such a compelling novel. I can’t wait to recommend this to my students this year.
August 21, 2017
The Lord of the nutcracker Men is a story set back in the First World War. It's about a young boy called Johnny who's being effected by the war (his dads out in the front, his mother sent him away ect.)
I really liked how the character Murdoch had escaped the war and I thought that was a really cool twist to the story.
The book helped me understand that Johnny's thought on war was just a game as he played with his shoulders while the real men were fighting at the same time.
I thought the last couple pages were a little rushed I thought the ending was fine but it would have been better if it was explained slower.
But overall the book was pretty enjoyable to read.
I really liked how the character Murdoch had escaped the war and I thought that was a really cool twist to the story.
The book helped me understand that Johnny's thought on war was just a game as he played with his shoulders while the real men were fighting at the same time.
I thought the last couple pages were a little rushed I thought the ending was fine but it would have been better if it was explained slower.
But overall the book was pretty enjoyable to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2017
I actually enjoyed this book quite a lot as it is sad, has educational purposes on how bad the war was and it helps people understand that the war changes people, for example Murdoch.
It's probably my favorite book that I have been made to read and it will probably be the best book I read for school purposes.
It is sad as the mum dies at the end and Johnny doesn't get to see his father until we was much older.
It's probably my favorite book that I have been made to read and it will probably be the best book I read for school purposes.
It is sad as the mum dies at the end and Johnny doesn't get to see his father until we was much older.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2020
I like how Johnny's father describe the day-to-day life in the trenches during the First World War through his letters, especially what has happened during the Christmas Truce.
I got to say poor Johnny was the real casualty in this story, sent to live with his Aunt, while his father enlisted for the Westernfront, and his mum working at the arsenal factory.
I got to say poor Johnny was the real casualty in this story, sent to live with his Aunt, while his father enlisted for the Westernfront, and his mum working at the arsenal factory.
December 23, 2018
This book is exactly what I needed, both to learn from and to inspire for my future stories. World War 1 is my favorite time period, so I loved every bit of insight it gave me into life both on the war front and the home front. Seeing the war through a child's eyes was both endearing and heartbreaking. And the breathtaking reality of Johnny's dad's letters was sometimes so hard to read, yet so eye opening. I also appreciated the multiple perspectives shown depending on a character's situation. Lawrence explored death, desertion, shell shock and more. Ultimately, because of the amazing writing style, this book is haunting. In the best way possible. I had goosebumps by the time I finished.
July 22, 2012
The piece of historical fiction is a story of the British homefront during the first months of World War I. The principal figures are a young boy (maybe 12?) and his father. His father was a toy maker; now he’s a soldier in the war. The boy is sent to the country to live with his aunt, while his mother moves to work in a weapons factory. Much of the story is in letters from the boy’s dad. The boy spends much of his time playing with toy soldiers, many of which are carved by his dad. At first all the letters from the dad include carved figures, which get progressively worse and worse (real life to battle), until the aunt actually throws one away because it is so grotesque. There are also stories about a soldier the boy finds, the boy’s relationship to his school teacher, and the boy’s relationship with his aunt. Warnings: Some of the news from the front is pretty gruesome, as is the realization that the soldier the boy finds has a self-inflicted wound so he could come home.
May 5, 2015
The book Lord of the Nutcracker Men is about a ten-year old boy named Johnny who plays war with his army of nutcracker men his toymaker dad makes. But in 1914, the Germans starts war in Europe, and Johnny's dad enlists to fight in the front in France. Letters arrive from Johnny's dad that tell about the things going on in the front and he carves soldiers that encloses the letter. Every time Johnny gets a new wooden soldier and he continues the war he is having with the Huns,Tommies, and Frenchman it seems to be that whatever his father says is actually happening in the game like he and the wooden soldiers are possessed by god like powers and he is afraid he might kill his father in the game of war.
I gave this book five stars because it was great how the author described the many feelings of Johnny in the book and overall I enjoyed reading this book about World War 1. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction books.
I gave this book five stars because it was great how the author described the many feelings of Johnny in the book and overall I enjoyed reading this book about World War 1. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction books.
January 21, 2008
About a 10 year old boy from England who's father goes off to fight in WW1. Much of the story is told through the fathers letters to young Johnny. In each letter the father sends a hand carved wooden soldier. There is something mysterious to Johnny about these soldiers.
October 4, 2014
Book review:
Finished my second sad book this month. One of my first historical fiction books which I enjoyed greatly. Quaint and sophisticated. Well written and I now want to read more by Iain Lawrence. I give this book 4/5 to 5/5 very memorable and interesting from melancholy perspectives.
Finished my second sad book this month. One of my first historical fiction books which I enjoyed greatly. Quaint and sophisticated. Well written and I now want to read more by Iain Lawrence. I give this book 4/5 to 5/5 very memorable and interesting from melancholy perspectives.
June 15, 2021
יפה ונוגע.
זוועות המלחמה בצד תקווה דרך עיני ג'וני בריגס בן העשר המתגורר בלונדון עם הוריו, ערב מלחמת העולם הראשונה, סוף 1914. אביו ג'יימס הינו אמן גילוף צעצועים ובעל חנות בלונדון. לפני צאתו לחזית נתן לבנו צבא חיילי צעצוע, מפצחי האגוזים. ג'וני נשלח לדודתו איבי בכפר קליף ואמו מגוייסת למאמץ המלחמתי בייצור פגזים.
מכתבי אביו מתחילים להגיע. ייסורי המלחמה, התופת והטירוף. השוחות שורצות החולדות, אלה של הבריטים מול הגרמנים וביניהם שטח הפקר. הקליעים והפגזים השורקים. בין השורות אהבת אמת ותקווה שהטירוף יגיע לסיומו. לכל מכתב הנפתח "ג'וני היקר מכל" ומסתיים "באהבה רבה, אבא" מצורף צעצוע מגולף, חייל עץ או צעצוע אחר. ג'וני ושרה עמה התיידד- ילדים הגדלים בצל מלחמה רחוקה- משחקים בהתלהבות בחיילי העץ תוך חיקוי קולות ירי וקריאות קרב. הגרמנים (פריץ וההונים) מול החיילים הבריטים (טומים) והצרפתים (פּיירים). האב מנסה לצייר תמונה קשה פחות מהאמיתית כולל בילוי במשחק בעיתות רגיעה וג'וני מאמין שאביו בסדר וכנראה יבוא לחג המולד הממשמש ובא.
הוא יוצר קשר מיוחד עם מורו, מר טטל. מרבה לבקר בביתו ולומד ממנו את האיליאדה ועל יוון העתיקה. פאריס, אגממנון ואכילס. מתוודע לסמל עם סיפור קשה. כמה חיילי צעצוע משנים צורה, ג'וני מאמין שהמציאות משתנה והמלחמה כנראה קשה משסבר.
אחד הקטעים החזקים מבחינתי אינו קשור למלחמה אלא יום גאי פוקס. הילדים בכפר חוגגים סביב מדורת ענק, שורפים בובות בדמותו של גאי, שרים עליו ומגיעים למעין אקסטזה בריקוד סוער ואלים, סוחף ופראי.
ערב חג המולד, המכתב של אביו מתאר ערב מופלא (שקרה במציאות) של הפסקת אש ספונטנית. הגרמנים והבריטים שרים לסירוגין בשפתם את 'לילה שקט', מאזינים זה לזה תוך געגועים לבית ולשפיות. יוצאים משוחותיהם, לוחצים ידיים וסועדים יחד. רגע יפה של אחווה בין אויבים בתוך הטירוף חסר ההגיון והמוות.
מתוך המכתב ששלח האב ב-24 לדצמבר, ערב החג.
'ואז, כשסיימנו, אחד הגרמנים קרא אלינו באנגלית "לילה טוב, טומים". ומישהו קרא בחזרה בצורה עדינה למדי "לילה טוב, פריץ".
וג'וני, בכינו כמו תלמידות בית ספר'.
ג'וני מספר על בעלי העסקים ממוצא גרמני בלונדון שהכיר ואהב טרם המלחמה, כולל הקצב מר דינסט שנהג להגניב פרוסת נקניק נוספת
לאלה שרכשו תוך קריצה. הילד שבו מתקשה להבין מדוע פתאום הם עוזבים ונחשבים לאויב. הרי אלה חבריהם מאז ומתמיד.
מבוסס על עבר משפחתו של המחבר.
יום גאי פוקס ומשחקי המלחמה.
"גאי גאי גאי, לדקור אותו בלי די.
תלוהו על עמוד, שם ימות ודאי".
'כידונים התקן! ההונים כאן!
רָטָה-טָטָה-טָט!
בֶּנג בֶּנג! אררררררררררר!'
The touching story of ten year old Johny during WW1, his father is in the war, fighting in trenches and sends loving letters to his son with a toy soldier he carves himself. the horror and brutality of war with the hope to see his father in Christmas, the holiday when the British and Germans put aside the war, leave the trenches and sit together for one evening of sanity in hell.
touching and beautiful.
זוועות המלחמה בצד תקווה דרך עיני ג'וני בריגס בן העשר המתגורר בלונדון עם הוריו, ערב מלחמת העולם הראשונה, סוף 1914. אביו ג'יימס הינו אמן גילוף צעצועים ובעל חנות בלונדון. לפני צאתו לחזית נתן לבנו צבא חיילי צעצוע, מפצחי האגוזים. ג'וני נשלח לדודתו איבי בכפר קליף ואמו מגוייסת למאמץ המלחמתי בייצור פגזים.
מכתבי אביו מתחילים להגיע. ייסורי המלחמה, התופת והטירוף. השוחות שורצות החולדות, אלה של הבריטים מול הגרמנים וביניהם שטח הפקר. הקליעים והפגזים השורקים. בין השורות אהבת אמת ותקווה שהטירוף יגיע לסיומו. לכל מכתב הנפתח "ג'וני היקר מכל" ומסתיים "באהבה רבה, אבא" מצורף צעצוע מגולף, חייל עץ או צעצוע אחר. ג'וני ושרה עמה התיידד- ילדים הגדלים בצל מלחמה רחוקה- משחקים בהתלהבות בחיילי העץ תוך חיקוי קולות ירי וקריאות קרב. הגרמנים (פריץ וההונים) מול החיילים הבריטים (טומים) והצרפתים (פּיירים). האב מנסה לצייר תמונה קשה פחות מהאמיתית כולל בילוי במשחק בעיתות רגיעה וג'וני מאמין שאביו בסדר וכנראה יבוא לחג המולד הממשמש ובא.
הוא יוצר קשר מיוחד עם מורו, מר טטל. מרבה לבקר בביתו ולומד ממנו את האיליאדה ועל יוון העתיקה. פאריס, אגממנון ואכילס. מתוודע לסמל עם סיפור קשה. כמה חיילי צעצוע משנים צורה, ג'וני מאמין שהמציאות משתנה והמלחמה כנראה קשה משסבר.
אחד הקטעים החזקים מבחינתי אינו קשור למלחמה אלא יום גאי פוקס. הילדים בכפר חוגגים סביב מדורת ענק, שורפים בובות בדמותו של גאי, שרים עליו ומגיעים למעין אקסטזה בריקוד סוער ואלים, סוחף ופראי.
ערב חג המולד, המכתב של אביו מתאר ערב מופלא (שקרה במציאות) של הפסקת אש ספונטנית. הגרמנים והבריטים שרים לסירוגין בשפתם את 'לילה שקט', מאזינים זה לזה תוך געגועים לבית ולשפיות. יוצאים משוחותיהם, לוחצים ידיים וסועדים יחד. רגע יפה של אחווה בין אויבים בתוך הטירוף חסר ההגיון והמוות.
מתוך המכתב ששלח האב ב-24 לדצמבר, ערב החג.
'ואז, כשסיימנו, אחד הגרמנים קרא אלינו באנגלית "לילה טוב, טומים". ומישהו קרא בחזרה בצורה עדינה למדי "לילה טוב, פריץ".
וג'וני, בכינו כמו תלמידות בית ספר'.
ג'וני מספר על בעלי העסקים ממוצא גרמני בלונדון שהכיר ואהב טרם המלחמה, כולל הקצב מר דינסט שנהג להגניב פרוסת נקניק נוספת
לאלה שרכשו תוך קריצה. הילד שבו מתקשה להבין מדוע פתאום הם עוזבים ונחשבים לאויב. הרי אלה חבריהם מאז ומתמיד.
מבוסס על עבר משפחתו של המחבר.
יום גאי פוקס ומשחקי המלחמה.
"גאי גאי גאי, לדקור אותו בלי די.
תלוהו על עמוד, שם ימות ודאי".
'כידונים התקן! ההונים כאן!
רָטָה-טָטָה-טָט!
בֶּנג בֶּנג! אררררררררררר!'
The touching story of ten year old Johny during WW1, his father is in the war, fighting in trenches and sends loving letters to his son with a toy soldier he carves himself. the horror and brutality of war with the hope to see his father in Christmas, the holiday when the British and Germans put aside the war, leave the trenches and sit together for one evening of sanity in hell.
touching and beautiful.
January 17, 2021
I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could! Iain Lawrence is a Canadian writer of books for teen/YA. This is the third Iain Lawrence book I have read, and all have been wonderful books. They deal with adult, even dark themes, in a way that teens will want to read and devour.
This book is about a 10 year old boy in London who is sent to the town of Cliffe, Kent to avoid London bombings during WW1. His mother goes to work in the Arms factory in Woolich, and his Dad is sent to the front in France immediately after his basic training. The story is told in large part in letters from his father at the front.
I don't even know how to describe the emotions I feel as I finished this book. A most wonderful part of the book is Father's letter from the front on Christmas day, where he describes the short truce along the lines where the German soldiers sang Silent Night, followed by the Allies, and then a mingling of the two sides who met together, exchanged little gifts, stories, and showed photos. This was so well-told that I couldn't help weeping just a bit. To quote a bit from that letter:
And then when we were finished one of the Germans called across to us in English. "Good night, Tommies," he said. And someone shouted back, quite gently: "good night, Fritz." And Johnny, we wept like school girls.
The writing captures in a most wonderful fashion the thoughts and actions of a 10-year old boy - his distress at being separated from both parents, his realization that Father will not, in fact, be home by Christmas as he was originally told, his struggle against his unwillingness to confess to a black deed done in a fit of anger, that he knows he must confess.
This book is a must-read. It's OK if you are not a young adult - you will love it anyway. Kudos to Iain, my fellow Island-resident!
This book is about a 10 year old boy in London who is sent to the town of Cliffe, Kent to avoid London bombings during WW1. His mother goes to work in the Arms factory in Woolich, and his Dad is sent to the front in France immediately after his basic training. The story is told in large part in letters from his father at the front.
I don't even know how to describe the emotions I feel as I finished this book. A most wonderful part of the book is Father's letter from the front on Christmas day, where he describes the short truce along the lines where the German soldiers sang Silent Night, followed by the Allies, and then a mingling of the two sides who met together, exchanged little gifts, stories, and showed photos. This was so well-told that I couldn't help weeping just a bit. To quote a bit from that letter:
And then when we were finished one of the Germans called across to us in English. "Good night, Tommies," he said. And someone shouted back, quite gently: "good night, Fritz." And Johnny, we wept like school girls.
The writing captures in a most wonderful fashion the thoughts and actions of a 10-year old boy - his distress at being separated from both parents, his realization that Father will not, in fact, be home by Christmas as he was originally told, his struggle against his unwillingness to confess to a black deed done in a fit of anger, that he knows he must confess.
This book is a must-read. It's OK if you are not a young adult - you will love it anyway. Kudos to Iain, my fellow Island-resident!
May 31, 2023
I will give a small portion of the book. Lain Lawrence of Lord of the Nutcracker men is a novella (around page 30-36) that really focuses on how the military is in need of men. Johnny's father had enlisted into the army and had to say good bye to is child and wife and he may come back Christmas eve. Johnny"s father is a toy maker and he really wanted to join the army and his son would have loved to see his father join.
I would say that this book is a really good choice for young adults. I really enjoyed how Johnny's father would explain the day to day life in the trenches in his letters. The letters were really in depth on what had happened during the war.
To see how Johnny's mother had sent him to live with his aunt Ivy so he will be safe and his mother to help in the war. I love how each chapter starts with Johnny's father letters explaining how he is and what happened.
The character development is really perfect. Each character gives off a different vibe. A lot of authors will write about how good or bad they can be but this book gives one many forces.
This is a story about a Ten year old boy named Johnny who plays with his toy nutcracker men that his father had made for him. Each nutcracker tells a story and his father will tell in each letter. But this is a story about how ww1 was and that a lot of solder would come back not the same.
I would say that this book is a really good choice for young adults. I really enjoyed how Johnny's father would explain the day to day life in the trenches in his letters. The letters were really in depth on what had happened during the war.
To see how Johnny's mother had sent him to live with his aunt Ivy so he will be safe and his mother to help in the war. I love how each chapter starts with Johnny's father letters explaining how he is and what happened.
The character development is really perfect. Each character gives off a different vibe. A lot of authors will write about how good or bad they can be but this book gives one many forces.
This is a story about a Ten year old boy named Johnny who plays with his toy nutcracker men that his father had made for him. Each nutcracker tells a story and his father will tell in each letter. But this is a story about how ww1 was and that a lot of solder would come back not the same.
August 21, 2017
The lord of the nutcracker men is about a young boy seeing war in his eyes. What it felt like to have his father going to war. Johnny loves to play, just like any other 10 year old boy would. He doesn't realise the reality's of war and thinks that war is a game.
My favourite moment in the book was when the Germans sung silent night, and the British joined in. After wards they all wept like school girls. I loved that moment because it showed that they are men after all not killing machines. It was also a bit sad because they have to go back to killing each other the next day, that's what i think makes it power full.
An important message in the book is that war does take a part of you whether you a solider or not. It might take something mentally out of you for example if your husband died in war and he was the light in your life. He wont be there to cheer you up when your down. Or whether its physical for example you lose an arm because of a bomb or your a solider and you got your arm shot off.
The ending i didn't really like, i would of liked the reactions of the father coming home or a epilogue about the day James came home.
My favourite moment in the book was when the Germans sung silent night, and the British joined in. After wards they all wept like school girls. I loved that moment because it showed that they are men after all not killing machines. It was also a bit sad because they have to go back to killing each other the next day, that's what i think makes it power full.
An important message in the book is that war does take a part of you whether you a solider or not. It might take something mentally out of you for example if your husband died in war and he was the light in your life. He wont be there to cheer you up when your down. Or whether its physical for example you lose an arm because of a bomb or your a solider and you got your arm shot off.
The ending i didn't really like, i would of liked the reactions of the father coming home or a epilogue about the day James came home.
August 21, 2017
An interesting story based in the late months of 1914 about a young British boy named Johnny from London who's father was a toy maker owning his own store. He eventually gave his special one of a kind nutcracker soldier toys to Johnny and he used them to make his own little way. Unaware of the true nightmares that lie in no-mans land.
Overall I think the story was interesting and interactive but I think it could have been slightly more action packed and maybe a little more perspective from the other characters in the story. Other than that I think t is an interesting book and surely a good book for fans of war. (Possible spoilers ahead) The best part in my opinion was probably all the messages Johnny's father sent to him at the start of every chapter. They gave me a good image of what really goes on at the front. As for the ending I think it had a chance to be really great but they missed the chance. There were a lot of important questions left unanswered and it makes the ending rather unsatisfying.
Overall I think the story was interesting and interactive but I think it could have been slightly more action packed and maybe a little more perspective from the other characters in the story. Other than that I think t is an interesting book and surely a good book for fans of war. (Possible spoilers ahead) The best part in my opinion was probably all the messages Johnny's father sent to him at the start of every chapter. They gave me a good image of what really goes on at the front. As for the ending I think it had a chance to be really great but they missed the chance. There were a lot of important questions left unanswered and it makes the ending rather unsatisfying.
August 21, 2017
Johnny Briggs was ten years old when his nutcracker making father went to war. Johnny was shortly moved to live with his annoying auntie and had to get use to the new town he was in. Johnny played with his nutcracker men that his father made for him and pretended that they were at war. johnny was naive about the war at first but discovers that war isn't a game.
***SPOILER***ALERT***
My favorite part in the story was when it was christmas day at war, because everyone stopped shooting and had fun with each other like playing soccer, drinking beer and becoming friends with the enemies. This bit reminded me that people you are fighting are genuine people and not just the monster you have to kill. The message that runs in the book is that war isn't a game and that it is a serious thing that should be taken seriously and should not be a joke. I found that ending was really “satisfying” in a way because it all wraps up so nicely and just felt like it couldn't have ended as well as it did, i don't think they should changed the ending it is a perfect as it is.
***SPOILER***ALERT***
My favorite part in the story was when it was christmas day at war, because everyone stopped shooting and had fun with each other like playing soccer, drinking beer and becoming friends with the enemies. This bit reminded me that people you are fighting are genuine people and not just the monster you have to kill. The message that runs in the book is that war isn't a game and that it is a serious thing that should be taken seriously and should not be a joke. I found that ending was really “satisfying” in a way because it all wraps up so nicely and just felt like it couldn't have ended as well as it did, i don't think they should changed the ending it is a perfect as it is.
September 12, 2019
A very well researched and interesting read. This is an older book that was recommended to me this summer during a teen reading workshop. The historical facts are well portrayed and are carried in the story well. The protagonist, Johnny, is a likable character although a clear visual picture is left up to the reader to construct. In my opinion, the reader becomes more invested and immersed in the life of Johnny’s father than Johnny himself. Through his many in-depth letters we learn his hopes, fears, dreams, etc. We also see the toil of war and how the mind creates a way to cope.
To achieve a higher rating from me the book could have shown more of Johnny’s feelings through his letters. It could have had him open up to Mr. Tuttle sooner. I had questions that were never fully satisfied or possibly answered at all.
That said, a 3 star rating is a good rating on my scale. It is a recommend read.
To achieve a higher rating from me the book could have shown more of Johnny’s feelings through his letters. It could have had him open up to Mr. Tuttle sooner. I had questions that were never fully satisfied or possibly answered at all.
That said, a 3 star rating is a good rating on my scale. It is a recommend read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2020
As a world history teacher at a middle school, I recommend this for late elementary-6th grade. I was looking for a book for my seventh grade students and this one is too simplistic, both in writing style and content. It's hard to find a good balance in WWI literature for tweens. There are lots of graphic, jarring stories for adults and watered down children's stories. This one is the latter. It removes a lot of the graphic nature of WWI histories and replaces it with toy soldier fights and distantly written letters, where the father is intentionally masking his words. The plot is moved forward with letters between the young boy and his father on the front lines, and only includes the western front history of WWI. It also includes the standard character building scenes of children's literature, where the main character feels guilty for something mean he did. I'll keep looking for a better option.
August 21, 2017
This book is great for people who like adventure, mystery's and anything to do with war. I'm not the biggest fan of war but I still really enjoyed the book. The story line is about looking at world war one in a really cool way. Its about a boy that plays with his nutcracker men while his dad is at war, but he doesn't realise but hes controlling the war. My favourite moment is when Johnny's auntie thinks he is an intruder and tries to hit him with a broom because it was a funny part. The important message in the novel is war is not a game, although for the boy it really is. I rated this 4/5. I would rate it 5/5 but the ending wasn't the best because it didn't say much about his dad. I would say more but I don't want to give any spoilers. Overall this is a great, favourable novel. I really recommend this book to all from 10 plus.
August 21, 2017
The setting is a village in England 1914 and Johnny, a young British boys father has joined the war. Johnny is sent to Cliff to stay with his Auntie during the war. Johnny accompanied by his little wooden nutcracker soldiers experience pain, joy, despair, and disgust as Johnny holds on to the memory of his beloved father with the letters and toy soldiers his father sends from the war.
The best part of the book for me is when Johnny discovers Murdoch a soldier hiding from society, this part of the book keeps you on your toes and gives you an incentive to read on.
The message I got from the story was. " No matter how hard things may be focus on the good and do not ever let reality phase you".
The ending, for me, was the disappointment of the book. An anticlimactic short-lived ending threw off the balance of the story. I will not go into further detail in case of spoilers.
The best part of the book for me is when Johnny discovers Murdoch a soldier hiding from society, this part of the book keeps you on your toes and gives you an incentive to read on.
The message I got from the story was. " No matter how hard things may be focus on the good and do not ever let reality phase you".
The ending, for me, was the disappointment of the book. An anticlimactic short-lived ending threw off the balance of the story. I will not go into further detail in case of spoilers.
August 21, 2017
This is a book was based in the first world war, about a boy called Johnny. His father (who made nutcracker men) left Johnny and his mum in London to go to war. And then his mum sends him off to live with his cruel Aunt Ivy. But Johnny din't lose contact with his father because they would frequently send letters to each other. With his father always enclosing another toy soldier with the letter to add to his collection. Will Johnny and his family be able to survive the war....
I found this book really interesting. My favourite part was when he owned up to Mr Tuttle about the roses. But the big problem about the book was that the ending was only about a page long. If the ending was in more depth it would have been one of my favourite books I have ever read.
I found this book really interesting. My favourite part was when he owned up to Mr Tuttle about the roses. But the big problem about the book was that the ending was only about a page long. If the ending was in more depth it would have been one of my favourite books I have ever read.
October 7, 2017
This book tells the story of Johnny Briggs, an English lad whose father is fighting in WWI. His mother, working in an arsenal, has sent him to live with his aunt in Kent until the war ends. Johnny learns the horrors of war slowly through his father's letters and his gifts of carved wooden soldiers that are sent from the front.
This is a masterfully woven tale of the horrors of war told through the eyes of a little boy who never saw the front. I cannot recommend this book for children, for it is very strongly dark. Yet, I must admire the artistry of the author who can take the terrors felt by the father and the other soldiers and put them into the description of a child's toy battlefield.
This is a masterfully woven tale of the horrors of war told through the eyes of a little boy who never saw the front. I cannot recommend this book for children, for it is very strongly dark. Yet, I must admire the artistry of the author who can take the terrors felt by the father and the other soldiers and put them into the description of a child's toy battlefield.
August 21, 2017
Johnny, a young boy, must power through some of the hardships of war. His father on the front, his mother helping the war effort in the factories. Johnny sits idly by waiting for the war to end.
This book sheds light the true horrors of war. It shows just how much of an impact war has on the world as a whole. Trust, doubt, secrets, sorrow, and anger shine through clear as day in this book. An emotionally driven tale of those effected by the great war.
Iain Lawrence has masterfully used letters to communicate ideas. He has wielded emotions with real meaning. This book is a great read for anyone wanting a gripping tale of war.
This book sheds light the true horrors of war. It shows just how much of an impact war has on the world as a whole. Trust, doubt, secrets, sorrow, and anger shine through clear as day in this book. An emotionally driven tale of those effected by the great war.
Iain Lawrence has masterfully used letters to communicate ideas. He has wielded emotions with real meaning. This book is a great read for anyone wanting a gripping tale of war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2021
Such a moving and unusual story. A young boy's innocent childhood horribly clashes with the grim realities of the 'War-to-End-All-Wars'. As his father's hopeful letters from the front show, the length of the war, the attrition of the soul, and the depths of growing despair, are realized in a series of figurines the toy-maker father sends to his boy at home. A tender and frightening novel, which has so. much to say about family, love, guilt, hope and destiny. Twisted by fate, the characters will remain with you and the story will break your heart.
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