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Hollow Chest: A Haunting Middle Grade WWII Fantasy About Ancient War Wolves and Saving a Brother's Heart for Children
Debut author Brita Sandstrom arrives with an unforgettable modern folktale of the darkness around and inside us, and the courage it takes to keep hope alive.
“Hollow Chest is remarkable on so many levels—its exquisite writing, its startling originality, its deep empathy. An astonishing debut.” —Anne Ursu, award-winning author of The Lost Girl
Charlie has been having nightmares. Eyes watching him in the night, claws on his chest, holding him down. His dreams have been haunted for years, ever since German bombs rained down on London, taking his father’s life, taking his city’s spirit, taking his beloved brother, Theo, off to war in France.
Now Charlie is left to take care of his grandpa Fitz while his mother works, waiting for the day when Theo will come home. And with World War II nearly won, that day is almost here. Grandpa Fitz warns Charlie that soldiers sometimes come back missing a piece of themselves, but Charlie isn’t worried. Whatever Theo has lost, Charlie will help him find it.
When Theo finally does return, though, he is cold and distant. But Charlie refuses to accept that the brother he knew is gone, and soon, he discovers the reason for his brother’s war wolves. Terrifying ancient beasts who consume the hearts of those broken by grief.
The wolves have followed soldiers back home from the front. And if Charlie truly wants to save Theo, he’s going to have to find them and get his brother’s heart back. But can a heart that’s been eaten ever be replaced?
“Hollow Chest is remarkable on so many levels—its exquisite writing, its startling originality, its deep empathy. An astonishing debut.” —Anne Ursu, award-winning author of The Lost Girl
Charlie has been having nightmares. Eyes watching him in the night, claws on his chest, holding him down. His dreams have been haunted for years, ever since German bombs rained down on London, taking his father’s life, taking his city’s spirit, taking his beloved brother, Theo, off to war in France.
Now Charlie is left to take care of his grandpa Fitz while his mother works, waiting for the day when Theo will come home. And with World War II nearly won, that day is almost here. Grandpa Fitz warns Charlie that soldiers sometimes come back missing a piece of themselves, but Charlie isn’t worried. Whatever Theo has lost, Charlie will help him find it.
When Theo finally does return, though, he is cold and distant. But Charlie refuses to accept that the brother he knew is gone, and soon, he discovers the reason for his brother’s war wolves. Terrifying ancient beasts who consume the hearts of those broken by grief.
The wolves have followed soldiers back home from the front. And if Charlie truly wants to save Theo, he’s going to have to find them and get his brother’s heart back. But can a heart that’s been eaten ever be replaced?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2020
14 people are currently reading
2486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 27, 2021
Wow! My heart! This was PHENOMENAL! What a powerful, emotional, gripping read! I can’t believe this is a debut! This was another goodreads giveaway win, & man, am I so thankful! This has real life struggles, emotions, & events that happened in the real world because of WWII-but also has a fantasy element that will help make it more accessible to kids, but it also gives it another layer of depth because of the way it’s done. The war wolves & their names could be seen as a metaphor for what Charlie was going through in a way, & I thought it was brilliant-the backstory of the wolves right down to the naming of each of them. Each wolf we meet represents something important & powerful, & HUMAN.
In my opinion I think Charlie has some form of PTSD & anxiety-from the air raid sirens, the blitz, worrying about his brother, & taking care of & also worrying about his mom, grandpa, the house, & his cat. He puts so much hope on his brothers return. Not only missing his brother, but wanting things to go back the way they were with him getting to just be a kid & someone else worrying & taking care of things. But also, wanting things the way they used to be gets all tangled up with that including the way they were before the war, the bombings, etc. So when that hope is shattered when his brother comes home different, it’s just too much.
There are so many amazing characters in here too, that just steal your heart away. Charlie is so special, & then there’s Grandpa Fitz, Mellie, Pudge & Bertie, Reggie, & Aggie. But my heart belongs to Biscuits-one of the most amazing MG cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. This is the most amazing depiction of what a human being can endure. What a heart can take, & still beat on. Love can fight the darkness back, if we let it too.
This is full of family, friendship, darkness, love, terror, pain, healing, & hope. I always say it, but the damage Hitler did goes so much deeper than we’ll ever even know. So many people were affected by his hate & ignorance, & in so many different ways. It hurts my heart. They say home is where your heart is, & in this book Charlie knows no matter where the people he loves are, he will always find them, & vice versa-because they ARE home. So beautiful. Magnificent writing, impeccable story & character building, & leaves you feeling better for having read it. Highly recommend. STUNNING cover & full page illustrations sprinkled throughout by Dadu Shin too!💜
In my opinion I think Charlie has some form of PTSD & anxiety-from the air raid sirens, the blitz, worrying about his brother, & taking care of & also worrying about his mom, grandpa, the house, & his cat. He puts so much hope on his brothers return. Not only missing his brother, but wanting things to go back the way they were with him getting to just be a kid & someone else worrying & taking care of things. But also, wanting things the way they used to be gets all tangled up with that including the way they were before the war, the bombings, etc. So when that hope is shattered when his brother comes home different, it’s just too much.
There are so many amazing characters in here too, that just steal your heart away. Charlie is so special, & then there’s Grandpa Fitz, Mellie, Pudge & Bertie, Reggie, & Aggie. But my heart belongs to Biscuits-one of the most amazing MG cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. This is the most amazing depiction of what a human being can endure. What a heart can take, & still beat on. Love can fight the darkness back, if we let it too.
This is full of family, friendship, darkness, love, terror, pain, healing, & hope. I always say it, but the damage Hitler did goes so much deeper than we’ll ever even know. So many people were affected by his hate & ignorance, & in so many different ways. It hurts my heart. They say home is where your heart is, & in this book Charlie knows no matter where the people he loves are, he will always find them, & vice versa-because they ARE home. So beautiful. Magnificent writing, impeccable story & character building, & leaves you feeling better for having read it. Highly recommend. STUNNING cover & full page illustrations sprinkled throughout by Dadu Shin too!💜
March 18, 2021
I somehow followed a World War II theme after recommending The Girl from the Channel Islands last month. Sandstrom’s middle-grade debut novel centers on twelve-year-old Charlie who lives in post-war London with his mom, grandpa, and cat Biscuits. A World War I veteran, his one-armed grandpa prepares Charlie for the return of his wounded older brother, explaining that the war experience steals something from people, giving them a hollow chest. I won’t spoil the story for you, but I fell in love with this family (and its cat), altogether a creative and compelling historical read.
April 30, 2023
Charlie has been longingly waiting for his brother Theo to return home from the war. When he finally arrives, he has lost his previous mobility and his optimistic spirit. He no longer laughs at Charlie's jokes and seems to be a completely new person who is existing, just to serve. Grandpa Fitz calls this Hollow Chest, Mellie on the street knows that this is caused by War Wolves. Charlie gets dragged into his nightmares and needs to negotiate with War Wolves, to get his brother Theo's heart back.
The young boy's point of view adds beauty and reason to the otherwise harsh happening. Depression and anxiety get a whole new magical meaning - as the evil wolves who feast on your heart until there is no more heart or it has hardened into a stone. This book reminds us that even if everything in life is going downhill or has even reached a negative dead end, we must find something or someone to hold onto to keep ourselves sane.
I love this book. I am still expecting to read a lot of great books this year, but I have a feeling, that this book will be in the Top 10, if not even Top 5 reads of the year.
The young boy's point of view adds beauty and reason to the otherwise harsh happening. Depression and anxiety get a whole new magical meaning - as the evil wolves who feast on your heart until there is no more heart or it has hardened into a stone. This book reminds us that even if everything in life is going downhill or has even reached a negative dead end, we must find something or someone to hold onto to keep ourselves sane.
I love this book. I am still expecting to read a lot of great books this year, but I have a feeling, that this book will be in the Top 10, if not even Top 5 reads of the year.
December 13, 2022
Поставила бы 5, если бы в финале автор не ударился в морализаторство. Это же не басня, ну честное слово
December 11, 2024
3.9 stars. There were several minor issues with this book. It had a few grammatical errors. The execution of the plot felt a little bland and spontaneous. The writing was simple and amateur, but definitely improved as the story progressed. And the names were generic and unoriginal. I really enjoyed the read despite these issues and would recommend the book, depending on the situation. Probably a 13 plus. Some hard subjects about war and death. This books main subject is depression and recovery of a soldier after being injured in war. Its the hard truth but definitely a little overdone in some areas, over all though I would say its a fine perspective on war and post-war depression.
November 30, 2024
WWII has concluded, but for young Charlie Merriweather, it is only the beginning of a new saga. The air raids are over, but Charlie still has nightmares of the bombings. His family has hit a rough patch during the war: his mother having to be the main provider as a phone operator, Grandpa Fritz is getting more lost in his other world, and Charlie is trying his best to take care of things at home but food rations are getting very low. But he believes everything will be better as soon as his older brother, Theo, comes home. Charlie strongly believes once Theo is back, everything can go back to normal. But as Charlie begins to learn, war changes everything, and Theo is not the same guy as he was before. Nothing at home is getting better. To Charlie's burden, he's also seeing strange large wolves following him around whenever he's in despair, but no one else can see them.
Hollow Chest is more than a war story, it is a story of an inner battle. All the main characters are shown to have suffered some form of trauma during the war: the lose of a loved one, the violence on the battle fields, the lose of innocence, etc. Charlie, too, suffers his own PTSD, but constantly chooses to hide it for the sake of his family, to not feel like a burden to their never ending struggles. For a middle-grade novel, the traumas Charlie, Reggie, Theo & Mellie endured are portrayed as believable and that the progress towards recovery is slow & not easy. Charlie is likeable and is shown willing to do everything to make everyone else happy, even at the cost of his own heart. It becomes a little frustrating when you realize that no matter how much he's giving up that Theo wasn't going to get better overnight. But I think that's how the reality is for some, where all your best is not enough. And yet, you feel Charlie's anguish as he sacrifices pieces of himself to mend Theo. It takes near 2/3 of the plot for him to realize his own worth and begins to heal himself as well. I do believe this is a good way to write a modern folktale, filled with a relatable conflict with an air of mystery and a dash of magical realism put in. Hollow Chest is a story of recovery and learning to move on, as while yearning for the past makes the future a missed opportunity.
Hollow Chest is more than a war story, it is a story of an inner battle. All the main characters are shown to have suffered some form of trauma during the war: the lose of a loved one, the violence on the battle fields, the lose of innocence, etc. Charlie, too, suffers his own PTSD, but constantly chooses to hide it for the sake of his family, to not feel like a burden to their never ending struggles. For a middle-grade novel, the traumas Charlie, Reggie, Theo & Mellie endured are portrayed as believable and that the progress towards recovery is slow & not easy. Charlie is likeable and is shown willing to do everything to make everyone else happy, even at the cost of his own heart. It becomes a little frustrating when you realize that no matter how much he's giving up that Theo wasn't going to get better overnight. But I think that's how the reality is for some, where all your best is not enough. And yet, you feel Charlie's anguish as he sacrifices pieces of himself to mend Theo. It takes near 2/3 of the plot for him to realize his own worth and begins to heal himself as well. I do believe this is a good way to write a modern folktale, filled with a relatable conflict with an air of mystery and a dash of magical realism put in. Hollow Chest is a story of recovery and learning to move on, as while yearning for the past makes the future a missed opportunity.
September 6, 2021
First sentence: The scream of the air raid siren cut off abruptly when Charlie opened his eyes, like a hand had come down to strangle it.
Premise/plot: The war is almost but the war wolves are still hungry. Charlie, our protagonist, is one of the few who has never been to war himself yet can see plainly and clearly the war wolves. His brother, Theo, has newly returned home. But Charlie feels that he has a hollow chest (hence the title). His talking with the war wolves confirms this--his heart was eaten by a hungry war wolf and there is nothing Charlie can do with it. No good intentions, no amount of bravery, no dashing dares--once eaten a heart is gone forever. Yet that won't stop Charlie from trying--along with his cat Biscuits--to "save" his brother, Theo, and heal the family.
My thoughts: I personally wanted more realism and less fantasy. I guess when I started this one I wasn't really aware that it actually was a fantasy novel set in in the actual world at the end of the second world war. For readers who enjoy fantasy novels--with strong story elements--with just a touch of the real world, this may be a great match.
I thought the characters were well done. I especially loved Charlie and his family. I loved that Charlie needed stories like he needs air to breathe. I loved hearing all the different stories his family told him. I did like Charlie visiting another soldier, Reggie. I thought that relationship was well done. In some ways, I almost think there was more of a bond between Reggie and Charlie--two strangers before the start of the book--then Theo and Charlie.
The book is DEPRESSING. You know how some books paint a picture of an almost impossible journey with huge risks and little chance of any for success. But there's courage and bravery and resilience and the writing is super amazing. And more often than not, the character beats the odds--no matter how impossible--so that even if there is sacrifice and hardship and pain and suffering there is redemption and a modified happily ever after???? This isn't that kind of book. The book is DEPRESSING and BLEAK.
Premise/plot: The war is almost but the war wolves are still hungry. Charlie, our protagonist, is one of the few who has never been to war himself yet can see plainly and clearly the war wolves. His brother, Theo, has newly returned home. But Charlie feels that he has a hollow chest (hence the title). His talking with the war wolves confirms this--his heart was eaten by a hungry war wolf and there is nothing Charlie can do with it. No good intentions, no amount of bravery, no dashing dares--once eaten a heart is gone forever. Yet that won't stop Charlie from trying--along with his cat Biscuits--to "save" his brother, Theo, and heal the family.
My thoughts: I personally wanted more realism and less fantasy. I guess when I started this one I wasn't really aware that it actually was a fantasy novel set in in the actual world at the end of the second world war. For readers who enjoy fantasy novels--with strong story elements--with just a touch of the real world, this may be a great match.
I thought the characters were well done. I especially loved Charlie and his family. I loved that Charlie needed stories like he needs air to breathe. I loved hearing all the different stories his family told him. I did like Charlie visiting another soldier, Reggie. I thought that relationship was well done. In some ways, I almost think there was more of a bond between Reggie and Charlie--two strangers before the start of the book--then Theo and Charlie.
The book is DEPRESSING. You know how some books paint a picture of an almost impossible journey with huge risks and little chance of any for success. But there's courage and bravery and resilience and the writing is super amazing. And more often than not, the character beats the odds--no matter how impossible--so that even if there is sacrifice and hardship and pain and suffering there is redemption and a modified happily ever after???? This isn't that kind of book. The book is DEPRESSING and BLEAK.
July 12, 2021
Hollow Chest was a haunting, moving, beautifully-written middle grade story set in London near the end of World War 2. Charlie lives with his mother and grandfather (a WWI veteran), and his faithful cat companion, Biscuits (BISCUITS!!!). His older brother, Theo, finally returns from fighting in France, and is nothing like the warm and caring person he was when he left. He is cold and cruel and suffers from terrible nightmares. Charlie discovers that his brother's heart - along with those of many other soldiers - has been eaten by shadowy creatures called war wolves. With help from some unusual allies -- Biscuits (of course), a few pigeons, and a homeless woman who has suffered her own terrible loss -- Charlie seeks out the wolves to try to get Theo's heart back.
This was a really unique, fairytale-like exploration of the effects of trauma and grief on individuals and the people around them. It was really something special, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Sandstrom's work in the future. Highly recommended for ages 11+.
This was a really unique, fairytale-like exploration of the effects of trauma and grief on individuals and the people around them. It was really something special, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Sandstrom's work in the future. Highly recommended for ages 11+.
November 4, 2021
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Fantastic audio performance!
I requested a review copy of this audiobook because of Gary Furlong; he is one of my favorite audio performers. Although this was billed as a YA book (for ages 8-12 yrs according to Amazon) I think it’s a wonderful story that adults will also enjoy. Gary Furlong puts so much emotion into this performance and the many different voices he does are so good.
My husband and I began listening to this in the car and he was every bit as interested in the story as I was. There are a lot things that I think are probably metaphors for real life but I just enjoyed listening to it because I found the story fascinating. I don’t have any children so it’s hard for me to say whether I think it’s appropriate for kids as young as 8-years-old but there are some kind of gruesome scenes in the book that might cause difficulties for some.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Fantastic audio performance!
I requested a review copy of this audiobook because of Gary Furlong; he is one of my favorite audio performers. Although this was billed as a YA book (for ages 8-12 yrs according to Amazon) I think it’s a wonderful story that adults will also enjoy. Gary Furlong puts so much emotion into this performance and the many different voices he does are so good.
My husband and I began listening to this in the car and he was every bit as interested in the story as I was. There are a lot things that I think are probably metaphors for real life but I just enjoyed listening to it because I found the story fascinating. I don’t have any children so it’s hard for me to say whether I think it’s appropriate for kids as young as 8-years-old but there are some kind of gruesome scenes in the book that might cause difficulties for some.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
July 30, 2022
This was an original idea, the allegorical elements are creative, and there were some touching and funny moments. However, in my opinion, the mixing of allegorical fantasy with the very real issue of post-traumatic stress didn't work well. The story combined many symbolic elements in a way that was sometimes unclear while leaving the characters' real lives underdeveloped, so it didn't realize the full potential of either genre. Also, since the driving conflict is a realistic problem, and a serious current issue at that, I think it would have been more balanced and helpful storytelling to present a straightforward realistic solution rather than a fairy-tale one that young readers then have to make inferences from.
June 28, 2021
Disclaimer: the author is my friend, and I have not tried to be impartial!
This was wonderful. Charlie. CHARLIE! My boy. He is so sweet and good and just trying to make sense of the world in the way that children do. The setting and the story are rich and vibrant, and the characters are fun and come alive on the page.
It doesn't shy away from the painful and brutal aspects of war, but is still, I think, accessible to children. I can't wait until my niece and nephew are old enough that I can share this with them!
This was wonderful. Charlie. CHARLIE! My boy. He is so sweet and good and just trying to make sense of the world in the way that children do. The setting and the story are rich and vibrant, and the characters are fun and come alive on the page.
It doesn't shy away from the painful and brutal aspects of war, but is still, I think, accessible to children. I can't wait until my niece and nephew are old enough that I can share this with them!
June 26, 2021
Brita Sandstrom is a writer to watch--this is a terrific debut, and her control of language is utterly fabulous. The cat in the story, Biscuits, who takes care of the protagonist, is one of my new favorite characters in any book, anywhere. The only downside to the book is all the pain it expresses about the horrors of war and having family members die or get PTSD--just something to know about when you pick it up.
June 24, 2022
Beautiful and full of hope, but I think younger audiences would miss a lot of the nuance and find it slow. It's not something I think my boys would appreciate, at least not at this age. Lovely story though and nothing that felt overly familiar or over-done.
August 2, 2021
Middle grade urban fantasy has something to it, it seems. Never thought I’d say that haha.
April 28, 2021
Thank you to SLPL for providing me with an ARC of Hollow Chest!
Whew! Friends! This book! Genuinely one of the best and most honest (and therefore heart wrenching) portrayals of grief, anxiety, and trauma that I've ever seen, especially in a middle grade novel. It was touching and raw and honest and so sweet it hurt.
Whew! Friends! This book! Genuinely one of the best and most honest (and therefore heart wrenching) portrayals of grief, anxiety, and trauma that I've ever seen, especially in a middle grade novel. It was touching and raw and honest and so sweet it hurt.
June 24, 2021
This beautifully written story about Charlie and his family coping with the trauma of war and loss is set in just barely post-World War 2 London. This would be a terrific story for talking about any kind of trauma and loss because of the way the author crafts the story. Don't miss this one.
January 13, 2025
It was a super interesting book with a great plot!
June 14, 2021
War is a dangerous thing...
...but it's more than the battlefield that can take a life...
...or change it beyond recognition.
Charlie Merriweather is a young boy. He has hopes, dreams, and desires, but lately, they've been pushed to the wayside as he fills the role of "man of the house" while he brother is away. It was a promise they made before he left for war...he'd let them take care of him, and in turn he'd really be taking care of them. Sneaky, but loving...and so he did. He helped his Grandpa. He did all he could for his Mother. He took care of his cat, Biscuits, and held down the fort. When news comes that he won't have to go it "alone" anymore, he's beyond thrilled...not merely for the relinquishment of duties, but the fact that it means his brother is coming home. He's counted the weeks, days, and hours, and the moment has finally arrived...but war has a way of changing things, AND people, for better or worse, and generally it's for the latter. Charlie has been warned, kindly and otherwise, but the reality of it all hits him like a ton of bricks. It's not long that his brother is back and he's made a decision. His brother returned incomplete, and he's bound and determined to make him whole once again.
This was a rather interesting look at the true wages of war, and how long after the last bullets are fired, battles carry on. The way the hungers and dangers were portrayed, the wolves themselves, and the rats before and aft them, were both serene and bone chilling. I appreciated the way the author portrayed the feelings Charlie was experiencing, and the realizations he had along his noble journey, as it made those moments readers may recognize in their own lives THAT much more relatable. that much easier to say yes, it's not the way I want to feel, but it is okay to feel that way and with time, if it doesn't pass, it gets better. So settle in and experience Historical Fiction in a whole new way with this memorable debut perfect for middle grade readers and beyond.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
...but it's more than the battlefield that can take a life...
...or change it beyond recognition.
Charlie Merriweather is a young boy. He has hopes, dreams, and desires, but lately, they've been pushed to the wayside as he fills the role of "man of the house" while he brother is away. It was a promise they made before he left for war...he'd let them take care of him, and in turn he'd really be taking care of them. Sneaky, but loving...and so he did. He helped his Grandpa. He did all he could for his Mother. He took care of his cat, Biscuits, and held down the fort. When news comes that he won't have to go it "alone" anymore, he's beyond thrilled...not merely for the relinquishment of duties, but the fact that it means his brother is coming home. He's counted the weeks, days, and hours, and the moment has finally arrived...but war has a way of changing things, AND people, for better or worse, and generally it's for the latter. Charlie has been warned, kindly and otherwise, but the reality of it all hits him like a ton of bricks. It's not long that his brother is back and he's made a decision. His brother returned incomplete, and he's bound and determined to make him whole once again.
This was a rather interesting look at the true wages of war, and how long after the last bullets are fired, battles carry on. The way the hungers and dangers were portrayed, the wolves themselves, and the rats before and aft them, were both serene and bone chilling. I appreciated the way the author portrayed the feelings Charlie was experiencing, and the realizations he had along his noble journey, as it made those moments readers may recognize in their own lives THAT much more relatable. that much easier to say yes, it's not the way I want to feel, but it is okay to feel that way and with time, if it doesn't pass, it gets better. So settle in and experience Historical Fiction in a whole new way with this memorable debut perfect for middle grade readers and beyond.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
August 9, 2021
What an extremely emotional book! I was definitely not expecting so much emotion to come out of this book. I was expecting something kind of spooky and got a heartbreaking, heartwarming, story.
This book is set during WWII and Charlie's brother Theo is coming home from being injured in the war. But Theo is not the same as he was before he left. Something is missing. And Charlie is starting to see terrifying wolves around London that no one else can see.
The characters were great, Charlie was such a strong 11/12 year old. Theo told him he had to take care of the family (mom and grandfather and cat) while he was in the war and that's just what he did. He stopped at nothing to do everything he could to help Theo get better when he came home. Charlie's mom was so loving and hard working and just really a great mom. I absolutely loved Charlie's Grandpa Fitz, he lost an arm when he was in the war and he really can relate to Theo when he comes home which I think was a great support system. I think my favorite character though was the cat Biscuits! Yes, she was a cat, but she was written absolutely hilariously. She was Charlie's rock and she had such a sassy personality.
This book really deals well with things like PTSD and depression, both the people who are dealing with them and the people around them who want so badly to help. It's heartbreaking watching Theo come back and have nightmares and have such a hard time fitting back into his family and dealing with this PTSD. It was also heartbreaking watching Theo's family try and fail to help him, especially since this is something I am currently going through myself.
I thought I was going to blow through this book, but it took me a lot longer than I thought it would. I think it's because it is just such a heavy topic that is really personal to me, I couldn't read a lot of it at a time (I was also busy!). The whole book was interesting and it had nothing to do with the actual book. It was well paced and so funny despite the heavy topics.
Thank you to HarperKids for the free copy!
This book is set during WWII and Charlie's brother Theo is coming home from being injured in the war. But Theo is not the same as he was before he left. Something is missing. And Charlie is starting to see terrifying wolves around London that no one else can see.
The characters were great, Charlie was such a strong 11/12 year old. Theo told him he had to take care of the family (mom and grandfather and cat) while he was in the war and that's just what he did. He stopped at nothing to do everything he could to help Theo get better when he came home. Charlie's mom was so loving and hard working and just really a great mom. I absolutely loved Charlie's Grandpa Fitz, he lost an arm when he was in the war and he really can relate to Theo when he comes home which I think was a great support system. I think my favorite character though was the cat Biscuits! Yes, she was a cat, but she was written absolutely hilariously. She was Charlie's rock and she had such a sassy personality.
This book really deals well with things like PTSD and depression, both the people who are dealing with them and the people around them who want so badly to help. It's heartbreaking watching Theo come back and have nightmares and have such a hard time fitting back into his family and dealing with this PTSD. It was also heartbreaking watching Theo's family try and fail to help him, especially since this is something I am currently going through myself.
I thought I was going to blow through this book, but it took me a lot longer than I thought it would. I think it's because it is just such a heavy topic that is really personal to me, I couldn't read a lot of it at a time (I was also busy!). The whole book was interesting and it had nothing to do with the actual book. It was well paced and so funny despite the heavy topics.
Thank you to HarperKids for the free copy!
June 10, 2021
I read Hollow Chest and then I gave to my mom to read (retired librarian) who grew up right after WW2. Because she is a retired librarian she is very hard to excite sometimes when it comes to new books I put in her hands a lot, obviously times are a lot different now than they were when she was working - BUT her exact first statement to me about Hollow Chest was, "I can not believe this is a debut. The writing she does, and how she brings so much in is beyond well done. If I was a teacher in a classroom I would be going through this and highlighting this is important, this important, over and over, and then read it again and do it all over."
For me, sometimes reading books that deal with grief in such a metaphorical way is the best way for me to relate to the loss of my dad (even being almost 3 years ago). Brita does something in the way she recognizes grief, experiencing trauma, and managing anxiety that is both honest and brutal, and overall just really great writing. If you are teaching a historical fiction unit, I would read aloud this story. The discussions that students can pull out I envision to be compelling, to say the least. There is so much in the character development to unpack, the themes are higher level and go much more beyond the surface.
For me, sometimes reading books that deal with grief in such a metaphorical way is the best way for me to relate to the loss of my dad (even being almost 3 years ago). Brita does something in the way she recognizes grief, experiencing trauma, and managing anxiety that is both honest and brutal, and overall just really great writing. If you are teaching a historical fiction unit, I would read aloud this story. The discussions that students can pull out I envision to be compelling, to say the least. There is so much in the character development to unpack, the themes are higher level and go much more beyond the surface.
June 28, 2021
Brita Sandstrom builds an adventure story from a teen's view of the British WWII home front, and how he deals with war and its effects on soldiers. Bravery and courage are mixed with compassion and a little fear, making Charlie a very human boy. The War Wolves are a wonderful touch, bringing various emotions to the fore. Best of all, stories intermingled with fairy tales add a little relief to this complex tale of coming home from war.
Hollow Chest is the story of Charlie, twelvish, has survived the blitz in London and is living with his mother and grandfather Fitz. The war is over and the family is awaiting the return of Charlie's older brother Theo who was injured in France. Fitz warns Charlie that Theo might have changed, might be different after his experiences in WWII.
Theo is having trouble adjusting to life at home, at peace. Charlie learns that Theo has "Hollow Chest" having lost his heart, his feelings to the War Wolves. And so, Charlie, along with his intrepid cat, Biscuits, seeks the War Wolves' help and asks that they return Theo's heart. Of course, Charlie has to give something in return.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
Hollow Chest is the story of Charlie, twelvish, has survived the blitz in London and is living with his mother and grandfather Fitz. The war is over and the family is awaiting the return of Charlie's older brother Theo who was injured in France. Fitz warns Charlie that Theo might have changed, might be different after his experiences in WWII.
Theo is having trouble adjusting to life at home, at peace. Charlie learns that Theo has "Hollow Chest" having lost his heart, his feelings to the War Wolves. And so, Charlie, along with his intrepid cat, Biscuits, seeks the War Wolves' help and asks that they return Theo's heart. Of course, Charlie has to give something in return.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
July 23, 2021
First of all, I thought I was going to need medication to get through this book. Anxiety upon anxiety!
To start with, we are introduced to Charlie, who has just lived through WWII as a kid in London and suffers from nightmares - who could blame him? With him live his hard working mother (his father died in the Blitz) and his aging WWI veteran grandfather who needs care at times. Also his cat. Thank goodness for the cat. The family awaits the arrival of Theo, Charlie's older brother who has been injured in the war. Charlie worries about every single thing there is, and then when Theo gets home, he's obviously got his own PTSD troubles and it's even harder all around. AND THEN, of all things, we discover that the trouble is that wolves no one can see (except Charlie) are EATING the hearts of the veterans, and that's why they can't come back to themselves. Good grief.
In spite of all this, the author really takes you there (even if you don't want to go) and the few funny lines are such a relief from the stress of it all that they really hit well. The pigeons and the cat in the hospital... gleeful. Anyway. Not the book for a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea, but a solid read nonetheless.
To start with, we are introduced to Charlie, who has just lived through WWII as a kid in London and suffers from nightmares - who could blame him? With him live his hard working mother (his father died in the Blitz) and his aging WWI veteran grandfather who needs care at times. Also his cat. Thank goodness for the cat. The family awaits the arrival of Theo, Charlie's older brother who has been injured in the war. Charlie worries about every single thing there is, and then when Theo gets home, he's obviously got his own PTSD troubles and it's even harder all around. AND THEN, of all things, we discover that the trouble is that wolves no one can see (except Charlie) are EATING the hearts of the veterans, and that's why they can't come back to themselves. Good grief.
In spite of all this, the author really takes you there (even if you don't want to go) and the few funny lines are such a relief from the stress of it all that they really hit well. The pigeons and the cat in the hospital... gleeful. Anyway. Not the book for a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea, but a solid read nonetheless.
June 10, 2021
"He opened his eyes to find himself in a large room, although how large, he couldn't tell, darkness swallowing up the corners. It was dimly lit by a lone, bare bulb overhead, swinging just a little in a breeze he couldn't feel. And underneath the bald glare was set after set of eyes, like gas lamps, gleaming in the shadows beyond the bulbs light. The eyes--there were so many--didn't see to be reflecting the light from overheard, but instead seemed to wink back at him with a glow that was entirely their own."
This hauntingly beautiful debut portrays the grief and sorrow of war so expertly that I found myself wondering if the author actually experienced WWII. Raw, authentic and powerfully honest, this story follows the journey of a 12 year old boy desperate to help his brother who has come home from the war broken and changed. Filled with symbols, metaphors, and real life emotion, this book is sure to evoke discussion and thoughts long after the book is closed.
This hauntingly beautiful debut portrays the grief and sorrow of war so expertly that I found myself wondering if the author actually experienced WWII. Raw, authentic and powerfully honest, this story follows the journey of a 12 year old boy desperate to help his brother who has come home from the war broken and changed. Filled with symbols, metaphors, and real life emotion, this book is sure to evoke discussion and thoughts long after the book is closed.
November 20, 2021
Absolutely loved Charlie and his devotion to his brother and the story of his bravery and the comingling of fantastic events with the war and relating the scars and hurts of war as monsters. There is so much to unpack here between the relationships, each characters back story, how they relate to the story. Each one of them is a hero.
And the wolves? Well, the wolves do what they do. They're monsters.
I won't reveal anything else for fear of spoiling things but this is definitely a 5 star read. I gave it 4 stars because the copy editors missed quite a few things before putting this out to print. Typing errors, word placement errors, little things that do not take away from the story overall but when you're reading, it's like catching a snag. Someone was asleep at the wheel. Not the writer's fault.
And the wolves? Well, the wolves do what they do. They're monsters.
I won't reveal anything else for fear of spoiling things but this is definitely a 5 star read. I gave it 4 stars because the copy editors missed quite a few things before putting this out to print. Typing errors, word placement errors, little things that do not take away from the story overall but when you're reading, it's like catching a snag. Someone was asleep at the wheel. Not the writer's fault.
April 6, 2024
This tale set in London near the end of World War II, has us following Charlie, a brave 12-yr-old boy on a personal mission to help his brother gain back what the war took from him — his heart.
With surprising metaphors, endearing characters (who become friends), quirky sidekicks, and surprising villains, Brita Sandstrom has woven an unusual story of loss, perseverance, and choice.
This stunning debut had me reading slowly so I could take in the depth of emotion Charlie was feeling at each turn.
I highly recommend this unexpected, thought-provoking book about the traumas we endure (no matter the time period) and how we choose to deal with them. This historical fantasy is hopeful.
With surprising metaphors, endearing characters (who become friends), quirky sidekicks, and surprising villains, Brita Sandstrom has woven an unusual story of loss, perseverance, and choice.
This stunning debut had me reading slowly so I could take in the depth of emotion Charlie was feeling at each turn.
I highly recommend this unexpected, thought-provoking book about the traumas we endure (no matter the time period) and how we choose to deal with them. This historical fantasy is hopeful.
August 1, 2021
So outrageously powerful.
Hollow Chest wrecked me. This powerful #mglit promotes empathy, & compassion, & reminded me that continuing to have hope amidst the darkness is both brave & beautiful. It’s a story of grief, fear, loss, & a heartbreak that’s so indescribable that only this mixture of fantastical war wolves can truly explain its depth.
I listened to this one and there’s a line about hope I wish I’d paused to write down. Brilliant and painful, but somehow also lovely middle grade writing.
An absolutely stunning debut.
Hollow Chest wrecked me. This powerful #mglit promotes empathy, & compassion, & reminded me that continuing to have hope amidst the darkness is both brave & beautiful. It’s a story of grief, fear, loss, & a heartbreak that’s so indescribable that only this mixture of fantastical war wolves can truly explain its depth.
I listened to this one and there’s a line about hope I wish I’d paused to write down. Brilliant and painful, but somehow also lovely middle grade writing.
An absolutely stunning debut.
September 1, 2021
Won a copy from Bluestocking Thinking blog. (https://bluestockingthinking.blogspot...)
Fantasy /adventure/ historical
Themes: courage, facing your fears, family
Charlie has nightmares ever since his town was bomb by the Germans. His brother Theo has gone off to fight and that doesn't help. But, Theo is coming home. The war is over. But Theo isn't the same older brother that left nearly two years ago. He is cold, distant, and his eyes are vacant. Charlie discovers that there are beasts - war wolves- who live in the underworld that take your heart. Charlie vows to do what he can to make Theo alive again.
Fantasy /adventure/ historical
Themes: courage, facing your fears, family
Charlie has nightmares ever since his town was bomb by the Germans. His brother Theo has gone off to fight and that doesn't help. But, Theo is coming home. The war is over. But Theo isn't the same older brother that left nearly two years ago. He is cold, distant, and his eyes are vacant. Charlie discovers that there are beasts - war wolves- who live in the underworld that take your heart. Charlie vows to do what he can to make Theo alive again.
August 3, 2021
This is an extremely thought-provoking book. On the surface , all the analogies apply to PTSD. But on so many other levels it symbolizes the levels of grief and dealing with some of life’s harsh realities. Yes it is a middle grade book but this is one to be appreciated by adults as well. I think a lot of the symbolism and message may be lost on some readers. I will recommend it to a more thoughtful reader.
November 10, 2021
This started off really amazing. Once the fantasy elements started to come in, I began to lose interest. Which is odd, because I usually love fantasy. But since it took so long for the elements to appear, I became attached to the realism part of the story and didn't care too much about the fantastical war wolves.
But the writing was fantastic and I'll definitely watch for future books from Brita.
2.5
But the writing was fantastic and I'll definitely watch for future books from Brita.
2.5
November 27, 2021
Wow, I am perhaps too old to be reading books with protagonists this age because I was so afraid for Charlie that I took a month off of reading this book.
Sandstrom has such a pretty, meaningful way of phrasing things and the war wolves are so sinister that I didn't want Charlie to continue his quest.
A beautiful, deeply meaningful book.
Sandstrom has such a pretty, meaningful way of phrasing things and the war wolves are so sinister that I didn't want Charlie to continue his quest.
A beautiful, deeply meaningful book.
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