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The Tin Snail
In the 1940s world of elegant, luxury automobiles, the Tin Snail is no beauty. But it’s facing a tough challenge: to carry a farmer and his wife, a flagon of wine and a tray of eggs across a bumpy field in a sleepy French village—without spilling a drop or cracking a shell.
And then an even bigger challenge comes along—staying hidden from an officer of the occupying Nazi army, who is bent on stealing the design for the enemy!
Loosely inspired by real events, this debut novel from successful screenwriter Cameron McAllister is the story of a brave little car that helped to win a war.
And then an even bigger challenge comes along—staying hidden from an officer of the occupying Nazi army, who is bent on stealing the design for the enemy!
Loosely inspired by real events, this debut novel from successful screenwriter Cameron McAllister is the story of a brave little car that helped to win a war.
397 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
11 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 24, 2014
I'm always on the look-out for books like this: well plotted middle grade stories with great characters and plenty of typically British humour (yes, it is set in France, with Italian and French characters, but the writing is undeniably British). The publishers make mention of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Dad's Army in their blurb, which covers the car aspect, the WWII setting and, to a degree the comedy, but this book is much more than that (and I am a lover of both of those). The humour is never slapstick or farcical (so no allusions to 'Allo 'Allo here whatsoever): it is subtle, heartwarming and intelligent and readers will find themselves grinning from ear-to-ear without even realising it.
The story itself is a fabulously well-plotted character driven piece, that uses action set-pieces and the tension of the villagers' anti-German 'resistance' to add to keep the pace moving and readers turning pages. It is one of my favourite books of 2014 so far, and Cameron McAllister writes with a voice that is reminiscent of the likes of Frank Cottrell Boyce and David Walliams. In fact, much as I am a great lover of Walliams' stories and their TV adaptations, if I had to choose it would be The Tin Snail that I would much rather see adapted for TV at Christmas this year.
Another great plus about this book is the 'is it fact, or is it fiction?' feeling that you get when reading it. At no point in the narrative does the author mention Citroen or the 2CV, but as readers we know there is only one car that is being designed by Angelo and his father. In his author's afterword McCallister gives us a very brief explanation about the event that inspired him to write about this special car, and as a reader who knows nothing about the history and development of the real Citroen 2CV, I loved the fact that at no point was I able to distinguish between what was a product of the author's imagination and what was something rooted in historical fact. Young car lovers will probably do exactly what I did on finishing this book - read up on the real history behind the development of such an iconic car.
I can't finish this review without also mentioning the wonderful black and white illustrations of Sam Usher that accompany each chapter heading, and also the lovely overall effort that the publishers have put into packaging this book. The Tin Snail comes as a lovely hardback edition, sans dustwrapper, and makes for a very attractive and enticing present for a reader, young or old. Yes, this is one of those rare books that will delight readers from 8 up to 80 and beyond, and deserves to become a much read family favourite in the future.
The story itself is a fabulously well-plotted character driven piece, that uses action set-pieces and the tension of the villagers' anti-German 'resistance' to add to keep the pace moving and readers turning pages. It is one of my favourite books of 2014 so far, and Cameron McAllister writes with a voice that is reminiscent of the likes of Frank Cottrell Boyce and David Walliams. In fact, much as I am a great lover of Walliams' stories and their TV adaptations, if I had to choose it would be The Tin Snail that I would much rather see adapted for TV at Christmas this year.
Another great plus about this book is the 'is it fact, or is it fiction?' feeling that you get when reading it. At no point in the narrative does the author mention Citroen or the 2CV, but as readers we know there is only one car that is being designed by Angelo and his father. In his author's afterword McCallister gives us a very brief explanation about the event that inspired him to write about this special car, and as a reader who knows nothing about the history and development of the real Citroen 2CV, I loved the fact that at no point was I able to distinguish between what was a product of the author's imagination and what was something rooted in historical fact. Young car lovers will probably do exactly what I did on finishing this book - read up on the real history behind the development of such an iconic car.
I can't finish this review without also mentioning the wonderful black and white illustrations of Sam Usher that accompany each chapter heading, and also the lovely overall effort that the publishers have put into packaging this book. The Tin Snail comes as a lovely hardback edition, sans dustwrapper, and makes for a very attractive and enticing present for a reader, young or old. Yes, this is one of those rare books that will delight readers from 8 up to 80 and beyond, and deserves to become a much read family favourite in the future.
March 20, 2014
book review will be published here first http://www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com/
July 7, 2015
My youngest son is a fan of Frank Cottrell Boyce - as I am - and Cameron McAllister's debut is remaniscent of the great FCB. This is a sensitive, pacey, very funny book set during WW2,which the lad has studied at school. He absolutely loved it - as did I - and we're both really looking forward to the next book by this supremely talented writer. p.s. the lad is also called Cameron, though this didn't influence him in any way!
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August 10, 2014At last! A fantastic children's tale based on the remarkable true story of the gallant little 2CV car. For all those who love their classic cars this story is definitely a family read with a lovely sense of humour. I certainly enjoyed reading it out loud using my very best french accent. i think this is going to be a wonderful summer family read!
Hilary
Hilary
October 23, 2014
A charming and very enjoyable story with writing that “flows” well—something not encountered nearly often enough. It’s the difference between being aware of words while you read them, and reading but not seeing the words as they guide thoughts directly into the mind: the art of real writing. Superb.
June 24, 2014
A beautifully written story. For the two days it took to read I was totally transported into war time France. Fabulous characters. It will be loved by children and adults alike. It is sure to be made into a block busting movie.
April 22, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy it -- the topic was interesting. But the voice didn't feel like a kid's voice and the writing seemed disjointed. To be fair, I didn't finish it, so maybe it got better.
July 22, 2019
I was suprised when I saw that this had come out in 2014. I bought it in hard back for my middle school library. I do not remember hearing about it when it came out.
I am always looking for books for young adults that adults can also enjoy. This is true because I coordinate about 80 adult/ middle school student bookgroups. This one has humor, a great story, fun characters that are characters, a little romance, bravery and history. I am really looking forward to hearing the kids' responses.
Angelo is 12ish when the story begins in 1938. His family are Italians living in Paris because Angelo's father Luca is car designer. They are relocated to a broken down estate in a small village working on designing the "people's car" a car that can drive across a newly plowed field with a farmer and his wife, a jug of wine and 2 dozen eggs without breaking an egg. WWW2 intervenes.
The prototype cars have to be dissembled so the Germans do not get their hands on them and convert them to war machines. The entire village comes to the aide of the designers to hide the pieces of cars from the germans. When the German Major comes to town with his own car designer, he is thwarted, by the blacksmith, the mayor and his family, an a farmer and his family.
The depiction of the characters holds the day as they might in PG Wodehouse or some other quaint lovely English Writing.
The story is based on a true story of the making of the 2cv, an early Citroen car that stayed in production through the 1990's.
I am always looking for books for young adults that adults can also enjoy. This is true because I coordinate about 80 adult/ middle school student bookgroups. This one has humor, a great story, fun characters that are characters, a little romance, bravery and history. I am really looking forward to hearing the kids' responses.
Angelo is 12ish when the story begins in 1938. His family are Italians living in Paris because Angelo's father Luca is car designer. They are relocated to a broken down estate in a small village working on designing the "people's car" a car that can drive across a newly plowed field with a farmer and his wife, a jug of wine and 2 dozen eggs without breaking an egg. WWW2 intervenes.
The prototype cars have to be dissembled so the Germans do not get their hands on them and convert them to war machines. The entire village comes to the aide of the designers to hide the pieces of cars from the germans. When the German Major comes to town with his own car designer, he is thwarted, by the blacksmith, the mayor and his family, an a farmer and his family.
The depiction of the characters holds the day as they might in PG Wodehouse or some other quaint lovely English Writing.
The story is based on a true story of the making of the 2cv, an early Citroen car that stayed in production through the 1990's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2023
1) I really liked the main characters. No, wait. I really liked ALL the whole cast of characters in the book. They were quirky without being too quirky. Angelo with all his gumption and inspiration. Camille. Bertrand. The mayor who is the enemy, turned ally.
2) I loved the historical setting. France. World War Two. This is really a book about the French Resistance... in a really weird way. And it's a book about a very unique type of automobile. (I've seen those old Citroen cars in Europe. And, yes, I thought they were ugly. But ugly, in a cute way.)
3) Bertrand's philosophy: "Some things aren't meant to be... The rest aren't meant to be, yet." In fact, Bertrand's optimism and enthusiasm is particularly appealing... especially how he deals with Angelo and the father and the pitfalls surrounding the creation of a brand-new car.
4) I loved the three acts: the Inspiration, the building of the car, and finally the attempts to thwart the Nazis from stealing the hard work. The final act has enough intrigue and chases to grab anybody's attention.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Yes, I really liked this book. It has a historical bent, but I didn't really see the whole French Resistance thing coming, at least not right away. This book is fresh and fun with a great cast of characters... And that makes for an enjoyable read.
2) I loved the historical setting. France. World War Two. This is really a book about the French Resistance... in a really weird way. And it's a book about a very unique type of automobile. (I've seen those old Citroen cars in Europe. And, yes, I thought they were ugly. But ugly, in a cute way.)
3) Bertrand's philosophy: "Some things aren't meant to be... The rest aren't meant to be, yet." In fact, Bertrand's optimism and enthusiasm is particularly appealing... especially how he deals with Angelo and the father and the pitfalls surrounding the creation of a brand-new car.
4) I loved the three acts: the Inspiration, the building of the car, and finally the attempts to thwart the Nazis from stealing the hard work. The final act has enough intrigue and chases to grab anybody's attention.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Yes, I really liked this book. It has a historical bent, but I didn't really see the whole French Resistance thing coming, at least not right away. This book is fresh and fun with a great cast of characters... And that makes for an enjoyable read.
October 24, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I found the characters intriguing and the righting style enjoyable, but the ending absolutely ruined the entire book for me. Let's talk about the last chapter first, shall we. The last chapter was the ENTIRE CONCLUSION mushed into 4 P A G E S. It was incredibly unsatisfying, and instead of us being able to go through the main characters eyes through the event unfolding, it was explained to the reader like a summary. It was far to quick paced, making it choppy compared to the rest of the story's in depth chapters.
I could go on about why I don't like the book, but instead lets talk about the love interest. Absolutely no chemistry, romantic tension or sweet moments where really shared, and yet you want me to believe that 10 years later, when Camille had gotten out of an engagement and they stopped writing to eachother for an unknown amount of time, they immediately and miraculously got together? If there's one thing that ruins a book for me, it's forced romances. My god, I've never felt more unsatisfied in my life and considering that I've watched the Emoji movie at least 5 times, that's saying something.
I could go on about why I don't like the book, but instead lets talk about the love interest. Absolutely no chemistry, romantic tension or sweet moments where really shared, and yet you want me to believe that 10 years later, when Camille had gotten out of an engagement and they stopped writing to eachother for an unknown amount of time, they immediately and miraculously got together? If there's one thing that ruins a book for me, it's forced romances. My god, I've never felt more unsatisfied in my life and considering that I've watched the Emoji movie at least 5 times, that's saying something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 26, 2019This book made me think about France and its culture. The Citroen in this book is a famous french car and I have seen a lot of them. In the book they talk about boulangeries, patisseries, macarons, all of which I have experienced in France.
The writer is teaching us about how one must never give up in life, and to strive for your goals even in the face of great difficulty. For example they failed many times to build the car. The war stopped them from finishing the last prototype however they managed to finish the prototype after the war had ended and this time it was a success
My opinion on the message from the book
I think that the book has a great message in it, it's not easy to keep trying and trying again when you fail at something in life, but it is very important to keep persevering.
The writer is teaching us about how one must never give up in life, and to strive for your goals even in the face of great difficulty. For example they failed many times to build the car. The war stopped them from finishing the last prototype however they managed to finish the prototype after the war had ended and this time it was a success
My opinion on the message from the book
I think that the book has a great message in it, it's not easy to keep trying and trying again when you fail at something in life, but it is very important to keep persevering.
February 19, 2018
A fun book for middle school readers, The Tin Snail is a fictionalized account of the creation of the Deux Chevaux, the first true people's car. Set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of France, the story mixes intrigue, history, and a tiny bit of romance. Turns out that the Germans are trying to build a people's car of their own (Volkswagen, anyone?) and Hitler wants to steal the prototype for the Tin Snail. Highly recommended for middle school readers, with excellent illustrations. Probably not for high school readers.
July 26, 2017
This was an inspiring fictional story, based loosely on some real-life events from WEII in France. The characters are endearing, the story is compelling, and the version I read was for middle grades & up, so my 9yo son & I were able to read & enjoy it together. I never thought I would be interested in a story that is basically about building a car, but the surrounding story pulled me in. I definitely recommend this book.
November 4, 2021
Amazing book. Very interesting with a good number of surprising plot twist. Loved it and the bond created between all these characters throughout the book. The fact that its inspired by a true story and the author did its research is really visible with the context given and general culture learned in every chapter. Would definitely recommend it!
May 13, 2017
I really struggled to finish this one. A great idea and built-in interest with the Cars and the Nazis. I could see using this with a struggling reader; by skimming through to the interesting bits and using non-fiction supports to help built schema.
December 22, 2017
Loved it! Read it with much interest and spent considerable time online reading more about the invention/design of the first "people's car" - both in France and Germany. (And thought fondly of the 2CV my family once owned ;)
June 28, 2019
Based on true facts, it’s a story about perseverance and risk, with a dash of romance mixed into the blend. Although categorized as middle grade fiction, it’s a story that people of all ages will love.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
February 14, 2018
I suffered my way through this book.
Want to read
February 26, 2020How to make it into bot mode
December 16, 2020
A cute and easy read, about the origin of the French citroen.
June 8, 2021
A unique story set during World War ll during which a new car design needs to be invented and kept top-secret from the Nazis! Definitely loved the British humor and charm!
October 5, 2023
The ending is much better than the beginning so if you find the first half a bit slow keep going as it does get better and a bit more dramatic!
October 9, 2018
This story is very inspiring and motivational. It’s a very good story to portray positive message for young kids. The story is very light and not that complicated. Easy and understandable words. Even though Cameron is using the Germany-France war as the story’s background it doesn’t send out negative messages through the story. And as we know that the story is basically a historical story but it doesn't bore us too much.
The Tin Snail is the little car that won a war…
The Tin Snail is the little car that won a war…
November 18, 2015
The Tin Snail is one of those stories where something that actually happened in history is turned into a children's book, where a child, who never actually existed in real life, becomes a hero. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to create such stories, because it's teaching fake history to children. But this story has enough real history in it, plus incredibly intense feelings about what happened when the German army rolled into France, that I can't help but think it's an exceptional children's book.
Our young hero, thirteen-year-old Angelo, is living in Paris in the 1930s with his Italian parents. His father is a car designer, but is in need of a new design. Angelo desperately wants to help his father, because things seem to be falling apart in their family, and comes up with the idea for a new type of car. The car is created, but ends up destroyed, thanks to Angelo. There are lots of vehicle crashes and wild rides in this book, which makes it seem very much like a children's book for young car enthusiasts. Yet, after Angelo then comes up with the idea for the Tin Snail, which in real life was the Citroën 2CV, and they have to keep the car out of the hands of the invading Nazis, the story no longer seems just for young children. In fact, I'm not sure why it's not being suggested for teenagers, too. I'm not sure it wouldn't be too intense for 9-year-olds. Angelo's fears of what the Nazis might do if they don't get what they want are very real.
By the end of the story, I had forgotten my irritation about all the vehicle crashes, and my amusement that French and Italian individuals were often using British expressions. Instead, I was thinking that I had just learned a pretty good history lesson, and had read a book with very well-developed characters. What started off seeming like a simple, if not often silly, children's story about cars, turned into a serious and complex story about life in France during the 1930s, that even adult readers could appreciate.
(Note: I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.)
Our young hero, thirteen-year-old Angelo, is living in Paris in the 1930s with his Italian parents. His father is a car designer, but is in need of a new design. Angelo desperately wants to help his father, because things seem to be falling apart in their family, and comes up with the idea for a new type of car. The car is created, but ends up destroyed, thanks to Angelo. There are lots of vehicle crashes and wild rides in this book, which makes it seem very much like a children's book for young car enthusiasts. Yet, after Angelo then comes up with the idea for the Tin Snail, which in real life was the Citroën 2CV, and they have to keep the car out of the hands of the invading Nazis, the story no longer seems just for young children. In fact, I'm not sure why it's not being suggested for teenagers, too. I'm not sure it wouldn't be too intense for 9-year-olds. Angelo's fears of what the Nazis might do if they don't get what they want are very real.
By the end of the story, I had forgotten my irritation about all the vehicle crashes, and my amusement that French and Italian individuals were often using British expressions. Instead, I was thinking that I had just learned a pretty good history lesson, and had read a book with very well-developed characters. What started off seeming like a simple, if not often silly, children's story about cars, turned into a serious and complex story about life in France during the 1930s, that even adult readers could appreciate.
(Note: I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.)
February 18, 2017
I was intrigued by the premise of this book, and allowed myself a historical fiction read even though I've sworn them off (again).
I enjoyed this book. I think I would have especially enjoyed it in 5th or 6th grade. 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this book. I think I would have especially enjoyed it in 5th or 6th grade. 3.5 stars.
June 15, 2016
The story: Angelo's father designs cars for the wealthy elite, but Angelo has an earth-shaking idea: they need to build something that regular people can afford. As the designers hole up at a farm outside of Paris to work on the prototype, the rumbling of Nazi tanks is heard, on their way from Germany after invading Poland. Eventually, rather than letting the Nazis steal their ideas, they destroy all the cars...except for one. Will it fall into enemy hands and help them win the war?
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG (it's France and everyone drinks all the time; WW2 and everyone smokes); Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (war, industrial espionage) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: This was a fun story that will appeal to the group of boys who either (1) like stories about cars, whether old or new, or (2) like historical fiction. Angelo has a good voice, and his puzzlement over Camille is very suitable for a 14-year-old kid with his first crush. A fun read!
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG (it's France and everyone drinks all the time; WW2 and everyone smokes); Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (war, industrial espionage) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: This was a fun story that will appeal to the group of boys who either (1) like stories about cars, whether old or new, or (2) like historical fiction. Angelo has a good voice, and his puzzlement over Camille is very suitable for a 14-year-old kid with his first crush. A fun read!
November 18, 2016
McAllister Cameron The Tin Snail, 274 pages. Delacorte Press, 2016. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence G.
World War II is heating up and Hitler wants a German people’s car’” in production. Thirteen year old Angelo Fabrizzi’s family are Italian expatriates living and designing cars in France. Angelo’s family is sent by father’s car company to rural France to design a car for the people of France. Now it is car wars.
Tin Snail’s cast of characters is a delightful ensemble who add to the texture and depth to the story. Situations arises that address matters of bravery, loyalty and sacrifice. While the story is a work of fiction, the competition between the Beetle and the Citroën was real. I wanted the story to be true. It was that good.
EL, MS-ESSENTIAL. Linda R.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
World War II is heating up and Hitler wants a German people’s car’” in production. Thirteen year old Angelo Fabrizzi’s family are Italian expatriates living and designing cars in France. Angelo’s family is sent by father’s car company to rural France to design a car for the people of France. Now it is car wars.
Tin Snail’s cast of characters is a delightful ensemble who add to the texture and depth to the story. Situations arises that address matters of bravery, loyalty and sacrifice. While the story is a work of fiction, the competition between the Beetle and the Citroën was real. I wanted the story to be true. It was that good.
EL, MS-ESSENTIAL. Linda R.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
May 22, 2016
This is a quick read written about the real 2CV - or Tin Snail - designed for the common French worker. The car was never brought to production because of the war, and in 1939 the prototype was ordered to be destroyed so the German army could not steal the design. The story's author author learned about the car when in 1995 the earliest prototypes of the Tin Snail were found hidden in the hayloft of a barn in the French countryside near Paris. A little bit of research and imagination and a fun little piece of fiction around a moment in history was born. 3.5/5 stars
May 6, 2016
This book is very well written and I loved it. It's not often that you read a good book about a war. I really enjoyed all the highs and lows of the main character and how he pulled through those times and learned from his past mistakes. This book is about a boy who live in Paris and his father is a car inventor and made a car that was going to make them rich but Angelo crashes and destroys it. He then tries to come up with a new invention that would help his father become famous. To find out if it works, read the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews