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Shoes for Anthony
This 1944 World War Two drama tells the story of Anthony, a boy living in a deprived Welsh village, anticipating the arrival of American troops. Suddenly, a German plane crashes into the village mountain. A Polish prisoner-of-war survives and is brought into the community where he builds a close relationship with Anthony. Later, the villagers discover one of the Germans on the plane has survived and is still on the mountain.
Joyous, thrilling, and nostalgic, Emma Kennedy’s Shoes For Anthony will have you wiping your eyes one moment and beaming from ear-to-ear the next. This is a small gem of a novel that reviewers (and readers) will cherish.
Joyous, thrilling, and nostalgic, Emma Kennedy’s Shoes For Anthony will have you wiping your eyes one moment and beaming from ear-to-ear the next. This is a small gem of a novel that reviewers (and readers) will cherish.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2017
49 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 24, 2018
This was a beautiful story that pulled at my heartstrings. Five BIG ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s all the way.
April 24, 2015
Quite simply Shoes For Anthony by Emma Kennedy was a delight to read. One of those novels where you feel better for having read it.
One minute I was snorting with amusement, the next I would be sniffling to keep back a tear.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the bits about the underground coal mine seeing as there are coal miners in my family from way back in time to the present day. The conditions for that era are spot on.
Actually I think Emma Kennedy has really done her homework on many topics before writing this novel.
Welsh words sound awesome in my head, not so much when I actually try to say them out loud.
Shoes For Anthony is a little gem of a book.
3.5 to 4 stars
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
One minute I was snorting with amusement, the next I would be sniffling to keep back a tear.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the bits about the underground coal mine seeing as there are coal miners in my family from way back in time to the present day. The conditions for that era are spot on.
Actually I think Emma Kennedy has really done her homework on many topics before writing this novel.
Welsh words sound awesome in my head, not so much when I actually try to say them out loud.
Shoes For Anthony is a little gem of a book.
3.5 to 4 stars
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
May 5, 2015
This World War II family drama set in a close knit mining community in Wales was an absolute joy to read. It centres around schoolboy Anthony, his family and friends. Anthony and his pals have a whole mountain as their playground where they have dens and get up to mischief, the sort of dangerous mischief that would drive any mother up the wall if they knew the half of what their sons were up to. He comes from a mining family with his father and two brothers already down the pits and life is hard. There is not much money at all and it is a struggle to feed the family let alone provide Anthony with the pair of shoes that he yearns for. He spends his life in a pair of too big wellington boots which, by his own admission, make some of his rough and tumble antics just that little bit harder to carry out.
The war hasn’t really touched the community at all. The miners are in a reserved occupation and anybody who wants a taste of war time service has to make do with the local Home Guard. You could really feel the frustrations of the young men who wanted to do “their bit” and who had to be reminded that they are already doing it, underground.
All that is about to change though, literally with a bang, as a German plane crashes into their mountain coupled with the arrival of the Americans who are preparing to invade France.
It is a beautifully written story full of quiet understated humour as well as danger, tragedy and pathos. The characters were ones you could warm to and they all really came alive on the page. I think my favourite was Bopa, who was such a wonderful colourful caring person. There are a lot of surprises in this read which is nowhere near as predictable as you might think when you hear the words “World War II family drama”. I particularly loved the climax, which was extremely dramatic and full of danger. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
The war hasn’t really touched the community at all. The miners are in a reserved occupation and anybody who wants a taste of war time service has to make do with the local Home Guard. You could really feel the frustrations of the young men who wanted to do “their bit” and who had to be reminded that they are already doing it, underground.
All that is about to change though, literally with a bang, as a German plane crashes into their mountain coupled with the arrival of the Americans who are preparing to invade France.
It is a beautifully written story full of quiet understated humour as well as danger, tragedy and pathos. The characters were ones you could warm to and they all really came alive on the page. I think my favourite was Bopa, who was such a wonderful colourful caring person. There are a lot of surprises in this read which is nowhere near as predictable as you might think when you hear the words “World War II family drama”. I particularly loved the climax, which was extremely dramatic and full of danger. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
September 23, 2016
I won 'Shoes for Anthony' in a Goodreads giveaway and I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading it, but I immediately fell in love with the eponymous protagonist. Eleven year-old Anthony, a Scott Street boy destined to become a miner, lives with his mother, father, older sister, and two older brothers in Treherbert, a small Welsh mining village. All he wants is a pair of his own shoes, but instead he's stuck with a pair of wellington boots which belonged to Mr Morris, and which Anthony's Mam exchanged with his widow for a pie. Except for the rations and the fact that his sister has joined the WAAF, and his brother their attempt at the Home Guard, the villagers of Treherbet wouldn't be able to tell they were in the middle of WWII. But when a German plane crashes into the mountain, American soldiers start turning up, and the miners are ordered to cut corners to meet the supply for coal, Anthony and his village discover what war is really about.
This book made me both laugh and cry, and I think that any book which can make me do that, as well as making me want to keep reading, is well worth a read. And, as a bonus, I learnt some Welsh swear words. I don't know how to pronounce them, of course, but I could write a very strongly worded letter in Welsh, and you never know when that might come in handy.
This book made me both laugh and cry, and I think that any book which can make me do that, as well as making me want to keep reading, is well worth a read. And, as a bonus, I learnt some Welsh swear words. I don't know how to pronounce them, of course, but I could write a very strongly worded letter in Welsh, and you never know when that might come in handy.
December 29, 2014
A bitter sweet novel of life in a small Welsh mining village in World War 2.
Although this is Emma Kennedy's first adult novel the story is told through the eyes of Anthony, an 11 year old boy who is perpetually frustrated by the fact his only footwear is some over sized wellington boots.
The book starts quite slowly, but does give rich detail to the characters who develop as the plot progresses.
Just when you expect the novel to purely roll along describing wartime life in a small Welsh mining village a German aircraft unexpectedly crashes nearby.
This adds a new dimension to the story as the search for the aircrew begins and builds the book to a final climax.
The book accurately describe the impact of American forces in Britain, the shortages and the frustration of some miners who were not allowed to enlist as their job was crucial to the war effort.
Overall an enjoyable read and some good insight into the British Home Front away from the blitzed cities of England.
Although this is Emma Kennedy's first adult novel the story is told through the eyes of Anthony, an 11 year old boy who is perpetually frustrated by the fact his only footwear is some over sized wellington boots.
The book starts quite slowly, but does give rich detail to the characters who develop as the plot progresses.
Just when you expect the novel to purely roll along describing wartime life in a small Welsh mining village a German aircraft unexpectedly crashes nearby.
This adds a new dimension to the story as the search for the aircrew begins and builds the book to a final climax.
The book accurately describe the impact of American forces in Britain, the shortages and the frustration of some miners who were not allowed to enlist as their job was crucial to the war effort.
Overall an enjoyable read and some good insight into the British Home Front away from the blitzed cities of England.
May 7, 2015
This is a gem of a book with wonderful characters and an engaging storyline. Set in a Welsh mining village during World War II, it really brings to life what life was like a small close knit community during the period. The influence of the mine is all pervading and the almost hand to mouth existence for many is compounded by the depravations of war and rationing.
The main focus of the book is Anthony and his family,his Mam struggling to keep them all fed and clothed, his sister working for the RAF in a clerical post and his Dad and two brothers who all work down the pit. Anthony is a lovable character, gullible,naive and yet at times also worldly wise seeing the world through his eyes brings a fresh prospective.
Ordinarily life for Anthony revolves around school and his friends during the day, and once at home the daily routine of his Dad and brothers dictated by the mine. However life changes with the arrival of the American GI's and the crash of a German bomber carrying Polish POW's. For the village and Anthony, the consequences of both this and other events mean life is totally changed.
The book is at times very funny and at others dramatic and tragic. But throughout it is engaging, heartwarming and enjoyable.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The main focus of the book is Anthony and his family,his Mam struggling to keep them all fed and clothed, his sister working for the RAF in a clerical post and his Dad and two brothers who all work down the pit. Anthony is a lovable character, gullible,naive and yet at times also worldly wise seeing the world through his eyes brings a fresh prospective.
Ordinarily life for Anthony revolves around school and his friends during the day, and once at home the daily routine of his Dad and brothers dictated by the mine. However life changes with the arrival of the American GI's and the crash of a German bomber carrying Polish POW's. For the village and Anthony, the consequences of both this and other events mean life is totally changed.
The book is at times very funny and at others dramatic and tragic. But throughout it is engaging, heartwarming and enjoyable.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2015
Nothing ever happens in the Welsh mining village Anthony lives in, and he spends his days getting into mischief with his friends and attending school while his father and brothers work in the coal mine. Then a German plane crashes on their mountain leaving a Polish prisoner of war behind. As fear and suspicion spreads through the village leaving it divided, Anthony has to decide if he should do what is right, or what is popular.
A beautifully written novel, it contains so many charming nuggets of village life and wartime living in general. I just loved the scene where the children took to the streets to visit their neighbour who had the first banana they'd ever seen. I could picture the setting and their excitement so vividly from Kennedy's description, and there were many lovely scenes like this throughout. Although the twist in the story was fairly evident from the outset, it definitely didn't detract from my enjoyment of this engaging and appealing book.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a review copy through Goodreads.
A beautifully written novel, it contains so many charming nuggets of village life and wartime living in general. I just loved the scene where the children took to the streets to visit their neighbour who had the first banana they'd ever seen. I could picture the setting and their excitement so vividly from Kennedy's description, and there were many lovely scenes like this throughout. Although the twist in the story was fairly evident from the outset, it definitely didn't detract from my enjoyment of this engaging and appealing book.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a review copy through Goodreads.
January 11, 2020
I received this book from the publishers as a 'First Reads Review' sort of thing.
The book started off a little bland, but by the third chapter I was hooked, I love it. I love how slow, yet not dragging the pace is. I love how the Emma Kennedy describes the characters and I grew fond of all the characters, even 'Piotr' but the plot twist was amazing, even if I expected it from the moment Anthony and the gang found him on the mountain.
I felt tears form in my eyes as Ade and Davey died, I honestly didn't expect Ade to die, it was heartbreaking. But overall, I loved the book and I would happily read it again, I've told both my sister and my mother about it and they both replied saying that it sounds "interesting" and that they'll "have to read it" and I can't wait for their opinions on it.
I don't think the book has any downsides, it's well written and super enjoyable.
The book started off a little bland, but by the third chapter I was hooked, I love it. I love how slow, yet not dragging the pace is. I love how the Emma Kennedy describes the characters and I grew fond of all the characters, even 'Piotr' but the plot twist was amazing, even if I expected it from the moment Anthony and the gang found him on the mountain.
I felt tears form in my eyes as Ade and Davey died, I honestly didn't expect Ade to die, it was heartbreaking. But overall, I loved the book and I would happily read it again, I've told both my sister and my mother about it and they both replied saying that it sounds "interesting" and that they'll "have to read it" and I can't wait for their opinions on it.
I don't think the book has any downsides, it's well written and super enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads scheme.
This book is really very good and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I'd read one of Emma Kennedy's books before (the one about camping) and liked the sound of the blurb of this one so I was glad it lived up my expectations. The characters in it are very realistic and it's both humorous and heart-breaking. The twist in the plot is very clever and keeps you guessing from about halfway through the story with the ending becoming very fast-paced and dramatic. There's a lot of history in the story as well, with local South Wales places mentioned, all of which makes it a really interesting read and brings the story to life. One to recommend!
This book is really very good and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I'd read one of Emma Kennedy's books before (the one about camping) and liked the sound of the blurb of this one so I was glad it lived up my expectations. The characters in it are very realistic and it's both humorous and heart-breaking. The twist in the plot is very clever and keeps you guessing from about halfway through the story with the ending becoming very fast-paced and dramatic. There's a lot of history in the story as well, with local South Wales places mentioned, all of which makes it a really interesting read and brings the story to life. One to recommend!
April 12, 2015
I found this a delightful read - one I would recommend wholeheartedly. The characterisation was charming - it really gave the sense of the era and Welsh mountain village life. Having set the scene beautifully, the main story line unfolded seamlessly and despite the fact that I easily guessed the twist in the tale, this did not at all spoil my overall enjoyment of this utterly charming novel. Well done Ms Kennedy!
December 11, 2016
Firstly, thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for what turned out to be a blooming good read. I've had it on my shelf for sometime and just happened to pick it up today as couldn't decide what genre I wanted. Shoes for Anthony is a bittersweet story told by a boy in a Welsh mining village in WWII. One minute I was laughing, the next I was crying. A fabulous tale, and a totally unexpected joy to read.
October 2, 2016
Wow!!! A book for everyone and anyone. Humanity and war and brilliant.
February 9, 2017
a really good read. This book has,had me thinking of my grandad Thomas so much with it being set in Wales.
March 14, 2017
The ending was too predictable.
March 15, 2017
This book surprised me: a wartime novel—set in an impoverished community, no less—that is not the slightest bit ponderous but instead every bit a delight.
Let’s start with Anthony — or Ant, and his awful, smelly wellies. I defy any reader to not want to scoop him up and adopt him for yourself. And then there’s his big sis Bethan, the sibling we all wish to be — kind and confident, yet with a tender vulnerability that renders her eminently appealing. Throughout, the writer’s vibrant voice clearly delivers the sense of time and place, as well as the personality of the people. That right there sets this novel apart; I’ve never read anything else quite like it.
This is very much a character-driven novel, meant to be savored, preferably while sipping something warm for many leisurely evenings by the fire. The author takes her time to fully flesh out her characters, each as original as they come. Once revealed, these characters promise to stick with you a while.
I’d especially recommend Shoes for Anthony for those whose last name is Jones (ahem) or Evans or Rhys or who are otherwise of Welsh extraction, as well as for fans of the movies Billy Elliott, October Sky, or even The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain.
That said, no personal Welsh connection is required to appreciate this book — only a predilection for a charming story well-told and the time to sit still long enough to enjoy it.
{Just so you know: Some colorful profanity.}
Thanks to Thomas Dunne Books for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
Let’s start with Anthony — or Ant, and his awful, smelly wellies. I defy any reader to not want to scoop him up and adopt him for yourself. And then there’s his big sis Bethan, the sibling we all wish to be — kind and confident, yet with a tender vulnerability that renders her eminently appealing. Throughout, the writer’s vibrant voice clearly delivers the sense of time and place, as well as the personality of the people. That right there sets this novel apart; I’ve never read anything else quite like it.
This is very much a character-driven novel, meant to be savored, preferably while sipping something warm for many leisurely evenings by the fire. The author takes her time to fully flesh out her characters, each as original as they come. Once revealed, these characters promise to stick with you a while.
I’d especially recommend Shoes for Anthony for those whose last name is Jones (ahem) or Evans or Rhys or who are otherwise of Welsh extraction, as well as for fans of the movies Billy Elliott, October Sky, or even The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain.
That said, no personal Welsh connection is required to appreciate this book — only a predilection for a charming story well-told and the time to sit still long enough to enjoy it.
{Just so you know: Some colorful profanity.}
Thanks to Thomas Dunne Books for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
January 22, 2018
This is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in 1944 as WWII suddenly becomes real for a small mining village in Wales. It is a story of friendships, a story of family strife and togetherness, and a story of war. Anthony is an endearing boy in a time of innocence, where that innocence is shattered by the intrusion of war and by hardships faced by his family. There is a bit of a surprise ending, although there are clearly hints throughout the novel that provide a premonition of things to come.
Well-worth reading!
Well-worth reading!
April 16, 2020
I feel fortunate to have won this outstanding book from Goodreads Giveaway. It is a well written historical novel discussing life in a small Welsh town during WWII. The protagonist, Anthony, is a young boy who witnesses a Nazi plane crashing on the mountain outside the town. There is a surviver which adds to the excitement. This is a touching and informative look at sacrifices people were experiencing during the war. I highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2017
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
Both the era and the area of Shoes for Anthony always pique my interest so I was immediately intrigued by this family story. It is funny and sweet as well as heavy and dramatic and kept me turning the pages.
The author draws you in with Anthony's childish voice and the harsh reality of his life (that to him seems quite perfect). It’s so easy to forget that not so many years ago every day activities could be taxing to the point of impossible for those living in rural villages and that this is still the reality for developing countries around the world. The harsh working conditions of professions such as mining were always lingering in the background of the story. I found myself tense, waiting for something to drop but as the only source of available income for the families in Anthony’s world this feeling was a part of life. For small children though, the admiration for the village men working in the mines brought huge excitement and pride. Though they all went to school it was expected that most boys would one day end up down the mine themselves. Anthony barely had shoes to wear but was already anticipating his future.
I can’t say I’ve ever been able to completely tune in to the mentality of a small boy- not my forte- however I love reading about their adventures and thought processes because it gives me a little inkling into how my father or husband once saw the world (though neither grew up in these same conditions!). Anthony is charming in his naivety regarding the stranger that ends up living with them and yet he is also brave and aware when he realises what’s really happening. He is at the exact age when innocence is becoming awareness- a fascinating mindset.
Despite the difficult living conditions, Anthony's family displayed affection for each other and the mother's love shines through. Though his father and siblings are stiff and formal with him I still could feel their compassion and overall the story is of love, family and perseverance and it made me smile.
Thank you to Thomas Dunne Books for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
Both the era and the area of Shoes for Anthony always pique my interest so I was immediately intrigued by this family story. It is funny and sweet as well as heavy and dramatic and kept me turning the pages.
The author draws you in with Anthony's childish voice and the harsh reality of his life (that to him seems quite perfect). It’s so easy to forget that not so many years ago every day activities could be taxing to the point of impossible for those living in rural villages and that this is still the reality for developing countries around the world. The harsh working conditions of professions such as mining were always lingering in the background of the story. I found myself tense, waiting for something to drop but as the only source of available income for the families in Anthony’s world this feeling was a part of life. For small children though, the admiration for the village men working in the mines brought huge excitement and pride. Though they all went to school it was expected that most boys would one day end up down the mine themselves. Anthony barely had shoes to wear but was already anticipating his future.
I can’t say I’ve ever been able to completely tune in to the mentality of a small boy- not my forte- however I love reading about their adventures and thought processes because it gives me a little inkling into how my father or husband once saw the world (though neither grew up in these same conditions!). Anthony is charming in his naivety regarding the stranger that ends up living with them and yet he is also brave and aware when he realises what’s really happening. He is at the exact age when innocence is becoming awareness- a fascinating mindset.
Despite the difficult living conditions, Anthony's family displayed affection for each other and the mother's love shines through. Though his father and siblings are stiff and formal with him I still could feel their compassion and overall the story is of love, family and perseverance and it made me smile.
Thank you to Thomas Dunne Books for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
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July 17, 2017Shoes for Anthony is a World War II family drama set in a close-knit community among the mountains of Wales. Anthony comes from a family of miners and hand-me-downs. He dreams of owning his own, new, fresh pair of shoes, but instead he’s stuck with a worn pair of wellingtons from an old neighbor. These shoes aren’t suited for the mountainous playground he and his boyhood friends share, but he doesn’t complain about his lot. He fully expects to join his father and brothers down in the coal mine when the time comes.
Instead, his story takes a drastic turn, literally with a bang when a German plane crashes into their mountain. Among the wreckage, they discover a Polish POW and take him into their home. It isn’t long before they discover that another man survived the crash too, and this survivor is German.
This coming-of-age tale is beautifully written and culturally rich. The characters come alive on the page. The author expertly captures the essence of boyhood camaraderie and the restlessness of war. Readers will really warm to Anthony, and they will sympathize with the quandaries he must face as he comes to truly understand the austerity of war.
This story is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, in which a boy wants a new pair of shoes, but isn’t prepared for the high price he must pay for them. –AD
Click here to place a hold: Shoes for Anthony .
For a similar historical fiction novel, try No Man's Land by Simon Tolkien.
Instead, his story takes a drastic turn, literally with a bang when a German plane crashes into their mountain. Among the wreckage, they discover a Polish POW and take him into their home. It isn’t long before they discover that another man survived the crash too, and this survivor is German.
This coming-of-age tale is beautifully written and culturally rich. The characters come alive on the page. The author expertly captures the essence of boyhood camaraderie and the restlessness of war. Readers will really warm to Anthony, and they will sympathize with the quandaries he must face as he comes to truly understand the austerity of war.
This story is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, in which a boy wants a new pair of shoes, but isn’t prepared for the high price he must pay for them. –AD
Click here to place a hold: Shoes for Anthony .
For a similar historical fiction novel, try No Man's Land by Simon Tolkien.
August 9, 2017
I believe this book would be my top pic of 2017.
Anthony is 11 years old, son and brother of Welsh coal-miners, and small to boot. His family, like every other family in the village has been rationed in 1944, and the only excitement is when a German plane hits the mountain behind them carrying German soldiers and Polish prisoners of war. The only survivor is a Polish soldier, Piotr Skarbowitz, who charms Ant's entire family as his injuries heal. Ant’s relationship with the soldier makes him feel like he matters and the entire town shares what little it has to make sure Piotr is fed and warm. The story continues with telling the antics of endearing Ant and his ornery chums, his hard-working family and friends, and the plight of the Polish soldier. I do believe I could read this novel again and enjoy it even more!
Favorite parts: "He had a face so ingrained with dirt he looked like the inside of a teapot." "He was like gristle - a chewy lad, we called him - forever breaking his limbs." "It's what a boy intends that matters . . . what's in his head, his heart. A boy can't go through life with caution forever on his mind. It's not what pumps through his blood. A boy is built for the muck, scrapes, close calls, flying on any passing wind." "There is no fun to be had from other people's bad choices . . . Mistakes are things we learn from. Make a mistake once, and learn from it. Make the same mistake twice and that's a choice. It's by our choices we are judged."
Anthony is 11 years old, son and brother of Welsh coal-miners, and small to boot. His family, like every other family in the village has been rationed in 1944, and the only excitement is when a German plane hits the mountain behind them carrying German soldiers and Polish prisoners of war. The only survivor is a Polish soldier, Piotr Skarbowitz, who charms Ant's entire family as his injuries heal. Ant’s relationship with the soldier makes him feel like he matters and the entire town shares what little it has to make sure Piotr is fed and warm. The story continues with telling the antics of endearing Ant and his ornery chums, his hard-working family and friends, and the plight of the Polish soldier. I do believe I could read this novel again and enjoy it even more!
Favorite parts: "He had a face so ingrained with dirt he looked like the inside of a teapot." "He was like gristle - a chewy lad, we called him - forever breaking his limbs." "It's what a boy intends that matters . . . what's in his head, his heart. A boy can't go through life with caution forever on his mind. It's not what pumps through his blood. A boy is built for the muck, scrapes, close calls, flying on any passing wind." "There is no fun to be had from other people's bad choices . . . Mistakes are things we learn from. Make a mistake once, and learn from it. Make the same mistake twice and that's a choice. It's by our choices we are judged."
July 17, 2017
Shoes for Anthony is a World War II family drama set in a close-knit community among the mountains of Wales. Anthony comes from a family of miners and hand-me-downs. He dreams of owning his own, new, fresh pair of shoes, but instead he’s stuck with a worn pair of wellingtons from an old neighbor. These shoes aren’t suited for the mountainous playground he and his boyhood friends share, but he doesn’t complain about his lot. He fully expects to join his father and brothers down in the coal mine when the time comes.
Instead, his story takes a drastic turn, literally with a bang when a German plane crashes into their mountain. Among the wreckage, they discover a Polish POW and take him into their home. It isn’t long before they discover that another man survived the crash too, and this survivor is German.
This coming-of-age tale is beautifully written and culturally rich. The characters come alive on the page. The author expertly captures the essence of boyhood camaraderie and the restlessness of war. Readers will really warm to Anthony, and they will sympathize with the quandaries he must face as he comes to truly understand the austerity of war.
This story is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, in which a boy wants a new pair of shoes, but isn’t prepared for the high price he must pay for them.
Instead, his story takes a drastic turn, literally with a bang when a German plane crashes into their mountain. Among the wreckage, they discover a Polish POW and take him into their home. It isn’t long before they discover that another man survived the crash too, and this survivor is German.
This coming-of-age tale is beautifully written and culturally rich. The characters come alive on the page. The author expertly captures the essence of boyhood camaraderie and the restlessness of war. Readers will really warm to Anthony, and they will sympathize with the quandaries he must face as he comes to truly understand the austerity of war.
This story is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, in which a boy wants a new pair of shoes, but isn’t prepared for the high price he must pay for them.
March 18, 2017
This is a coming-of-age story set in a small coal-mining town in Wales in 1944. The war has barely touched life there, with the exception of rationing. Everyone is hungry and Anthony, the 11-year old narrator, is down to his last pair of shorts and is forced to wear a too-large pair of Wellington boots because there are no shoes for him or money to buy a pair. Anthony's father and two older brothers are coal miners and Anthony assumes he will become a miner also. Everything changes with the arrival of the Americans, in preparation for the upcoming D-Day invasion. A German plane carrying Polish prisoners of war crashes in their midst. Anthony's family takes in a Polish survivor and the hunt is on for a missing German.The first half of the book is gentle, nostalgic, and slow-paced, painting a portrait of life in the village. Once the plane crashes, the pace picks up, with a twist at the end that brings the war closer for all the villagers.
May 13, 2017
An engaging tale set in a South Wales Coal Mining community in 1944. Life changes for the villagers when a German plane crashes into their mountain. The main protagonist is Anthony who has to make do with a handed down pair of wellingtons. A survivor from the crash impacts on his life but there is a twist which I saw coming which let the book down slightly. I did like the way the author portrayed the importance of coal mining to the war effort and how the Bevan Boys were in as much danger as those fighting the Nazis. Comic and tragic in equal measure the book ends with some hope for Anthony and his family.
May 6, 2017
A lovely novel set in a small Welsh village during the later stages of the Second World War. Kennedy's character of Anthony is a perfect way to cover the difficulties of growing up in poverty whilst contending with wider politics and relationships. A good plot and a strong sense of place and well drawn characters. Would make a great Sunday evening drama series along the same lines as Call the Midwife etc!
May 17, 2017
I enjoyed this very much -- or, at least, I enjoyed the first 350 pages of it very much. In fact, the first part of the book was what I really love about good historical fiction: it takes you so deeply into another time and place that you don't even need anything to HAPPEN, you just enjoy living the everyday life of another world and time. But then, about 350 pages in, something does indeed HAPPEN -- something big -- and I have to say that this big event took away from the story for me.
January 3, 2018
It feels so treacherous to say I was a tad disappointed in this book....I love Emma Kennedy and rate The Tent etc as one of the funniest books I have ever read.Bits of the book enjoyable...some humour,sadness,poignancy....but overall I wanted more from it.It seems that in 2018 I am getting harder to please....one of the downsides of reading AMAZING books is that I have higher expectations of authors.Why didn't The Dry win any prizes????
March 20, 2017
When I started reading, the story reminded me of the movie "how green is my valley" about a boy in a welsh miner family. Just seems to be moved forward a generation or two. Then things changed to remind me of another movie "stand by me" when group of guys go looking for a body. Then changed again to a mystery. Overall an enjoyable insight into life in a small welsh village.
January 26, 2018
Wow, What a book!
Not what I was expecting at all.
This story was told from the point of view of Anthony, an eleven year old, but its certainly not a children's book. It fascinated me, in places it was endearing, in places incredibly sad, but it was brilliant writing and the innocence of Anthony made it hard to put down.
Not what I was expecting at all.
This story was told from the point of view of Anthony, an eleven year old, but its certainly not a children's book. It fascinated me, in places it was endearing, in places incredibly sad, but it was brilliant writing and the innocence of Anthony made it hard to put down.
April 23, 2015
Shoes for Anthony gets you involved in what life was like in a Welsh pit village towards the end of world war two.once you start and get to know the characters you can't put it down you are completely drawn into the unfolding drama.An excellent read.
July 16, 2017
I enjoyed this book set during WW2 in a Welsh mining village. Told lovingly with the family members, village people and the American soldiers getting ready for Normandy. Happy and sad and thoughtful.
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