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Carry Me Home
The love of family. The heartbreak of war. The triumph of coming home. 1940. Rural Wisconsin. Sixteen-year-old Earl “Earwig” Gunderman is not like other boys his age. Fiercely protected by his older brother, Earwig sees his town and the world around him through the prism of his own unique understanding. He sees his mother’s sadness and his father’s growing solitude. He sees his brother, Jimmy, falling in love with the most beautiful girl in town. And while Earwig is unable to make change for customers at his family’s store, he is singularly well suited to understand what other people in his town that life as they know it is about to change; the coming war will touch them all. For Jimmy will enlist in the military. And Earwig will watch his parents’ marriage buckle under the strain of a family secret. And when Jimmy returns–a fractured shadow of his former self–it is Earwig’s turn to care for him. His struggles to right the wrongs visited upon his revered older brother by war, women, and life are at once heartwarming and riotously funny. Their family and town irrevocably altered, Earwig and Jimmy fight to find their own places in a world changed forever.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
June 29, 2019
I do not know how long ago I read this book for the first time ( it was written in 2005) but the character of Earwig reached into my heart then and has left my heart feeling warm ever since. He just jumps off the page and into your heart.I can attest that several of my book friends feel exactly the same. Occasionally when someone asks us for a book suggestion we will catch one another’s eyes and we all say CARRY ME HOME!!
A few weeks ago I gave this to a young man who was not a great reader but who enjoyed history . I bought another copy for me. I am happy to say that Earwig is still climbing off pages Into readers hearts 14 years later. ♥️
A few weeks ago I gave this to a young man who was not a great reader but who enjoyed history . I bought another copy for me. I am happy to say that Earwig is still climbing off pages Into readers hearts 14 years later. ♥️
June 22, 2016
I found this at our library's used bookstore and what a bargain! I'll definitely be reading more by this author. The novel takes place in 1940's rural Wisconsin and is told from the POV of Earl "Earwig" Gunderman who is 16 at the beginning of the story. The author has given this young man such a unique "voice". Earl is mentally slow because of a high fever he had as a young child. His older brother, Jimmy, is sent off to the Pacific during WWII. So we the reader experience the events of the War and how it changes Earl, his family and neighbors through Earl's perspective. This was such a heartbreaking, emotional novel although it does have it's humorous moments. Earl is such a special young man and he stole his way into my heart. Just a warning for those who would be offended: there is a LOT of swearing and potty language but I felt it was realistic for the characters.
July 10, 2022
Earwig Gunderman is a childlike 16 year old boy who though a bit “ slow” has an uncanny ability to understand some fundamental things better than most people in 1940 when his older brother Jimmy is called to the war.
I had to get used to what the book cover calls the “ plain spoken “ language of teenage boys but this is an endearing story about brotherly love and families sticking together through tragedy.
Read for Senior Bookworms Club - 4 stars
I had to get used to what the book cover calls the “ plain spoken “ language of teenage boys but this is an endearing story about brotherly love and families sticking together through tragedy.
Read for Senior Bookworms Club - 4 stars
May 3, 2011
To my mind, a really good book sets emotions and feelings sloshing around inside the reader like a plop into a full, luxurious bubble bath. When I cannot think of picking up the next book to read because I am too busy thinking about the book I just read, then I know I have read an excellent book. Carry Me Home is such a book.
I have read other Sandra Kring novels and I have enjoyed each one, but this one really touched me. I am a retired special education teacher who 'changed over' to spent over a decade teaching general ed U.S. History to high school students and I found that both parts of my background were satisfied with the treatment Ms. Kring gave to our history as well as how authentic the brain damaged Earwig was portrayed. The positive outlook displayed in other Kring books is on full view on this book. There is much humor in this book and I found myself laughing and crying at the same time.
I have not included a plot synopsis in this review because I want to urge you to pick up the book and find out yourself. This book is highly recommended.
I have read other Sandra Kring novels and I have enjoyed each one, but this one really touched me. I am a retired special education teacher who 'changed over' to spent over a decade teaching general ed U.S. History to high school students and I found that both parts of my background were satisfied with the treatment Ms. Kring gave to our history as well as how authentic the brain damaged Earwig was portrayed. The positive outlook displayed in other Kring books is on full view on this book. There is much humor in this book and I found myself laughing and crying at the same time.
I have not included a plot synopsis in this review because I want to urge you to pick up the book and find out yourself. This book is highly recommended.
December 11, 2010
My last review teetered around a 3.5 and I couldn't bring myself to round up. In this case, I'm more than happy to grant four stars (I'm stingy about five...).
The protagonist of Carry Me Home is a young man who goes by the nickname Earwig and has an unidentified mental disability. He can't make change or understand some basic facts but he has a clear view of people and a sharp sense of what makes someone noble. The novel is largely set during WWII and explores a small town during the war and in its aftermath, looking at both those on the homefront and those (like Earwig's brother) who fought overseas.
There isn't much groundbreaking in the plot but the author shows her keen grasp of human nature through Earwig's thoughts and actions. I read it in a day, enjoying the simple but clear voice of the prose. The novel has its sadness but also a great deal of beauty and good. Kring reminds us that astute and wise observers often come in unexpected packages.
The protagonist of Carry Me Home is a young man who goes by the nickname Earwig and has an unidentified mental disability. He can't make change or understand some basic facts but he has a clear view of people and a sharp sense of what makes someone noble. The novel is largely set during WWII and explores a small town during the war and in its aftermath, looking at both those on the homefront and those (like Earwig's brother) who fought overseas.
There isn't much groundbreaking in the plot but the author shows her keen grasp of human nature through Earwig's thoughts and actions. I read it in a day, enjoying the simple but clear voice of the prose. The novel has its sadness but also a great deal of beauty and good. Kring reminds us that astute and wise observers often come in unexpected packages.
March 21, 2011
I don't know if this is a good book or not. I was so turned off by the crude language I stopped reading it. Yes, people swear, but the constant cursing and vulgarities got in the way of any story developing. Kring is a good author, but I just couldn't get through this one.
June 25, 2015
I've never read a book quite like this. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to think for the first 50 pages or so, but then I was hooked on the story and Earwig, the main character. Some things made me laugh while others brought tears to my eyes.
April 5, 2017
This was so so for me. It seemed a typical WW11 story of older brother going to war leaving younger brother home to take over his role. It was an easy read and I read the while thing, no skim or scan, but just wasn't drawn into it like some other stories I've read recently.
April 12, 2020
I loved it!
For fans of To Kill A Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men, this is a must-read!!
For fans of To Kill A Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men, this is a must-read!!
September 18, 2011
I LOVED this novel for the messages it brings home to us. Too many of us today, allow ourselves wallow in self-indulgent, narcissistic, "woes me" depression. We get to wallowing in our own funks.
This novel shows you that you have NOTHING to whine about. Bad economy? You still have a roof over your head, something to eat, somwhere to sleep? Then quit your belly-aching.
When the charming, pure spirit of the young 18-year old Forest Gump-like narrator and you find out what happened to Floyd and Jimmy in the Japanese POW camps, your silly little problems look self-indulgent compared to theirs.
The book is about giving back, giving to others and doing the right thing as well as a reminder what our soldiers endured in WWII.
I never wanted the narrative to end. And I miss sweet Earwig, tough-but-tender Ruby Leigh--I miss them all. A must read.
This novel shows you that you have NOTHING to whine about. Bad economy? You still have a roof over your head, something to eat, somwhere to sleep? Then quit your belly-aching.
When the charming, pure spirit of the young 18-year old Forest Gump-like narrator and you find out what happened to Floyd and Jimmy in the Japanese POW camps, your silly little problems look self-indulgent compared to theirs.
The book is about giving back, giving to others and doing the right thing as well as a reminder what our soldiers endured in WWII.
I never wanted the narrative to end. And I miss sweet Earwig, tough-but-tender Ruby Leigh--I miss them all. A must read.
June 25, 2010
To Kill a Mockingbird Good !,
One of the best books I have ever read hands down. I have read all her books now. They are all wonderful. This book takes the cake !
One of the best books I have ever read hands down. I have read all her books now. They are all wonderful. This book takes the cake !
July 13, 2022
Earl (Earwig) Gunderman is a sixteen year old boy in rural Wisconsin when the story begins in 1940. He suffered from a childhood illness that resulted in brain damaged leaving him mentally challenged. The story is narrated through his perspective.
Earl is an incredibly bright young man despite his challenges. He lives with his parents and an older brother Jimmy, who he idolizes. World War II is just around the corner and Jimmy decides to join the National Guard. He goes to Texas for training but is quickly shipped off to the Philippines as one of the members of 192nd Tank Battalion. The unit left San Francisco for the Philippines in October 1941. In December 1941, they became the first American tank unit to engage enemy armor in tank to tank combat during World War II. The unit withdrew to the Bataan Peninsula as part of the general retreat in April 1942 when they last surrendered. Jimmy and his friends remained prisoners of war until the close of the invasion of the Philippines. When Jimmy came home Earwig did not recognize him until he finally hug him and felt the connection between them return.
This is a heart-wrenching story of a brother's love and the power of family, friends and their healing ways. I laughed, cried and felt a connection with many of the characters. I recommend this book but give it 4 Stars as it wasn't as good as some of the other novels read in my monthly "Buddy Reads".
Earl is an incredibly bright young man despite his challenges. He lives with his parents and an older brother Jimmy, who he idolizes. World War II is just around the corner and Jimmy decides to join the National Guard. He goes to Texas for training but is quickly shipped off to the Philippines as one of the members of 192nd Tank Battalion. The unit left San Francisco for the Philippines in October 1941. In December 1941, they became the first American tank unit to engage enemy armor in tank to tank combat during World War II. The unit withdrew to the Bataan Peninsula as part of the general retreat in April 1942 when they last surrendered. Jimmy and his friends remained prisoners of war until the close of the invasion of the Philippines. When Jimmy came home Earwig did not recognize him until he finally hug him and felt the connection between them return.
This is a heart-wrenching story of a brother's love and the power of family, friends and their healing ways. I laughed, cried and felt a connection with many of the characters. I recommend this book but give it 4 Stars as it wasn't as good as some of the other novels read in my monthly "Buddy Reads".
June 12, 2019
Really well done.
April 1, 2014
This story begins in 1940, when America is on the cusp of going to war. It’s told from the point of view of Earl “Earwig” Gunderman, a 16-year old boy living in rural Wisconsin who suffered some sort of brain damage as a youngster and, as a result, has a mental disability. Because of his limited mental abilities, he views life around him in a very honest and literal way, which is at times funny or sad and sometimes both simulanteously.
Earwig’s literal take on life gives the reader a touching view of what is happening to the people around him during the six years that is covered. We hear about his brother and his friends heading off to fight in the war, and the effects that the war have on them and everyone who loves them. We watch Earwig struggle to grow up without his big brother there to guide him, and in his own earnest way he copes with new relationships and family secrets. He comes to his own conclusions about war and what it means to be an enemy; despite (or because of ) his limitations, he proves to be much wiser than most men. The book is also a stark reminder of the days before the polio vaccine and the fear parents lived with, never knowing if their own child would wake up one day paralyzed.
A good story, made better by the fact that it’s Earwig who is telling it. For readers who don’t like bad language, be aware that Earwig and friends do more than their fair share of “cussing”.
Earwig’s literal take on life gives the reader a touching view of what is happening to the people around him during the six years that is covered. We hear about his brother and his friends heading off to fight in the war, and the effects that the war have on them and everyone who loves them. We watch Earwig struggle to grow up without his big brother there to guide him, and in his own earnest way he copes with new relationships and family secrets. He comes to his own conclusions about war and what it means to be an enemy; despite (or because of ) his limitations, he proves to be much wiser than most men. The book is also a stark reminder of the days before the polio vaccine and the fear parents lived with, never knowing if their own child would wake up one day paralyzed.
A good story, made better by the fact that it’s Earwig who is telling it. For readers who don’t like bad language, be aware that Earwig and friends do more than their fair share of “cussing”.
November 8, 2015
The narrator of this novel is the heart and soul of the book. "Earwig" is 16 years old when the story begins. His honest, literal (some would say, simple) way of viewing the world is a result of a childhood fever that left him brain damaged in some way. He idolizes his big strong brother Jimmy and Jimmy's friends, is best friends with an elementary school-aged neighbor boy, works with his mother in the family-owned grocery store in a small Wisconsin town, and enjoys life with his Forrest Gump-style innocence. Then World War II enters the scene, Jimmy and his friends go off to fight, and we see the tragic effects of the next 6 years through Earwig's lens. He is left without the love and guidance of his brother to struggle with understanding war, making sense of the concept of national enemies, and struggling to understand the family secret that appears to be tearing his parents apart.. He chronicles the effects of war on those around him: his parents, Ruby and Eva, Jimmy's fiancée Molly, and all those in town with their blue stars in their windows. And then on Jimmy as he returns home a different person.
Earwig's voice, insights and feelings seem entirely authentic and heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
Earwig's voice, insights and feelings seem entirely authentic and heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
September 5, 2015
This is the story of a rural Wisconsin family as their oldest son joins the military and goes off to war in 1940. Jimmy is eighteen years old when he enlists in the military and leaves his parents, girlfriend, and sixteen-year-old brother Earl “Earwig” behind. Told from Earwig’s perspective, this is a story about how war affects even the most innocent among us, and how people are changed forever because of it.
Earwig isn’t the smartest kid – he probably has some kind of intellectual development disorder – he has difficulty counting change at his family’s store, he gets along better with ten-year-olds than with teens his own age, and it’s clear that his family treats him differently from how they treat Jimmy. But Earwig might just be the most astute observer of the atrocities of war out of all these people. He gets it in a way that adults with their rational thinking and their intellectual debates simply can’t, or won’t. I really liked this novel and cried several times while reading it. I hadn’t read anything by Kring before but this one definitely won’t be my last.
Earwig isn’t the smartest kid – he probably has some kind of intellectual development disorder – he has difficulty counting change at his family’s store, he gets along better with ten-year-olds than with teens his own age, and it’s clear that his family treats him differently from how they treat Jimmy. But Earwig might just be the most astute observer of the atrocities of war out of all these people. He gets it in a way that adults with their rational thinking and their intellectual debates simply can’t, or won’t. I really liked this novel and cried several times while reading it. I hadn’t read anything by Kring before but this one definitely won’t be my last.
December 2, 2013
This was one of the loveliest books I have read in quite a while. It is the story of a family in Wisconsin during the 1940's. The narrator is a sixteen-year-old boy who became mentally challenged as the result of a childhood fever. He lives with his parents and his older brother who goes off to the war. The story centers not on Earl, or Earwig, as he prefers to be called, but on what he sees and on everyone around him, their sorrows and their joys. His take on life is slightly skewed due to his disability (every phrase is taken quite literally, even metaphors), but he is a gentle, caring, loving soul who is well-loved and appreciated by everyone. Despite his disability, or perhaps because of it, he is very wise when it comes to knowing the right thing to say in each situation. His honesty will have you rolling on the floor and his kindness will have you in tears.
July 16, 2013
What a great portrait of the American landscape of the 1940s. Told through the eyes of Earl "Earwig", a boy who describes himself as simple minded. With great insight, charm and humor Earwig grows into manhood. He idolizes his older brother Jimmy, and must deal with the great distress of Jimmy being a POW during WWII. When Jimmy returns deeply affected by his experiences during the POW camp, Earl loyally stands by Jimmy's side. Raised by loving parents and shown great wisdom and kindness by his father. I did find that at times the crude language and profanity was somewhat distracting to the story, the book was a wonderful coming of age novel. This book was read for a book discussion, and made for lively conversation.
July 21, 2018
Earwig, whose real name is Earl, is an incredibly wise mentally challenged boy who comes to age during world world II. He sees his older brother enlist, be shipped to the Philippines, and go missing for over four years. This is a story of horror and hope . . . .and it's impossible not to fall in love with Earwig. I enjoyed the Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring but think this book is even better. I will definitely look forward to reading any future books written by her.
June 6, 2015
I hadn't heard about this book until it was chosen as my book club's next read. I can't understand why it wasn't more popular, as it's a great book. The story of small town life during WWII isn't exactly new, but it was told beautifully. I just fell in love with Earwig and his simple, honest approach to life. I will definitely look to read more by this author.
June 24, 2019
Very good story about a typical American family enduring life through WWII. It's told from the viewpoint of Earl ("Earwig"), the younger son who's developmentally challenged from a childhood febrile illness. Though he isn't smart, he grows wise in the ways of human nature, moral character, and how to be a good person.
March 23, 2011
Loved. A great first novel..wrapped me up and didn't let me go, or disappoint, the entire time. Great coming of age story.
November 16, 2016
Great display of character and resilience. I loved learning about this time through the lens of these realistic characters !
September 7, 2020
The story begins in 1940 in a small rural Wisconsin town that is home to the Gunderman family. Their son, Earl, nicknamed Earwig by Earl’s brother and his friends, relates the story through his eyes and his limited understanding. Even though Earl is sixteen, he sees things in a simpler way because as a baby he had high fevers that affected his brain leaving him with a mental disability. He doesn’t always understand things but he has a very unique and wise way of perceiving people and life.
Life is good for Earl and his family but changes soon occur when World War II comes to the United States and Earl’s brother Jimmy and his friends enlist. War eventually affects the lives of everyone in the small town. Everyone sacrifices and worries about the soldiers during the war. Then the war is over and the soldiers return. But some of the returning soldiers including Jimmy and his friend come back as broken young men. When this happens, Earl takes on the task of helping his brother Jimmy and of keeping his family together.
Earl is a special character who will make his way into your heart. Kring depicts Earl in a way that is honest, forthright, nonjudgmental and authentic. While his character offers sincerity and sadness to some of life, it also offers humor in many of the book’s situations.
The book is about belonging, family, and giving to others. It is about war and about what soldiers endure when they are serving our country during wartime. And it relates how difficult it is for soldiers to forget their experiences and return home to a normal life.
It is also about growing up, and doing so with a mental disability. But most especially it is about being a boy, the one who is the star of the story with his wonderfully innocent outlook on life.
Life is good for Earl and his family but changes soon occur when World War II comes to the United States and Earl’s brother Jimmy and his friends enlist. War eventually affects the lives of everyone in the small town. Everyone sacrifices and worries about the soldiers during the war. Then the war is over and the soldiers return. But some of the returning soldiers including Jimmy and his friend come back as broken young men. When this happens, Earl takes on the task of helping his brother Jimmy and of keeping his family together.
Earl is a special character who will make his way into your heart. Kring depicts Earl in a way that is honest, forthright, nonjudgmental and authentic. While his character offers sincerity and sadness to some of life, it also offers humor in many of the book’s situations.
The book is about belonging, family, and giving to others. It is about war and about what soldiers endure when they are serving our country during wartime. And it relates how difficult it is for soldiers to forget their experiences and return home to a normal life.
It is also about growing up, and doing so with a mental disability. But most especially it is about being a boy, the one who is the star of the story with his wonderfully innocent outlook on life.
May 25, 2020
Pretty good read
First off, I'd have rated this one star more, except for the profanity. It felt like every other sentence was laced with it and, often, it felt as if the profanity was contrived and forced rather than something that occurred naturally. Other than that, this was good read told from a unique perspective, that of a "simpleton." I never really figured out why Earlwig was mentally challenged, but hats off to the author for her ability to get inside his head to tell the story. This is a World War II yarn that delves into the Bataan Death March in the Philippines, or at least the aftermath of that horrendous treatment of U.S. soldiers. I love stories about getting past hard times and this was definitely hard times. It left you with hope. I will say one thing felt out of place and it was what I perceived as an anti-war, anti-soldier viewpoint. Everyone's story is unique--I truly appreciate that--but some of the reactions to World War II shared in this story (people didn't respect those who were captured in Bataan, soldiers resented the military, overwhelming sympathy for the enemy) simply don't line up with the viewpoints I've heard expressed by those who lived through World War II. All in all, a good story though!
First off, I'd have rated this one star more, except for the profanity. It felt like every other sentence was laced with it and, often, it felt as if the profanity was contrived and forced rather than something that occurred naturally. Other than that, this was good read told from a unique perspective, that of a "simpleton." I never really figured out why Earlwig was mentally challenged, but hats off to the author for her ability to get inside his head to tell the story. This is a World War II yarn that delves into the Bataan Death March in the Philippines, or at least the aftermath of that horrendous treatment of U.S. soldiers. I love stories about getting past hard times and this was definitely hard times. It left you with hope. I will say one thing felt out of place and it was what I perceived as an anti-war, anti-soldier viewpoint. Everyone's story is unique--I truly appreciate that--but some of the reactions to World War II shared in this story (people didn't respect those who were captured in Bataan, soldiers resented the military, overwhelming sympathy for the enemy) simply don't line up with the viewpoints I've heard expressed by those who lived through World War II. All in all, a good story though!
December 20, 2020
The world is on the cusp of war, suspended between the deprivations of the Depression and rationing of World War II, but for Earl and his older brother Jimmy, life is a series of small-town adventures - hunting, fishing, and drinking beer chief among them. Everything changes when Jimmy enlists in the National Guard on his 21st birthday, and is shipped to the Philippines.
Thus opens Carry Me Home, a nostalgic novel about how things used to be. Its narrator is 16-year-old Earl, by his own accounting an "idiot" since suffering from a serious brain fever as a baby. And while Earl struggles to understand what thoughts are appropriate to speak aloud and how to make change for customers at his family's grocery store, he has no trouble understanding the trials and tribulations of those around him.
Sandra Kring's novel moves seamlessly from laugh-out-loud funny (her funeral scene rivals that of Twenties Girl for hilarity) to heartrendingly sad, all told through the inimitable voice of Earl "Earwig" Gunderman. For all its emotion, Carry Me Home is not overwrought, and hopefulness emerges as the dominant feeling. Well written and easy-to-read, this novel offers a unique perspective on World War II - and on life.
Thus opens Carry Me Home, a nostalgic novel about how things used to be. Its narrator is 16-year-old Earl, by his own accounting an "idiot" since suffering from a serious brain fever as a baby. And while Earl struggles to understand what thoughts are appropriate to speak aloud and how to make change for customers at his family's grocery store, he has no trouble understanding the trials and tribulations of those around him.
Sandra Kring's novel moves seamlessly from laugh-out-loud funny (her funeral scene rivals that of Twenties Girl for hilarity) to heartrendingly sad, all told through the inimitable voice of Earl "Earwig" Gunderman. For all its emotion, Carry Me Home is not overwrought, and hopefulness emerges as the dominant feeling. Well written and easy-to-read, this novel offers a unique perspective on World War II - and on life.
July 29, 2019
Earwig is the narrator of this story, a brain injured teen, whose fierce love of his older brother is the driving force of the story. His brother, Jimmy, drunkenly joins the National Guard at the beginning of WWII, gets sent to Texas, gets activated, shipped off to the Philippines as one of the infamous 192nd Tank Battalion, which surrenders,to the Japanese about 3 months after arrival and is a survivor of the Bataan death march. The book sent me to "the google" several times, I always appreciate a book that makes me do some research. Jimmy survives physically and returns to Earwig a broken brother.
Once again I've read a book wishing I knew more about WWII when I was younger so I would have known the right questions to ask my father, not that he may have answered. Regretfully, the opportunity is now lost.
I loved Earwig and I pretty much loved all the characters in the book.
Once again I've read a book wishing I knew more about WWII when I was younger so I would have known the right questions to ask my father, not that he may have answered. Regretfully, the opportunity is now lost.
I loved Earwig and I pretty much loved all the characters in the book.
April 4, 2021
The story is set in the 1940's in Wisconsin just before and during WWII. The dialog and descriptions of life in rural WI are quite real and true to life in a small town in WI. The main character Earl (Earwig) is a 16 yr. old who tells the story through his eye and what he hears. It is a story of love between 2 brothers who are always there for each other especially after the older brother returns from the war shattered in heart and soul.
Earwig understands people even if he is simpleminded as he describes himself. The social norms and even how the townspeople view those of other races is told in the story. I marvel at how little has changed in the 70 plus years since the 1940s. Everyone is changed by the war even though who stayed behind and worked in the factories and dealt with the rationing of gas and food.
There is wisdom in the little book.
Earwig understands people even if he is simpleminded as he describes himself. The social norms and even how the townspeople view those of other races is told in the story. I marvel at how little has changed in the 70 plus years since the 1940s. Everyone is changed by the war even though who stayed behind and worked in the factories and dealt with the rationing of gas and food.
There is wisdom in the little book.
March 13, 2019
I LOVED THIS BOOK! This book is set in a small community in Wisconsin. You experience war in this small town through the eyes of “Earwig” . Earwig is simpleminded as he developed a terrible fever when he was small. He is extremely observant and is able to connect with people well and pick up on their emotions and social cues. As this small town goes though the tragedy of war, you see it all through the eyes of Earwig. It is funny, heartwarming, sad, but hopeful. The characters are so well developed that you can’t help but feel like you know them. I didn’t want this book to end. I highly recommend it. I don’t usually reread books, but this is one that I’m sure I will read again. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have .
November 5, 2021
Extraordinary and Compassionate Story about WW2
This story was mostly about the effect of WW2 on a small town in Wisconsin. The story has a very charming and unusual young man with residual brain damage from a fever who is the main narrator. He is such a sweet person and is able to " get to the heart of the matter" and speak the truth. This author truly depicts the effect of this war on the young soldiers suddenly sent far away to fight as well as those left behind to deal with terrible worry, rationing, polio, epidemic, loss of jobs, loss of President Roosevelt. Excellent writing especially the beginning and sweet ending. Makes me appreciate my Dad going off to fight in the Navy in Alaska as well as those left behind to take care of his children.
This story was mostly about the effect of WW2 on a small town in Wisconsin. The story has a very charming and unusual young man with residual brain damage from a fever who is the main narrator. He is such a sweet person and is able to " get to the heart of the matter" and speak the truth. This author truly depicts the effect of this war on the young soldiers suddenly sent far away to fight as well as those left behind to deal with terrible worry, rationing, polio, epidemic, loss of jobs, loss of President Roosevelt. Excellent writing especially the beginning and sweet ending. Makes me appreciate my Dad going off to fight in the Navy in Alaska as well as those left behind to take care of his children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews