The Boy Who Changed His World

by Robert Whanslaw

A World War II veteran and a teenage boy tormented at home and school form a friendship that changes the lives of not just them but all those around them. A story of hope that pushes the boundaries of friendship and love and how far those limits can be taken.

As the friendship between them grows, Potts encourages Callum to face life and go for what he wants, and maybe even the girl, Lucy, at school he has a crush on.

Callum is not the only one with troubles to overcome; Potts faces his own demons. Their journey takes them to dark places with moral dilemmas they never wanted to visit.

Captivating and Heart-Warming
* A Book Club Read
* Coming of Age Literary fiction
* Unputdownable & Binge-Worthy Novels
* Family Dynamics and Moral Dilemmas
* An Emotional, Heartwarming Story of Hope

Genres: Fiction

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of his father and his mothers near immediate marriage to an abusive stepfather, 15 year old Callum withdrew into himself, preferring the company of books to people. By chance, he meets and strikes up a friendship with Potts, a reclusive WW2 veteran. “The boy who changed his world” follows the unlikely friendship between these two loners. Under Potts influence, Callum’s confidence increases, however his stepfathers escalating violence threatens not only Callum’s self esteem, but his life and his mother’s life as well.

Phew this was an emotional rollercoaster. Whanslaw was an expert storyteller, with beautifully vivid descriptions. I picked up the book and immediately felt as though I was among the characters. There is something to be said about the short, easily digestible chapters as well. I never felt like the story dragged, and I was surprised when a couple hours into reading, I realize I’m already halfway through the book.

One of my favorite details of the storytelling was the lead up to the climax, because of Whanslaw’s ability to subconsciously increase the anxiety of the reader. Most of the story is told from Callum’s point of view, with a couple of sections per chapter on another character POV, for example his mother or his step father. When leading up to the climax, Whanslaw subtly increases the speed in which we switch character POV, with each POV becoming increasingly shorter until BAM the Big Event happens. It provided a very uneasy reading experience where I knew something bad was going to happen and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the pin to drop.

I would like to provide my thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley, for the free digital ARC in exchange for my honest review- this was a very delightful reading experience, and I was surprised that I shed a few tears.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy’s chance encounter with an elderly man blossoms into an unlikely friendship that reshapes both of their lives. What begins as a simple connection grows into a tender, emotional bond filled with wisdom, laughter, and shared vulnerability. As the chapters unfold, their relationship becomes a heart warming testament to the power of human connection across generations—endearing, transformative, and deeply moving. By the final pages, the story builds to a conclusion so poignant it leaves the reader in tears, celebrating love, loss, and the enduring impact of friendship.

This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time, loved it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story set in 1970’s Whitstable revolving around Callum, the leading protagonist, and Potts. We meet Callum, a young lad who is trying to make his way through life, at every turn he faces another challenge, both in his home life and at school, until he meets Potts. With this new found friendship Callum finds the weight of the world on his shoulders becomes easier to carry.
Potts, it appears has his own challenges to overcome, these challenges become apparent during the flashbacks to World War II running alongside Callum’s story.
Can this unusual friendship heal or lighten the load of the other traumas of life.

I really enjoyed reading this one, it had the most captivating first chapter I’ve come across.
The topic of bullying and domestic abuse is raised and this writer has done a great job with covering there topics with tact and care, minimising the trigger points.

I felt like I could really feel the scenes being set around me, so much so that I’d love to take a trip to Whitstable now to eat fish and chips on Tankerton Slopes.
To come away from a story feeling this way is so rare, I would certainly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

[Moo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

I read this in one go. Firstly, as a born and bred Whitstable woman , the setting was perfect for me, I loved the characters, hated Jim, my heart broke for Potts and I learnt a lot about humans. Thank you, for a truly wonderful read.

[Susan Burlew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum seems to have no control over his life. His father died in a mysterious accident when he was nine and his stepfather is a bully. After an embarrassing incident at school Callum meets an old veteran named Potts. As a friendship develops they both learn new things. Callum learns that having someone to talk to helps even if nothing changes. Over time he slowly gains confidence. Potts learns that spending most of his time alone isn't always the best thing. I got caught up in the story and had trouble putting it down. Highly recommend!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book!

I got so enthralled in the story right from the beginning and it was hard to put down. The relationships of the characters are so heartfelt and captivating, you feel like you are in the story somehow.

We are all human and life is better with friendships.

[Susan McAulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
This book was thought provoking and, at times, disturbing. This is about a teenage boy with a difficult life who manages to overcome some of his problems in a world that does not make this easy. I think that the reason for four stars and not five is two fold. One is that the beginning of the book was hard to get into. The book definitely picked up steam at the end and by the time it reached the conclusion, it had me screaming noooooo! Two is that this is a characterization heavy story and it was fairly good but I think there were a few missed moments to bolster the reader's picture of the mother, the girlfriend and the adult in the boy's life and all were extremely important characters. Finally, there was an underlying motif in the story of music that could (and should have) been used prominently. The boy and his girlfriend loved punk rock which seemed to be a little incongruent with the characters. It could have been because that was what was prevalent in that time in England, where the novel takes place, but it would have been helpful to understand. I also wanted to see how this motif played out but it didn't really and while the motif could have been taken out, I think it was something that could have made the book even stronger than it was if more had been done with it.
Nonetheless, it was a good solid novel, with compelling characters that conjured up strong emotions, both good and bad (the stepfather was someone you just had to hate, but it was very satisfying) and a very poignant ending. I will be waiting for future novels by this author.

[Elle Sie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really glad I discovered this book. It was a bit of a slow start at first, with main character Callum having trouble with his classmates and a sweet fixation on a girl at school, Lucy. I have to say I didn't like Arthur Potts at their first introduction. When Callum was covered in ants, I thought it was a little callous of Potts to laugh at him, and again when he poured the freezing water over him to help. I thought Potts then scolding Callum for swearing at someone who had just helped him was a bit sanctimonious considering he had laughed! The flashback of Potts in the next chapter after their introduction didn't help his likeability as he was quite vindictive when he beat up Briggs in a boxing match.

However, as with any good story that has nuanced characterisation, Potts really began to grow on me. As a war veteran, I really felt for him as his PTSD was clear and his friendship with Callum really started to draw out his humanity. It was lovely to see Callum able to help him too, especially when finding the normally rough round the edges Potts cowering in one scene; I enjoyed Callum's maturity when handling this.

The last third of the book was a rollercoaster! Without giving spoilers, there was heroism from several characters, as well as tragedy, but also a nearly wrapped up ending. The change in tone from social realism slice-of-life to courtroom drama added a nice layer of interest to this fictional story that felt quite like a memoir at times. Highly recommend this.

[Duygu Mengioglu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving and deep, this novel is an exquisite portrayal of resilience, the story centering around the unlikely bond between a young boy and an elderly war veteran. Callum, a teenager going through very serious problems at home and school, finds solace in the unlikeliest of friendships with Potts, a reclusive WWII veteran at war with his own shadows. The two form a strong connection that gives each the courage to face their past and start anew with hope for the future.

What really makes this story special is how it realistically portrays both characters in their development and struggles, with themes of mental health, trauma, and redemption. The pacing of the story is just perfect, capturing moments of tension, warmth, and wisdom that leave readers reflecting on the enduring strength of human connection.

This is more than a story of friendship; it's an in-depth inquiry into the therapeutic powers that come with empathy and how much someone means to you if they truly understand you. Warm, even hilarious at times, and thought-provoking, this is a story that lingers long after the last page has been turned. A novel perfect for readers of all ages, it will remind one of the quiet heroes we so facilely ignore and the life-changing difference one person can make in another's course of life.

[François G · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Boy Who Changed His World": hey I immediately liked this title!

Now, about the story: it's touching, it beautifully illustrates the power of friendship, hope, and redemption, and it is quite inspiring. What story? The story of Potts and his transformation from a life of gray regret to one filled with purpose, all this thanks to his bond with young Callum.

There is a good balance between the themes of loss and renewal, and we can witness how Callum grapples with grief and finds strength in the legacy of his unconventional mentor.

The prose captures raw emotions, and effectively paints vivid scenes of the struggles and triumphs of the characters. There are letters and introspective moments that I found especially impactful to reveal the deep connections that shape their lives.

Now for the pacing, it's rather slow.

Generally speaking, the story isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about the lasting impact we can have on others. This book is an inspiring and hopeful tale, perfect if you're seeking a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and LEGACY (yes, all caps, for this is something that too many of us neglect in today's world).

[Ailsa Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Boy Who Changed His World’ is one of those books that I won’t forget easily. Robert Whanslaw has written a heartwarming tale about courage, hope, resilience and the power of friendship as we follow his young protagonist, Callum, on a journey of self-discovery. Callum, whose father dies in a car accident, struggles to fit in at school and is subsequently bullied. Whanslaw depicts Callum’s world with sensitivity; evoking a sense of despair, helplessness and vulnerability. All this changes when he reconnects with classmate Lucy and fellow loner - Potts, an older man who becomes a father figure of sorts. There is a lot of darkness in this novel - death, domestic abuse, desertion - but there is always an undercurrent of hope. Whanslaw’s characters are credible and realistic and I appreciated the cultural references reflecting the era (yes to Top of the Pops on Thursday night). Despite the odd cliche here and there, this is a moving story about triumph over adversity and how life can change for the better when, and (sometimes) where we least expect it. If you enjoy character driven novels, then you will enjoy this heartwarming story. It’s an uplifting and inspiring read.

[Clair B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel centres around a teenage son and his widowed Mum and the difficult relationship they have with her second husband. The boy meets an old War veteran and together they develop an unlikely friendship.

The storyline deals with domestic abuse, teenage love and bullying aswell as descriptions of the horrors of war.

It is set in the late 70s and it is intriguing as to how far Society has developed. Scenarios which we wouldn't accept now, seemed the norm then.

The location most of this takes place in is Whitstable and Tankerton, a place I know relatively well. Therefore it was easy for me to imagine the descriptions of the areas mentioned.

The first chapter is a bit bizarre and I almost gave up. However please pursue it as it does get better. The writing style is not as fluent as an experienced writer of many years but again this develops as the storyline develops.

I was quite surprised I enjoyed this novel, given the wobbly start. However, it did turn into a page turner and I found myself getting angrier as the scenes of domestic violence were played out and hoping that just desserts would be served up.

[Kathy Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy Who Changed His World is such a powerful book about being bullied and struggling with the journey into adulthood. What made it so heart-warming is that the main character, Callum, who has had a difficult childhood, finds solace in his unusual friendship with World War Two veteran Potts. The relationship between the two is sensitively written, and we see the strengths of each developing through their communication. The character of Lucy is carefully drawn, particularly when he embarrasses himself in school and because of the way he longs to be with the girl of his dreams, Lucy. It is a story with twists and turns, which are surprising, and because the author builds up our involvement with Callum so well, we are eager to move with the fast-paced plot. While the book succinctly underlines how cruel people can be at times and how harsh a world it is to grow up in for those who are vulnerable, it leaves us with a sense of hope that changes and a better future are possible, even for those who seem to be struggling the most.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something special when an elderly person befriends a teenager. It can be a beautiful bond. This story is about Callum, a 15-year-old boy, who is bullied at school, doesn't know his father, and his mother is married to a man who is verbally and emotionally abusive.

One day in the woods, Callum meets Potts, a WWII veteran, who enjoys a reclusive life, while dealing with PTSD.

The characterization is this book is strong. I was cheering on Callum every time his talked to his love interest, Lucy. I was cheering on Potts, who just wanted to be left alone, but found that he really wanted company more than he thought. I wanted to punch his abusive stepfather, and I wanted to shake his mother who stayed in the home. The bond between Potts and Callum was just beautiful. Everyone should have a "Potts" in their life when they are young.

I enjoyed the story and gave it four out of five stars. I was given this book for my honest review.

[Mikkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a captivating story that draws you into another world that reminds us how much impact each of us can have on another. In the story you are taken back to a different time and you can tell how well the author was able to recreate it for us. The characters were very well done, you fell in love with some and hated others. As you read, you are taken on their journey with all of the emotions, struggles, insecurities and love. For one of the characters you are provided flashbacks to a previous time that helped shape who he was. This was expertly done and added so much to the story. 

I appreciated how the author broached topics that can be hard to talk about like domestic violence, PTSD and the impact of killing others on our psyche. It provides a first hand perspective on them all. 

I enjoyed how the author kept out key details until the end. The story wrapped up nicely but it didn't feel forced. It felt complete. 

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen year old Callum has lost his confidence since the death of his father.
He is a studious boy who does well at school but he is quiet and keeps to himself.
This has made him a target for the school bullies.
His step father is a brute with a temper.
Callum decides to leave school early one day a meets Potts a vetern from the Second World War and they become friends.
A story about belonging and friendship with some interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley Victory Editing NetGalley for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about a boy trying to find his way in the world. The characters were well written and I became emotionally attached to them. There was even a point when I was on the verge of tears in public because of something that was happening. I enjoyed this author and would love to check out more of his work in the future.

[debra Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of Hope

A well written book on a World War II veteran and a tormented teenage boy who form a friendship from that changed their lives by helping each other heal from the room trauma.

[GW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy Who Changed His World -

This was a pretty good book. It was well written and held my attention. That said there were parts which could have been more descriptive. Might be the UK to US difference in grammar.

[Kenneth F Emsweller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive 1st novel by Robert Whanslaw. It's about a 15year old teenager and a veteran from WW2 and how their friendship impacted each other. It's a heartfelt and emotional story which I truly enjoyed reading.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to Goodreads and the author for the digital copy.
Looking forward to his next book.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an awesome book. I went through many emotions! I recommend it to everyone!

[Joanne Bandfield-Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This was a very beautifully written book. At times I felt as if I was there. Wonderful characters and a very inspiring story.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt and well written.

The author delivers true life in all its grimy glory. Pains and flaws are not hidden or glossed over, but overwhelmed by courage begotten of hope.

[Nesie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very talented Author!!! An incredible read.

[BeeCee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a literary novel and one with some awkward punctuation and phrasing.

I wish the author well but not a book for me.