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Goodnight Mister Tom
The gruff and surly Mr Thomas Oakley is less than pleased when he is landed with a scrawny little city boy as a guest, but because it is compulsory that each villager takes in an evacuee he reluctantly agrees. It soon becomes obvious to Mister Tom that young Willie Beech is hiding something, and as the pair begin to form an unlikely bond and Willie grows in stature and in confidence he begins to forget the past. But when he has to return to war-torn London to face his mother again he retreats into his shy and awkward ways once more.
Goodnight Mister Tom is one of the most touching and powerful stories ever written. As the relationship between Willie and Tom begins to transform them both, Magorian's powerful yet gentle writing tugs at the heart, taking the reader on an incredibly emotional journey that never once stoops to unnecessary sentimentality. --Susan Harrison
423 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1981
1086 people are currently reading
23988 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Magorian
26 books350 followersBritish children's author Michelle Magorian - author of the celebrated Goodnight, Mr. Tom (1981), which won The Guardian Children's Fiction Prize - was born in Southsea, Portsmouth, in 1947. She trained to be an actress, studying at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, and at Marcel Marceau's L'école Internationale de Mime in Paris. While pursuing an acting career, Magorian became interested in children's books, writing her first novel for young readers (Goodnight, Mr. Tom) over the course of four and a half years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,026 reviews
April 22, 2021
Michelle Magorian's award winning historical novel is a wonderful re-read for me, I read it so long ago and it was a joy to re-acquaint myself with it. Some of you may be familiar with the story through the fabulous movie starring John Thaw. At the beginning of WW2, young Willie Beech is evacuated from London to a small rural village to stay with the withdrawn, grumpy loner that is Tom Oakley. When Willie first arrives he is a frightened and traumatised child, and no wonder, he has been abused, neglected and bullied, but as he begins to settle into the community and eat proper meals, he starts to blossom, even overcoming his fear of Sammy, the dog. Tom and Willie are so good for each other, but Willie's happiness is endangered with his terrifying return to his nightmare of a cruel, 'religious' mother. When Tom doesn't hear from Willie, he decides to go to London.
This classic emotionally touching story of war, resilience of the human spirit, hope, family, friendship, love, anti-semitism, death and child abuse is beautifully written and atmospheric, dealing with the most difficult of issues. I loved re-reading this, and would recommend this to all readers. Many thanks to Penguin Random House who are publishing a special anniversary addition this year.
This classic emotionally touching story of war, resilience of the human spirit, hope, family, friendship, love, anti-semitism, death and child abuse is beautifully written and atmospheric, dealing with the most difficult of issues. I loved re-reading this, and would recommend this to all readers. Many thanks to Penguin Random House who are publishing a special anniversary addition this year.
March 1, 2022
Willie Beech an 8 year old boy severely deprived and abused by his psychotic religious crank mother, is evacuated from his home in London on the eve of the Second World War to the English countryside town of Little Weirwold where he is billeted with the semi-reclusive elderly villager Tom Oakley. He finds in Tom a loving father figure and with Tom's border collie Sammy and the friends Willie makes in the village the irrepressible and chatty actor's son Zach , the farm boy George and two twin girls Carrie and Ginny, Willie soon develops from a timid and sickly child to coming into his own in a happy family and community He learns to sleep in a real bed which he never did before (and thought was only for dead people) and soon grows to love Sammy having been taught by his depraved mother to fear dogs.
His happiness comes to an end when he is summoned to return to his mother in London and a life of abuse and cruelty. Willie's mother pours anger on him for his new found happiness and hatred for his being friends with Zach because Zach is Jewish. she has hidden a baby she has secretly given birth to.
I will not further spoil the story but we read of extreme sadness balanced out by joy of life and the perseverance of the spirit . A story of friends and family, of war and survival, of abuse and recovery. Can't be highly recommended enough Both a tear jerker and uplifting. You finish it with a good feeling. Top read for anyone over eleven.
His happiness comes to an end when he is summoned to return to his mother in London and a life of abuse and cruelty. Willie's mother pours anger on him for his new found happiness and hatred for his being friends with Zach because Zach is Jewish. she has hidden a baby she has secretly given birth to.
I will not further spoil the story but we read of extreme sadness balanced out by joy of life and the perseverance of the spirit . A story of friends and family, of war and survival, of abuse and recovery. Can't be highly recommended enough Both a tear jerker and uplifting. You finish it with a good feeling. Top read for anyone over eleven.
May 12, 2020
"Takes yer time, everythin' 'as its own time."
So I have this theory that whenever I read a book where there is a gruff old man who is prickly on the outside but a big softie in the middle, I will love it.
This book is one of my all-time favourites and I know I say that about every book, but I definitely mean it this time.
I first read it when I was about ten and I was in Year 5, learning about WW2 and the Blitz and evacuees. Seeing as I had read all the books we had to read and I was allowed to go into the library and choose my own book. And this one was the first book I chose.
Ms Magorian’s writing feels so comfortable to me; it’s simple and gentle but never ventures into twee-ness (twee-dom?)… fine, it never becomes twee.
The setting is perfectly constructed, the friendships that are developed are honest and true and there is always this rich sense of innocent fun running through the story, which is perfectly balanced with the more harrowing points of the tale. But I’m not talking about them because it just makes me too sad.
And let’s not forget Sam who is the most endearing fictional dog since Manchee.
As I mentioned, I read this book when I was ten and now twelve years later this book was still beautiful. It has aged extremely well.
I still laughed (seriously, Zach and I need to be best friends) and I still got teary at certain parts and I still got a warm feeling in my tummy at that epilogue.
Yes.
That’s right.
An epilogue that made me feel warm and fuzzy.
This is book is truly special to me.
Also, I just want to say something about the film adaptation.
Gasp.
I know, I know.
This is a book site! Only heathens talk about film on this site.
But whatever, I don’t care.
Normally I hate watching adaptations of my favourite books because they never ever EVER measure up.
And I think this is the only exception.
I think I’ve seen this film at least ten times (five of those viewings were on successive video days on the afternoon of every end of term, The Railway Children in the morning, of course.).
Oh and whoever cast John Thaw as Mr Tom is a champion.
And ALSO, why haven’t I gone and seen this play yet?!
One day. :)
So I have this theory that whenever I read a book where there is a gruff old man who is prickly on the outside but a big softie in the middle, I will love it.
This book is one of my all-time favourites and I know I say that about every book, but I definitely mean it this time.
I first read it when I was about ten and I was in Year 5, learning about WW2 and the Blitz and evacuees. Seeing as I had read all the books we had to read and I was allowed to go into the library and choose my own book. And this one was the first book I chose.
Ms Magorian’s writing feels so comfortable to me; it’s simple and gentle but never ventures into twee-ness (twee-dom?)… fine, it never becomes twee.
The setting is perfectly constructed, the friendships that are developed are honest and true and there is always this rich sense of innocent fun running through the story, which is perfectly balanced with the more harrowing points of the tale. But I’m not talking about them because it just makes me too sad.
And let’s not forget Sam who is the most endearing fictional dog since Manchee.
As I mentioned, I read this book when I was ten and now twelve years later this book was still beautiful. It has aged extremely well.
I still laughed (seriously, Zach and I need to be best friends) and I still got teary at certain parts and I still got a warm feeling in my tummy at that epilogue.
Yes.
That’s right.
An epilogue that made me feel warm and fuzzy.
This is book is truly special to me.
Also, I just want to say something about the film adaptation.
Gasp.
I know, I know.
This is a book site! Only heathens talk about film on this site.
But whatever, I don’t care.
Normally I hate watching adaptations of my favourite books because they never ever EVER measure up.
And I think this is the only exception.
I think I’ve seen this film at least ten times (five of those viewings were on successive video days on the afternoon of every end of term, The Railway Children in the morning, of course.).
Oh and whoever cast John Thaw as Mr Tom is a champion.
And ALSO, why haven’t I gone and seen this play yet?!
One day. :)
September 19, 2024
‘’If I don’t read a book soon I think I’ll explode.’’
Carrie, please don’t expose me!!!! (Damn!)
My heart is still breaking thinking about the neglect, abuse and abandonment. Triggering at parts and most disturbing I would say, the book is actually perfect.
You will love Tom. He’s the perfect adult character of all time for me! I just wish every adult to be this giving, caring and nurturing towards every child.
You will also get to know one of the worst mothers ever.
Not going to tell the story all over again. I would just recommend you to pick up this book and feel all there’s the feel about a very much neglected/abandoned child, the child healing slowly, the way a community helps in the healing process as and when the child facing PTSD effects.
The writing is really good! Hope everyone gets to read this book.
The adult reading the book will get to learn to be more kinder and understanding towards children.
The child reading this book will get to learn the difference between when an adult misbehaves and when an adult actually cares.
This book!
Zach, I will always remember you. You are one the best souls I have ever come to know.
Carrie, please don’t expose me!!!! (Damn!)
My heart is still breaking thinking about the neglect, abuse and abandonment. Triggering at parts and most disturbing I would say, the book is actually perfect.
You will love Tom. He’s the perfect adult character of all time for me! I just wish every adult to be this giving, caring and nurturing towards every child.
You will also get to know one of the worst mothers ever.
Not going to tell the story all over again. I would just recommend you to pick up this book and feel all there’s the feel about a very much neglected/abandoned child, the child healing slowly, the way a community helps in the healing process as and when the child facing PTSD effects.
The writing is really good! Hope everyone gets to read this book.
The adult reading the book will get to learn to be more kinder and understanding towards children.
The child reading this book will get to learn the difference between when an adult misbehaves and when an adult actually cares.
This book!
Zach, I will always remember you. You are one the best souls I have ever come to know.
April 28, 2019
With World War II looming over their heads, the city of London makes a decision to evacuate the children to the countryside. Willie Beech is one of the many children brought to Little Weirwold, where he is left at the home of Mr. Thomas Oakley, Mr. Tom. At the start, he feels a little put out, but accepts it as his duty. As does his dog Sammy, who seems happy to have a young person around, and bonds quickly with Willie.
As Mr. Tom begins to observe Willie, whom Mr. Tom calls William, he begins to realize that this is not an average child. He seems fearful and withdrawn, without any joy or trust in people, which softens his heart and the love and kindness he extends to Willie end up changing both of their outlooks on the world.
This story deals with war, abuse and hate, endurance, poverty, the twisting of religion to justify the abuse of others, the hopelessness of children who have never known love, as well as the joy of giving love.
Kindness can be lifesaving.
Many thanks to my goodreads friend Linda, whose brief review prompted me to read this!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 21, 2016
This is probably the book I have shed most tears over in my life. I can't even remember how often I read it as a young teenager, but I still feel that shiver going down my spine. Set in the English country-side during World War Two, it tells the story of a boy who is evacuated from London. He has to live with grumpy Mister Tom, and in the beginning, you can physically feel the boy's fear. As time goes by, the odd couple starts bonding, new friendships and interests make life exciting even though the threat of war is omnipresent. The hard part of the story begins when the mentally unstable mother in London claims her child back...
Not too long ago my son read Good Night Mister Tom for the first time, and at one point I heard him crying aloud in his bedroom. He told me he had never felt so much pain over a fictitious character before. That is high praise from a book devouring 11-year-old!
Not too long ago my son read Good Night Mister Tom for the first time, and at one point I heard him crying aloud in his bedroom. He told me he had never felt so much pain over a fictitious character before. That is high praise from a book devouring 11-year-old!
August 1, 2019
When I read a book like this one, I try to imagine what my eight or ten year-old self would have thought of it. I’m pretty sure she would have loved this and read it more than once. It is beautifully written, very sweet and uplifting, and inspires kindness and a view of the world as a place that will rescue you.
William Beech is an evacuee from London during WWII, and Tom Oakley is the reclusive elderly man who has the boy foisted upon him. Will is a child who has been abused and bullied and his fear is evident almost immediately to Mr. Tom, who is a very kind man at heart. The reader witnesses the growing relationship that saves these two people, who don’t always fit with the rest of the world, as they face both everyday life and some traumatic experiences together.
I believe this would make an excellent book to read with a young person. They would learn a lot about life during WWII, you could talk about what it takes to make a family, how to overcome the difficulties life throws at you, and both of you could enjoy a good story and a fun read.
William Beech is an evacuee from London during WWII, and Tom Oakley is the reclusive elderly man who has the boy foisted upon him. Will is a child who has been abused and bullied and his fear is evident almost immediately to Mr. Tom, who is a very kind man at heart. The reader witnesses the growing relationship that saves these two people, who don’t always fit with the rest of the world, as they face both everyday life and some traumatic experiences together.
I believe this would make an excellent book to read with a young person. They would learn a lot about life during WWII, you could talk about what it takes to make a family, how to overcome the difficulties life throws at you, and both of you could enjoy a good story and a fun read.
May 30, 2008
Such a beautiful, beautiful book. It was recommended to me by the librarian at my middle school who hosted a group called the Bookmunchers where nerdy ones, like myself, could eat their lunches in the library every Wednesday.
Even through the horrors facing people in WWII London we are shown the true love that can happen from makeshift families like that made up of Mr. Tom and Willie. It's a book that changed my life as a child. It made me feel safe to know that even when we're at the worst places in our lives that there are still possibilities.
This is a heartbreaking, gentle and terrifying, eye opening tale where characters were surprised by their own ability to change.
Even through the horrors facing people in WWII London we are shown the true love that can happen from makeshift families like that made up of Mr. Tom and Willie. It's a book that changed my life as a child. It made me feel safe to know that even when we're at the worst places in our lives that there are still possibilities.
This is a heartbreaking, gentle and terrifying, eye opening tale where characters were surprised by their own ability to change.
July 3, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“Best not get fond of the boy, Thomas,’ he muttered to himself.”
Ah, Mister Tom, if only that were so easy for you to convince yourself with just words, because the moment eight-year-old evacuee, Willie, comes to stay at his home in Little Weirwold, Goodnight Mister Tom beautifully shows just how difficult it is for us to follow through on our own constituents. 🌸When you welcome someone into your home, you also welcome them into your heart. And Michelle Magorian’s first novel poignantly shows exactly that - a heart-warming and emotional read that gently reminds us how kindness and love can bring happiness and joy to those hearts that have never had the chance to receive it. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“Since her death he had never wanted to touch anything that might remind him of her. Trust a strange boy to soften him up. The odd thing was that, after he had entered the paint shop, he had felt as if a heavy wave of sadness had suddenly been lifted from out of him.”
On the eve of World War II, Mister Tom's simple life changes, in the efforts of trying to make a life more pleasant and agreeable and accommodating for a small boy who had never known what it felt like to be loved. And he would go to great pains to show it - to do things he had never ever considered doing. 🥺🥺 It's never too late to be a parent - to be a father, and the townspeople watch with reverent silence and awe at the lengths he will take to make William feel as loved and comfortable as possible - to teach him things he never had someone to share with - to pat him on the back with a reassuring approval. My heart warmed with every little gesture of kindness that shocked himself at how willing he was to adjust his life for William's well-being. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“He was standing quite still, feeling both paralysed and yet at the same time filled with a flood of energy.
‘Don’t hurry,’ she said.
‘Everythin’ has its own time,’ he whispered and he blushed. ‘That’s what Mister Tom ses.’
‘That’s right,’ and she gave him a warm smile.”
To become the boy that Willie could be, he learns to shed the pains of his childhood. And that uncertainty and hesitancy of never being on the receiving hand of a comforting touch or to see his own capability. The little group of friends he makes that bring him out of his own sheltered mold - that allow him to see him for what he can be - if just given the opportunity. 😔 He's a small boy with such a big heart - so very full of artistic talents and want to be something more, but too afraid to voice his own wants. And my heart reached out to him - wanted to hold him gently and reassure him that things will be better for him - if he would just not lose faith.
“You knows yer alphabet then?’
‘I nearly knows it.’ He looked up quickly. ‘Mister Tom,’ he asked timidly, ‘will you help me?’ He looked down at the book, clenched his hands and held his breath.
Now he’d be for it. Don’t ask help from anyone, his mum had said. He waited for the cuff around the ear.”
The author does not explicitly state the horrors and atrocities of the previous harshness of life Willie had to endure - she did not need to. 😢 That one brief return that Willie had to do upon the request of his mother spoke volumes. Volumes enough to shatter your heart - reduce you to tears - and feel the absolute despair and depravity that Willie had to live in and just be in complete favor of Mr. Tom's decision to take Willie home with him, disregarding rules and regulations, law and order be damned. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“But then hardly anyone noticed him when he was around. They only noticed his absence.”
Is that not a beautiful sentiment - the true value of being loved and recognized. That, you can feel the comfort of knowing someone is there, but when you don't have the opportunity to see that person, you feel their absence even more. This little town welcomed him with open arms so much - that they got so much joy in seeing him grow - that they saw how this little boy changed an old man, who had been grieving for his wife and child for forty years. He was not only Mr.Tom's - he had become a lovable part of their community. 🥹🥹
“I’ll say.’
‘You never stop saying,’ said Tom abruptly.
{...}
‘I say,’ whispered Zach.
‘You’ll say nothing for the moment,’ said Miss Thorne.”
I love wry humor - I love humor that is never outwardly spoken, but you have to find it in the little subtexts - those little nuances that indicate that it is said with a lilt that makes it a humorous tone - blink and you'll miss it. And these little moments of Zach spouting his signature phrase touched my heart at how it added such levity to the seriousness of the scene. And --- and then, my heart broke when Ms. Magorian led us down a path of Zach's fate that I was not prepared for. 🥺🥺
“Better to accept, than pretend that he never existed,’ he said quietly.
Will didn’t want to hear. His eyes were blurred and his body hurt all over.”
Why create a character that has a voice of his own? That doesn't hesitate to be William's special friend? To coax him out of his shell and give him the help and courage to be who he can be, only to take him away? That I would look through the pages, just for the chance to hear him say 'I'll say' again? And yet, even with his fate, William grew and learned and loved - and maybe, that had been the greatest gift he could leave behind with him - not his love for the theater, not his bicycle, not his speaking style - just the love of living and being.
“As he observed it tumble and fall between the wood and hot coke, it occurred to him that strength was quite different from toughness and that being vulnerable wasn’t the same as being weak.”
It is an incredibly touching story, filled with both happiness and sadness. Sadness at the pain of knowing what Willie's life was before he came to live with Mister Tom and how lonely Mister Tom was before Willie came into his world. And happiness in seeing the simple delight, William experiences in the country with his friends and the beautiful budding bond between Mr.Tom and William and the future they hope to share together, as a family. 🤍🤍
“Best not get fond of the boy, Thomas,’ he muttered to himself.”
Ah, Mister Tom, if only that were so easy for you to convince yourself with just words, because the moment eight-year-old evacuee, Willie, comes to stay at his home in Little Weirwold, Goodnight Mister Tom beautifully shows just how difficult it is for us to follow through on our own constituents. 🌸When you welcome someone into your home, you also welcome them into your heart. And Michelle Magorian’s first novel poignantly shows exactly that - a heart-warming and emotional read that gently reminds us how kindness and love can bring happiness and joy to those hearts that have never had the chance to receive it. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“Since her death he had never wanted to touch anything that might remind him of her. Trust a strange boy to soften him up. The odd thing was that, after he had entered the paint shop, he had felt as if a heavy wave of sadness had suddenly been lifted from out of him.”
On the eve of World War II, Mister Tom's simple life changes, in the efforts of trying to make a life more pleasant and agreeable and accommodating for a small boy who had never known what it felt like to be loved. And he would go to great pains to show it - to do things he had never ever considered doing. 🥺🥺 It's never too late to be a parent - to be a father, and the townspeople watch with reverent silence and awe at the lengths he will take to make William feel as loved and comfortable as possible - to teach him things he never had someone to share with - to pat him on the back with a reassuring approval. My heart warmed with every little gesture of kindness that shocked himself at how willing he was to adjust his life for William's well-being. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“He was standing quite still, feeling both paralysed and yet at the same time filled with a flood of energy.
‘Don’t hurry,’ she said.
‘Everythin’ has its own time,’ he whispered and he blushed. ‘That’s what Mister Tom ses.’
‘That’s right,’ and she gave him a warm smile.”
To become the boy that Willie could be, he learns to shed the pains of his childhood. And that uncertainty and hesitancy of never being on the receiving hand of a comforting touch or to see his own capability. The little group of friends he makes that bring him out of his own sheltered mold - that allow him to see him for what he can be - if just given the opportunity. 😔 He's a small boy with such a big heart - so very full of artistic talents and want to be something more, but too afraid to voice his own wants. And my heart reached out to him - wanted to hold him gently and reassure him that things will be better for him - if he would just not lose faith.
“You knows yer alphabet then?’
‘I nearly knows it.’ He looked up quickly. ‘Mister Tom,’ he asked timidly, ‘will you help me?’ He looked down at the book, clenched his hands and held his breath.
Now he’d be for it. Don’t ask help from anyone, his mum had said. He waited for the cuff around the ear.”
The author does not explicitly state the horrors and atrocities of the previous harshness of life Willie had to endure - she did not need to. 😢 That one brief return that Willie had to do upon the request of his mother spoke volumes. Volumes enough to shatter your heart - reduce you to tears - and feel the absolute despair and depravity that Willie had to live in and just be in complete favor of Mr. Tom's decision to take Willie home with him, disregarding rules and regulations, law and order be damned. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“But then hardly anyone noticed him when he was around. They only noticed his absence.”
Is that not a beautiful sentiment - the true value of being loved and recognized. That, you can feel the comfort of knowing someone is there, but when you don't have the opportunity to see that person, you feel their absence even more. This little town welcomed him with open arms so much - that they got so much joy in seeing him grow - that they saw how this little boy changed an old man, who had been grieving for his wife and child for forty years. He was not only Mr.Tom's - he had become a lovable part of their community. 🥹🥹
“I’ll say.’
‘You never stop saying,’ said Tom abruptly.
{...}
‘I say,’ whispered Zach.
‘You’ll say nothing for the moment,’ said Miss Thorne.”
I love wry humor - I love humor that is never outwardly spoken, but you have to find it in the little subtexts - those little nuances that indicate that it is said with a lilt that makes it a humorous tone - blink and you'll miss it. And these little moments of Zach spouting his signature phrase touched my heart at how it added such levity to the seriousness of the scene. And --- and then, my heart broke when Ms. Magorian led us down a path of Zach's fate that I was not prepared for. 🥺🥺
“Better to accept, than pretend that he never existed,’ he said quietly.
Will didn’t want to hear. His eyes were blurred and his body hurt all over.”
Why create a character that has a voice of his own? That doesn't hesitate to be William's special friend? To coax him out of his shell and give him the help and courage to be who he can be, only to take him away? That I would look through the pages, just for the chance to hear him say 'I'll say' again? And yet, even with his fate, William grew and learned and loved - and maybe, that had been the greatest gift he could leave behind with him - not his love for the theater, not his bicycle, not his speaking style - just the love of living and being.
“As he observed it tumble and fall between the wood and hot coke, it occurred to him that strength was quite different from toughness and that being vulnerable wasn’t the same as being weak.”
It is an incredibly touching story, filled with both happiness and sadness. Sadness at the pain of knowing what Willie's life was before he came to live with Mister Tom and how lonely Mister Tom was before Willie came into his world. And happiness in seeing the simple delight, William experiences in the country with his friends and the beautiful budding bond between Mr.Tom and William and the future they hope to share together, as a family. 🤍🤍
December 31, 2021
Meet William, an evacuee from London to the country during World War Two. Just a few pages in I had a lump in my throat, then smiles, then tears and laughter.
This is such an emotionally cute story, I couldn't put this book down and would highly recommend.
This is such an emotionally cute story, I couldn't put this book down and would highly recommend.
February 8, 2009
We had to read this in primary school, and it's been one of my most-read, well-loved books ever since. It doesn't seem enough to say, "Oh, it's a really touching story," because it's so much more than that. Willie is a young boy who's been abused by his mother all his life, so when he's evacuated to the countryside he's a quivering nervous wreck. He expects to be beaten for everything he gets wrong. The widower he stays with, Tom Oakley, is gruff and blunt and has shunned company ever since his wife died in childbirth forty years ago. While they first seem utterly unsuited to each other, each turns out to be exactly right for the other.
This is a story about how two people can change. It never fails to make me laugh, and cry, and feel lighter after I put it down.
I disagree with other reviewers who've said it's not for children (e.g. the abuse scenes are too shocking). Since we read it in primary school our teacher obviously didn't have a problem with it. (There were no complaints from parents either.) That said, it's accessible to all ages. It's one of those books that grows up with you, that you come back to again and again even when you're an adult. The writing is so evocative of a wartime country village, and the characters all feel real and fully developed. It's a wonderful tale of friendship and growth that everyone can enjoy.
This is a story about how two people can change. It never fails to make me laugh, and cry, and feel lighter after I put it down.
I disagree with other reviewers who've said it's not for children (e.g. the abuse scenes are too shocking). Since we read it in primary school our teacher obviously didn't have a problem with it. (There were no complaints from parents either.) That said, it's accessible to all ages. It's one of those books that grows up with you, that you come back to again and again even when you're an adult. The writing is so evocative of a wartime country village, and the characters all feel real and fully developed. It's a wonderful tale of friendship and growth that everyone can enjoy.
February 21, 2024
This was a perfect audio listen!
Willie is evacuated from London at the start of WWII. He is housed with Mister Tom Oakley, a gruff man, who at first scares Willie. But everything scares Willie. His mother is a religious fanatic and has brought him up to be fearful of everything.
I loved watching the bond that formed between Willie and Mister Tom. This book addresses issues of childhood trauma, the fear of war, and most importantly- what constitutes a family. It is a book about friendships and love. I definitely finished this book with tears streaming from my eyes. And for all you dog lovers, there is a special one in this book!
Published: 1981
Willie is evacuated from London at the start of WWII. He is housed with Mister Tom Oakley, a gruff man, who at first scares Willie. But everything scares Willie. His mother is a religious fanatic and has brought him up to be fearful of everything.
I loved watching the bond that formed between Willie and Mister Tom. This book addresses issues of childhood trauma, the fear of war, and most importantly- what constitutes a family. It is a book about friendships and love. I definitely finished this book with tears streaming from my eyes. And for all you dog lovers, there is a special one in this book!
Published: 1981
March 3, 2024
Wow... storia commovente e delicata, forse non epica, ma certamente scritta bene e coinvolgente.
Qualcuno potrebbe obiettare che si tratta di una storia buonista, troppo piena di buoni sentimenti a buon mercato, ma io l'ho letta davvero con piacere e lo rifarei subito.
Il libro racconta la storia di due debolezze che insieme diventano una grande forza e si aiutano a vicenda a superare i dolori e i dispiaceri della vita.
Da una parte un burbero vedovo che si isola da tutto e da tutti come un eremita fuori dalla società, incapace di lasciarsi alle spalle il suo lutto; dall'altra un ragazzino maltrattato ed abusato che non conosce il significato della parola "felicità" perché non l'ha mai provata nella sua vita.
E forse quel burbero vedovo e quel ragazzino triste avevano solo bisogno di incontrarsi per dare una svolta e un significato alle proprie vite ed è quello che accade a partire dal 1939 nella campagna intorno a Londra, dove i ragazzini della capitale venivano sfollati e affidati temporaneamente agli abitanti dei villaggi per salvarli dai bombardamenti nazisti sulla città.
Ma è anche un libro che racconta di un'amicizia adolescenziale, quell'amicizia vera e totalizzante, per quanto infantile o forse proprio per questo, che lascia segni profondi nell'anima dei protagonisti.
Dovendola definire, direi che è una storia di rinascita e di speranza e credo che sia impossibile non empatizzare con i personaggi di questo libro, a meno di avere un cuore di pietra.
Confesso che ultimamente sono un po' troppo propenso alle lacrime, ma non so proprio come si possa leggere questo libro senza versarne qualcuna (siete avvisati).
Però leggetelo, fa bene al cuore
Qualcuno potrebbe obiettare che si tratta di una storia buonista, troppo piena di buoni sentimenti a buon mercato, ma io l'ho letta davvero con piacere e lo rifarei subito.
Il libro racconta la storia di due debolezze che insieme diventano una grande forza e si aiutano a vicenda a superare i dolori e i dispiaceri della vita.
Da una parte un burbero vedovo che si isola da tutto e da tutti come un eremita fuori dalla società, incapace di lasciarsi alle spalle il suo lutto; dall'altra un ragazzino maltrattato ed abusato che non conosce il significato della parola "felicità" perché non l'ha mai provata nella sua vita.
E forse quel burbero vedovo e quel ragazzino triste avevano solo bisogno di incontrarsi per dare una svolta e un significato alle proprie vite ed è quello che accade a partire dal 1939 nella campagna intorno a Londra, dove i ragazzini della capitale venivano sfollati e affidati temporaneamente agli abitanti dei villaggi per salvarli dai bombardamenti nazisti sulla città.
Ma è anche un libro che racconta di un'amicizia adolescenziale, quell'amicizia vera e totalizzante, per quanto infantile o forse proprio per questo, che lascia segni profondi nell'anima dei protagonisti.
Dovendola definire, direi che è una storia di rinascita e di speranza e credo che sia impossibile non empatizzare con i personaggi di questo libro, a meno di avere un cuore di pietra.
Confesso che ultimamente sono un po' troppo propenso alle lacrime, ma non so proprio come si possa leggere questo libro senza versarne qualcuna (siete avvisati).
Però leggetelo, fa bene al cuore
March 23, 2010
In 1993 my grandmother sent me this book. I still have the letter she sent with it tucked inside the book. She said she saw it sitting on top of stack of books at the thrift store. The picture of the little boy on the cover caught her fancy so she picked it up. "That night I read until my eyes got to tired for more. I liked it and hope you do too. It's about a time long ago during World War 2 in England. A different kind of world than we have now. There are still good people like Mr. Tom. Have a happy read with it and keep up your studies of history and English."
Reading this book will always be a bit of a sentimental exercise for me.
The story of abused evacuee Willie Beech and gruff old loner Mr. Tom may not be perfectly written and it might border on sappy and cliche at times but it is really a moving story. Especially the first time it is read.
When re-reading it this time I did think that maybe I would not give this book such a high rating if it were not for the connection of it being a book from my grandmother. But so it is and so my rating remains.
Reading this book will always be a bit of a sentimental exercise for me.
The story of abused evacuee Willie Beech and gruff old loner Mr. Tom may not be perfectly written and it might border on sappy and cliche at times but it is really a moving story. Especially the first time it is read.
When re-reading it this time I did think that maybe I would not give this book such a high rating if it were not for the connection of it being a book from my grandmother. But so it is and so my rating remains.
August 5, 2015
Tom Oakley has become a loner in his village. He tends to be stern and quietly exists with a heavy heart. A small, nervous boy called Willie Beech enters Tom's life and home as an evacuee from war-torn London. Willie soon stirs up Tom's set ways. Over time, Willie flourishes with Tom's sensitive care and Tom finds new purpose in his life.
A novel full of adventures in the countryside with friends, the spirit of helping each other in times of trouble, cozy nights next to the fire with books and dialogue with humour and warmth.
Magorian writes in a touching and sympathetic way about love, trust, fear and respect. There are some dark moments but she does not dwell on them. She shows the difference we can make with love and support.
A novel full of adventures in the countryside with friends, the spirit of helping each other in times of trouble, cozy nights next to the fire with books and dialogue with humour and warmth.
Magorian writes in a touching and sympathetic way about love, trust, fear and respect. There are some dark moments but she does not dwell on them. She shows the difference we can make with love and support.
April 16, 2022
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
Joining the ranks of John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars comes Michelle Magorian’s Goodnight Mister Tom, a touching tale of wartime woes.
Willie Beech was a fantastic protagonist. It was wonderful to see him grow in this coming of age story and his relationship with both Mister Tom and Zack were very genuine and sweet. He had such a transformation in character that it was great to see how he gradually picked up the town accent and Zach’s phrases and smiled more. Even the way the narration stopped calling him Willie and started calling him Will was a really lovely gesture to show his character’s progression.
Mister Tom was also a great character. Although he was viewed by others as grumpy and secluded, from the outset I found that he was kind to Willie in an unconventional way. Even before he realised that Willie was sensitive and traumatised, Mister Tom was never mean, it was simply part of his nature to be blunt. In fact, he had quite a few hilariously blunt quips throughout the book and I loved his unexpected sassy remarks. It was amazing to see how much he grew throughout the book too. And the insight this 40th anniversary special gave us into his relationship with his wife through the inclusion of the short story was sweet and very tragic.
Speaking of additional features in this 40th anniversary edition, the new introduction from the author was lovely. Not only did it explain the concept of sewing children into their clothes (something that confused me in the story) but it also explained the origin of the story which is something that’s always interesting to read about.
One thing I distinctly noticed was how groundbreaking this book must’ve been when it was first published 40 years ago. It touched on so many subjects which would’ve been taboo at the time (and some that are still taboo now) and had Willie face all these difficult things to put a spin on it. It didn’t end with a happily ever after (and this was the one time I would’ve permitted, nay encouraged, a book to) but it was extremely cathartic and wonderfully moving.
Joining the ranks of John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars comes Michelle Magorian’s Goodnight Mister Tom, a touching tale of wartime woes.
Willie Beech was a fantastic protagonist. It was wonderful to see him grow in this coming of age story and his relationship with both Mister Tom and Zack were very genuine and sweet. He had such a transformation in character that it was great to see how he gradually picked up the town accent and Zach’s phrases and smiled more. Even the way the narration stopped calling him Willie and started calling him Will was a really lovely gesture to show his character’s progression.
Mister Tom was also a great character. Although he was viewed by others as grumpy and secluded, from the outset I found that he was kind to Willie in an unconventional way. Even before he realised that Willie was sensitive and traumatised, Mister Tom was never mean, it was simply part of his nature to be blunt. In fact, he had quite a few hilariously blunt quips throughout the book and I loved his unexpected sassy remarks. It was amazing to see how much he grew throughout the book too. And the insight this 40th anniversary special gave us into his relationship with his wife through the inclusion of the short story was sweet and very tragic.
Speaking of additional features in this 40th anniversary edition, the new introduction from the author was lovely. Not only did it explain the concept of sewing children into their clothes (something that confused me in the story) but it also explained the origin of the story which is something that’s always interesting to read about.
One thing I distinctly noticed was how groundbreaking this book must’ve been when it was first published 40 years ago. It touched on so many subjects which would’ve been taboo at the time (and some that are still taboo now) and had Willie face all these difficult things to put a spin on it. It didn’t end with a happily ever after (and this was the one time I would’ve permitted, nay encouraged, a book to) but it was extremely cathartic and wonderfully moving.
March 30, 2016
One of my final List of Betterment books and a true classic. I read so many children's books these days and now realise how high the benchmark for real literature can and should be for children.
Deeply touching, uplifting, harrowing and joyous. I loved the relationship between Tom and Willie but also Willie and the community. Each character is real and watching Willie grow into a real person is an emotional journey. I'm happy to admit that I cried several times throughout. Sometimes because I feared for Willie and other times because I was so happy for him. A story that would stay with the reader/listener for all time
Deeply touching, uplifting, harrowing and joyous. I loved the relationship between Tom and Willie but also Willie and the community. Each character is real and watching Willie grow into a real person is an emotional journey. I'm happy to admit that I cried several times throughout. Sometimes because I feared for Willie and other times because I was so happy for him. A story that would stay with the reader/listener for all time
December 22, 2014
I honestly have to ask- how did this novel get such a high rating? It was easily one of the worst novels I have ever read.
It’s the apparently ‘heartwarming’ story of Willie Beech, who is sent from London to the countryside during the second world war. He goes from living with an overly religious, abusive mother to the gruff but kind Tom, and develops, or something. It doesn’t really matter.
The characters are dire. Zack wins an award for being the most annoying dope I’ve ever seen in a novel. I actually think he’s more annoying than Marked’s Zoey. At least she’s so annoying she’s funny. Zack’s just annoying. He’s like something out of the Famous Five, but 10000000000000000x times more over the top. I used to read the Famous Five, and loved it, so that’ll tell you how bad Zack was. Some people might say it’s good writing, that I could hear the character’s voice in my head, not just see it on the page, but those people have obviously never heard Zack, with the big, annoying, squeaky voice on him. Another irritating thing about him was the fact that halfway through the novel, he got a tan, and somehow turned black. Yes, some people get very dark tans, but no one goes from white to black with a tan. And once he turned black, we were constantly reminded of how black he was, something which did not happen when he was white. I think there should be more black characters in fiction, it’s overrun with straight, white, able-bodied American or English males, you know the type, and a break is welcome as the majority of people in the world do not fit into that group, but please do not change your character’s ethnicity halfway through the novel because they get a tan. It just makes no sense.
Willie had practically no personality, except to be perfect at everything. Of course he gained confidence, he was brilliant at everything he tried! He started to read, he was great, he started to act, he was great, he started to draw, he was great… Everyone loved him, despite his complete lack of personality. If he was a teenaged girl, he’d be accused of being a Mary Sue. It’s bad writing. It would have been far more interesting to see him fail at things, and have to struggle to become good at what he does. To gain confidence through experience and learning, rather than instant brilliance. But no, he’s perfect first time. At every-bleeding-thing. You just know he’s going to grow up and become even cockier than he is now.
Tom was just a prick. Something that annoyed me about him was his complete and utter selfishness, especially in the hospital. Insisting he could bring his dog into the HOSPITAL, because it would make his child feel better. What about the other children? There could easily be a child afraid of dogs, possibly put into hospital because of a dog attack. Bringing that dog in could traumatize them. Not to mention the fact that a dog carries germs, and could easily make an already vulnerable child even sicker, or possibly die. He also encourages Willie to scream at night in a hospital. With other sick and traumatized children who might not want to hear screaming. But the other children don’t matter to Tom though- once Willie’s happy, the other children can go to hell. He’s a selfish bastard, and I hated him.
The friends were pointless, apart from Carrie, who was just stupid. There was literally no reason for the friends to exist, other than filler. Carrie was a local girl who wanted an education. She, and the novel, were so ridiculous I found myself wishing they’d just ban women from school so she could shut up for a bit. I’m a feminist, and the book made me wish women couldn’t go to school. Yeah. She was literally that annoying.
I liked the mother, but only because she was the villain.
What I did learn from this novel is that the countryside is so much more superior than the city, but for the stupidest reason in the world. However, I would go the city without question, because if the countryside is made up of the gobshites from this novel, I would happily face death in the city. Easily one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
It’s the apparently ‘heartwarming’ story of Willie Beech, who is sent from London to the countryside during the second world war. He goes from living with an overly religious, abusive mother to the gruff but kind Tom, and develops, or something. It doesn’t really matter.
The characters are dire. Zack wins an award for being the most annoying dope I’ve ever seen in a novel. I actually think he’s more annoying than Marked’s Zoey. At least she’s so annoying she’s funny. Zack’s just annoying. He’s like something out of the Famous Five, but 10000000000000000x times more over the top. I used to read the Famous Five, and loved it, so that’ll tell you how bad Zack was. Some people might say it’s good writing, that I could hear the character’s voice in my head, not just see it on the page, but those people have obviously never heard Zack, with the big, annoying, squeaky voice on him. Another irritating thing about him was the fact that halfway through the novel, he got a tan, and somehow turned black. Yes, some people get very dark tans, but no one goes from white to black with a tan. And once he turned black, we were constantly reminded of how black he was, something which did not happen when he was white. I think there should be more black characters in fiction, it’s overrun with straight, white, able-bodied American or English males, you know the type, and a break is welcome as the majority of people in the world do not fit into that group, but please do not change your character’s ethnicity halfway through the novel because they get a tan. It just makes no sense.
Willie had practically no personality, except to be perfect at everything. Of course he gained confidence, he was brilliant at everything he tried! He started to read, he was great, he started to act, he was great, he started to draw, he was great… Everyone loved him, despite his complete lack of personality. If he was a teenaged girl, he’d be accused of being a Mary Sue. It’s bad writing. It would have been far more interesting to see him fail at things, and have to struggle to become good at what he does. To gain confidence through experience and learning, rather than instant brilliance. But no, he’s perfect first time. At every-bleeding-thing. You just know he’s going to grow up and become even cockier than he is now.
Tom was just a prick. Something that annoyed me about him was his complete and utter selfishness, especially in the hospital. Insisting he could bring his dog into the HOSPITAL, because it would make his child feel better. What about the other children? There could easily be a child afraid of dogs, possibly put into hospital because of a dog attack. Bringing that dog in could traumatize them. Not to mention the fact that a dog carries germs, and could easily make an already vulnerable child even sicker, or possibly die. He also encourages Willie to scream at night in a hospital. With other sick and traumatized children who might not want to hear screaming. But the other children don’t matter to Tom though- once Willie’s happy, the other children can go to hell. He’s a selfish bastard, and I hated him.
The friends were pointless, apart from Carrie, who was just stupid. There was literally no reason for the friends to exist, other than filler. Carrie was a local girl who wanted an education. She, and the novel, were so ridiculous I found myself wishing they’d just ban women from school so she could shut up for a bit. I’m a feminist, and the book made me wish women couldn’t go to school. Yeah. She was literally that annoying.
I liked the mother, but only because she was the villain.
What I did learn from this novel is that the countryside is so much more superior than the city, but for the stupidest reason in the world. However, I would go the city without question, because if the countryside is made up of the gobshites from this novel, I would happily face death in the city. Easily one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
January 22, 2022
Sob, Sob.
The powerful story of two people, who on their own, are almost social outcasts, but when thrown together, transform one another into two wonderful human beings. Written in a simple style to appeal to young and old, I would encourage everyone to read this book...and maybe, a few years later, read it again...then give it to your kids to read. The characters are endearing and the story engrossing, highlighting the horror of war, and the joy that can be obtained from simple things. You'll have a tear in your eye, and a few pages later, a smile on your face.
I have to say, along with To Kill A Mockingbird, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this book is one of my all-time favourites.
A short movie of the same title has been made and can be seen on YouTube, but the experience is pale compared to reading the book.
Edit: Read for second time yesterday. Love this book. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
The powerful story of two people, who on their own, are almost social outcasts, but when thrown together, transform one another into two wonderful human beings. Written in a simple style to appeal to young and old, I would encourage everyone to read this book...and maybe, a few years later, read it again...then give it to your kids to read. The characters are endearing and the story engrossing, highlighting the horror of war, and the joy that can be obtained from simple things. You'll have a tear in your eye, and a few pages later, a smile on your face.
I have to say, along with To Kill A Mockingbird, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this book is one of my all-time favourites.
A short movie of the same title has been made and can be seen on YouTube, but the experience is pale compared to reading the book.
Edit: Read for second time yesterday. Love this book. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
November 12, 2017
I thought by the title and the cover that this would be a simple little tale, but it was actually very harrowing! Young William is an evacuee from the city streets of London who is deposited in the rural cottage of a crusty old widower. Will has endured some ghastly abuse at the hands of his mother, the description of which is now burned into my brain. Happily the old man and the boy form a bond that benefits both of them. Aside from the personal story, the book raised a lot of questions for me about how the evacuation was handled. No doubt it saved lives, but some of these children and their parents must have suffered terribly.
August 23, 2025
“It occurred to him that strength was quite different from toughness and that being vulnerable wasn't quite the same as being weak.”
If you want to read a story with the most beautiful found family, loveliest friendships and just… ugh, one of the most heartwarming things you’ll ever read, pick. up. this. book.
Review summary:
ᯓᡣ𐭩Plot - 5/5
ᯓᡣ𐭩Pace 4/5
ᯓᡣ𐭩Characters 5/5
ᯓᡣ𐭩To conclude
ᯓᡣ𐭩Quotes
ᯓᡣ𐭩Plot
William Beech is an eight year old boy living in London in the time of World War II. Along with many other children, he is evacuated to the countryside where he is put into the care of Mr Tom Oakley. Tom is a semi-reclusive, gruff old man who keeps to himself and when Willie comes into his life, he feels completely helpless as to how to care for such a small child. However he is completely unprepared for how this young, quiet and scared little boy will change his life in the best way possible.
ᯓᡣ𐭩Pace
The pace was a little slow but you have to bear in mind that this isn’t meant to be an action-packed book, it’s supposed to be slow and soft, almost to match Will’s journey mentally and physically. It has sweet little side stories and does pick up later on for the overall plot but you have to go into it with the right mindset. One of patience and finding enjoyment in those small moments that all build up to what makes this book so beautiful.
ᯓᡣ𐭩Characters
I cannot articulate how much these characters tug at my heartstrings. Like I said, this book focuses on the little incidents, on everyday interactions that build up to form the soul of the story. So I don’t really want to go into a lot of detail because you really should experience them properly, but here's a small intro to some of them. Also just so you know, I’m literally waving a giant flag with the words ‘found family’ on them and that I love Zach so muchhhhh.
Will:
'Mum had said that if he made himself invisible people would like him and he wanted that very much.’
Mr Tom:
“Best not get fond of the boy, Thomas,’ he muttered to himself.”
Zach:
"I say," he said, "isn't this the most wondrous, scrumptious, exciting thing that's ever happened in the whole wide world?"
Carrie:
‘’If I don’t read a book soon I think I’ll explode.’’
To conclude:
There are so many beautiful messages in this book. It talks about the strength of community, of being there for people even if you barely know them. It talks about sacrifice, about love, about how sometimes, the relationships that should be the strongest and dearest to us, don’t quite work out. But it also shows how people you never expected to come through can be there when you need them most.
I’ve always loved this aspect of small, tight-knit communities. Something bad happens? Everyone is rushing over to comfort you, to make food, to take care of everything so that you don't have to worry about a thing. Something good happens? People hear about it and pass on the good news, congratulating you, taking time out of their lives to give you gifts or celebrate your special moment with you. That type of support and solidarity is so precious and sadly so lacking nowadays. If only we realised this and strived to implement these traits in our day-to-day lives. How beautiful and kind and full of goodness our world would be.
Anyway, to wrap up. This book, despite having read it so many times, continues to make me laugh, to make me cry and to evoke an incredible feeling of comfort and peace which I can rely on any time I read it. If you’re looking for one of the most heartwarming books, in a Second World War setting, which covers themes of friendship, love and even abuse. With characters you'll love, a grumpy old man, a sweet little boy, an eccentric friend, a cute dog (yes people, there's a dog) and… honestly my words can’t do it justice. Read it.
Quotes:
⊹₊⟡⋆Goodnight Mr Tom⊹₊⟡⋆
If you want to read a story with the most beautiful found family, loveliest friendships and just… ugh, one of the most heartwarming things you’ll ever read, pick. up. this. book.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Review summary:
ᯓᡣ𐭩Plot - 5/5
ᯓᡣ𐭩Pace 4/5
ᯓᡣ𐭩Characters 5/5
ᯓᡣ𐭩To conclude
ᯓᡣ𐭩Quotes
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
ᯓᡣ𐭩Plot
William Beech is an eight year old boy living in London in the time of World War II. Along with many other children, he is evacuated to the countryside where he is put into the care of Mr Tom Oakley. Tom is a semi-reclusive, gruff old man who keeps to himself and when Willie comes into his life, he feels completely helpless as to how to care for such a small child. However he is completely unprepared for how this young, quiet and scared little boy will change his life in the best way possible.
ᯓᡣ𐭩Pace
The pace was a little slow but you have to bear in mind that this isn’t meant to be an action-packed book, it’s supposed to be slow and soft, almost to match Will’s journey mentally and physically. It has sweet little side stories and does pick up later on for the overall plot but you have to go into it with the right mindset. One of patience and finding enjoyment in those small moments that all build up to what makes this book so beautiful.
ᯓᡣ𐭩Characters
I cannot articulate how much these characters tug at my heartstrings. Like I said, this book focuses on the little incidents, on everyday interactions that build up to form the soul of the story. So I don’t really want to go into a lot of detail because you really should experience them properly, but here's a small intro to some of them. Also just so you know, I’m literally waving a giant flag with the words ‘found family’ on them and that I love Zach so muchhhhh.
Will:
'Mum had said that if he made himself invisible people would like him and he wanted that very much.’
Mr Tom:
“Best not get fond of the boy, Thomas,’ he muttered to himself.”
Zach:
"I say," he said, "isn't this the most wondrous, scrumptious, exciting thing that's ever happened in the whole wide world?"
Carrie:
‘’If I don’t read a book soon I think I’ll explode.’’
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
To conclude:
There are so many beautiful messages in this book. It talks about the strength of community, of being there for people even if you barely know them. It talks about sacrifice, about love, about how sometimes, the relationships that should be the strongest and dearest to us, don’t quite work out. But it also shows how people you never expected to come through can be there when you need them most.
I’ve always loved this aspect of small, tight-knit communities. Something bad happens? Everyone is rushing over to comfort you, to make food, to take care of everything so that you don't have to worry about a thing. Something good happens? People hear about it and pass on the good news, congratulating you, taking time out of their lives to give you gifts or celebrate your special moment with you. That type of support and solidarity is so precious and sadly so lacking nowadays. If only we realised this and strived to implement these traits in our day-to-day lives. How beautiful and kind and full of goodness our world would be.
Anyway, to wrap up. This book, despite having read it so many times, continues to make me laugh, to make me cry and to evoke an incredible feeling of comfort and peace which I can rely on any time I read it. If you’re looking for one of the most heartwarming books, in a Second World War setting, which covers themes of friendship, love and even abuse. With characters you'll love, a grumpy old man, a sweet little boy, an eccentric friend, a cute dog (yes people, there's a dog) and… honestly my words can’t do it justice. Read it.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Quotes:
“I’d rather be happy and odd than miserable and ordinary,' she said, sticking her chin in the air.”
“How could anyone not want to live, thought Will, when there were so many things to live for? There were rainy nights and wind and the slap of the sea and the moon. There were books to read and pictures to paint and music.”
"Do you think..." said Will, gazing over the wall at the oak tree. "Do you think you can die of happiness?"
October 19, 2022
I just can’t imagine what it must have been like for all those children who were sent away at the beginning of WWII, to live with total strangers.
It was for their own safety, of course, London was too dangerous, one of the prime targets for Hitlers bombing campaign, so the relative safety of country villages was thought to be the answer.
It must have been traumatic, leaving behind Mums and Dads, older siblings, their former schools, pets possibly, in fact, everything that was familiar and comforting, and finding themselves in a totally different environment with people who knew nothing of these children’s former lives.
Some were luckier than others, finding a warm welcome with folks who did their best to provide a caring home life for these kids.
Some found themselves being expected to sing for their supper by helping on the farms they were sent too.
Some were just miserable, unable to settle in a place where everything was so different.
Willie Beach finds himself living with Tom, a man in his sixties, a widower who has lived alone for a long time, but who fits the bill for the kind of person Willie’s mother has requested her son be put with.
It soon becomes apparent to Tom that Willie hasn’t had a happy childhood, that in fact, he’s been subjected to cruelty and deprivation, and so Tom sets out to improve the boy’s life.
Slowly but surely, with Mister Tom’s kindness and wisdom, and the help of the good people in the nearby community, Willie begins to flourish. He makes friends, and discovers what it’s like to have a normal childhood.
Unfortunately, Willie’s mentally unstable Mother has other ideas, she want him back with her, but Tom’s intuition tells him all isn’t well, and ultimately, he is forced to make a desperate decision.
This is such a great story, it’s about the transformative power of kindness and understanding, of patience and friendship.
It’s about how a man who once lost so much is at last given the chance to show what a truly good man he is, what a wonderful Father he could have been if fate hadn’t robbed him of that opportunity so many years before.
A brilliant book, and there is also a really good tv/movie adaptation, well worth watching.
It was for their own safety, of course, London was too dangerous, one of the prime targets for Hitlers bombing campaign, so the relative safety of country villages was thought to be the answer.
It must have been traumatic, leaving behind Mums and Dads, older siblings, their former schools, pets possibly, in fact, everything that was familiar and comforting, and finding themselves in a totally different environment with people who knew nothing of these children’s former lives.
Some were luckier than others, finding a warm welcome with folks who did their best to provide a caring home life for these kids.
Some found themselves being expected to sing for their supper by helping on the farms they were sent too.
Some were just miserable, unable to settle in a place where everything was so different.
Willie Beach finds himself living with Tom, a man in his sixties, a widower who has lived alone for a long time, but who fits the bill for the kind of person Willie’s mother has requested her son be put with.
It soon becomes apparent to Tom that Willie hasn’t had a happy childhood, that in fact, he’s been subjected to cruelty and deprivation, and so Tom sets out to improve the boy’s life.
Slowly but surely, with Mister Tom’s kindness and wisdom, and the help of the good people in the nearby community, Willie begins to flourish. He makes friends, and discovers what it’s like to have a normal childhood.
Unfortunately, Willie’s mentally unstable Mother has other ideas, she want him back with her, but Tom’s intuition tells him all isn’t well, and ultimately, he is forced to make a desperate decision.
This is such a great story, it’s about the transformative power of kindness and understanding, of patience and friendship.
It’s about how a man who once lost so much is at last given the chance to show what a truly good man he is, what a wonderful Father he could have been if fate hadn’t robbed him of that opportunity so many years before.
A brilliant book, and there is also a really good tv/movie adaptation, well worth watching.
December 24, 2008
This story takes place against the backdrop of a charming and quirky English country town full of colorful characters.
Willie Beech is an abused nine-year-old boy. "Mr. Tom" Oakley is a sixty-year-old man who was widowed 40 years ago and became the town recluse/curmudgeon. The two are thrown together when Willie arrives at Mr. Tom's cottage as one of the WWII evacuee children from London. They both blossom as they learn to love and encourage each other. Mr. Tom comes out of his self-imposed "hermithood" to participate in the community again, and Willie discovers his own talents while becoming healthy and robust.
The second half of the book takes on serious issues of child abuse/neglect, the horrors and losses of war, and the grieving process. It's done in such a way that it wouldn't be overwhelming for a young adult (age 12 and up) to read about.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and especially got caught up in the latter parts where there was more complexity in the story. It reminded me how much I love books for younger folk and need to seek out more of them.
Willie Beech is an abused nine-year-old boy. "Mr. Tom" Oakley is a sixty-year-old man who was widowed 40 years ago and became the town recluse/curmudgeon. The two are thrown together when Willie arrives at Mr. Tom's cottage as one of the WWII evacuee children from London. They both blossom as they learn to love and encourage each other. Mr. Tom comes out of his self-imposed "hermithood" to participate in the community again, and Willie discovers his own talents while becoming healthy and robust.
The second half of the book takes on serious issues of child abuse/neglect, the horrors and losses of war, and the grieving process. It's done in such a way that it wouldn't be overwhelming for a young adult (age 12 and up) to read about.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and especially got caught up in the latter parts where there was more complexity in the story. It reminded me how much I love books for younger folk and need to seek out more of them.
April 28, 2018
such an emotional read wow i'm a mess !!!
December 19, 2017
A must read for everyone. If you don't read it then you should watch the movie. This story needs to be told.
My sons had to read this at school. As I love to read i read this while both of them read it. I have watched the movie a few times with them also.
Rearranging my books I came across this and couldn't resist re reading it. Truly an amazing read.
My sons had to read this at school. As I love to read i read this while both of them read it. I have watched the movie a few times with them also.
Rearranging my books I came across this and couldn't resist re reading it. Truly an amazing read.
June 2, 2021
A heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Really enjoyed following William's story of a war evacuee child and being placed with Mr Tom in little Weirwold.
Both Mr Tom and Williams lives change for the better as they develop a bond and both come out of the shells. Both learn to trust again after hardships they have both faced and develop into a lovely fatherly son team.
Beautifully written and covers some sensitive topics.
Both Mr Tom and Williams lives change for the better as they develop a bond and both come out of the shells. Both learn to trust again after hardships they have both faced and develop into a lovely fatherly son team.
Beautifully written and covers some sensitive topics.
May 23, 2021
A beautiful book written for children but just as enjoyable for grown ups. A real tear jerker though with some pretty harrowing scenes. I would definitely advise parents to read all the way through first. I’m not sure how this one passed me by as a bookworm child who read anything I could get my hands on- but it did - and I’m so glad to have found it now.
March 14, 2013
On September 1, 1939, Operation Pied Piper commenced and thousands of children were evacuated from London to the English countryside to keep them safe from the war that was just beginning.
Among the evacuees to Little Weinwold is William Beech, 8, left in the care of Tom Oakley, a widower and a rather crusty loner. William is much to small for his age, frightened of everything and covered in black and blue bruises. Inside he duffel, Tom find a belt with a large buckle and instructions to use it on William whenever he sees fit. Appalled by what he sees that first day, Mr. Tom, as he tells William to call him, begins to soften towards the boy, taking him out and buying him some appropriate clothing and boots, feeding him well and doctoring the bruises.
As William's body heals, he comes out of his frightened shell and even develops a fondness for Mr. Tom's dog Sammy. But William has a bed-wetting problem that continues despite everything. Soon William meets Zach, another evacuee, and they become best friends. And other kids begin to join in on their fun. And it turns out that William is quite a talented artist, receiving some art supplies from Mr. Tom for his ninth birthday. Things go well until school starts.
It turns out that William cannot read, that in London his teachers ignored him and the other students taunted him. When all his friends to into their proper class, William is put in with the younger kids who are just beginning school. Mr. Tom begins to teach him to read and by the end of the term, William has conquered not just reading but his bed-wetting problem as well.
Life for William, Mr. Tom and Sammy the dog has evolved into a comfortable, happy companionship and Mr. Tom has even begun to participate in village activities again, something he hasn't done in forty years after the death of his wife and new baby son, also named William. But one day a letter arrives from William's mother, asking for her son to come home for a visit.
And it is with very heavy hearts that Mr. Tom and William say good-bye at the train. William is laden with all kinds of lovely, friendly gifts for his mother as he leave and promises to write to Mr. Tom as soon as he can. When weeks go by and not letter arrives, Mr. Tom and Sammy take the train to London to find out if things are going well for William, arriving just at the Blitz begins.
And yes, he does find him - locked in a closet, tied up to a pipe in it and holding a baby who turns out to be his illegitimate sister. Traumatized and blaming himself for the baby's death, William is taken to a hospital. Mr. Tom keeps watch and makes himself useful when people injured by the bombing are brought in. After a few days, however, he is told that William is going to be transferred to a home where he will be given psychiatric treatment.
Not agreeing that this is the best thing for William, Mr. Tom resorts to something desperate. Will the two ever make it back to Little Weinwold or is this the end of things for Mr. Tom and William?
Good Night, Mr. Tom is Michelle Magorian's first novel. It was written in 1981 and hasn't lost any of its appeal nor does it have a dated feeling. It is probably her most well-known work, particularly since it has been made into a television movie (ITV in the UK, Masterpiece Theater in the US, and with John Thaw, a favorite) and a play.
I have read Good Night, Mr. Tom a few times and never get tired of it. The writing is elegant, and Magorian has great talent in fleshing out her characters so that they are believable and well-developed. And the same can be said for her settings, actually.
Magorian also has a way of presenting difficult issues without getting too graphic or going overboard. In this novel alone, there are issues of abuse, bullying, anti-Semitism, skewed religious beliefs, the death of children and suicide. These are dreadful things, and yet not presented in such a way that they will disturb young readers, but enough is said to make this book appeal to an adult reader as well. And in the end, it is a novel of healing, hope, love and trust, and these are the issues that predominate, even without a really pat ending.
If you haven't read Good Night, Mr. Tom, be warned - it is a tearjerker, but oh, so worth it. But there is much in the story that will make you chuckle, especially William's very outgoing friend Zack, whom I haven't mentioned much even though he is a good part of the book and who makes me smile just thinking about him.
This old favorite is worthy of a first read if you haven't already read it, or worthy of another read if you have read it before.
This book is recommended for readers age 12+
This book was purchased for my personal library
Among the evacuees to Little Weinwold is William Beech, 8, left in the care of Tom Oakley, a widower and a rather crusty loner. William is much to small for his age, frightened of everything and covered in black and blue bruises. Inside he duffel, Tom find a belt with a large buckle and instructions to use it on William whenever he sees fit. Appalled by what he sees that first day, Mr. Tom, as he tells William to call him, begins to soften towards the boy, taking him out and buying him some appropriate clothing and boots, feeding him well and doctoring the bruises.
As William's body heals, he comes out of his frightened shell and even develops a fondness for Mr. Tom's dog Sammy. But William has a bed-wetting problem that continues despite everything. Soon William meets Zach, another evacuee, and they become best friends. And other kids begin to join in on their fun. And it turns out that William is quite a talented artist, receiving some art supplies from Mr. Tom for his ninth birthday. Things go well until school starts.
It turns out that William cannot read, that in London his teachers ignored him and the other students taunted him. When all his friends to into their proper class, William is put in with the younger kids who are just beginning school. Mr. Tom begins to teach him to read and by the end of the term, William has conquered not just reading but his bed-wetting problem as well.
Life for William, Mr. Tom and Sammy the dog has evolved into a comfortable, happy companionship and Mr. Tom has even begun to participate in village activities again, something he hasn't done in forty years after the death of his wife and new baby son, also named William. But one day a letter arrives from William's mother, asking for her son to come home for a visit.
And it is with very heavy hearts that Mr. Tom and William say good-bye at the train. William is laden with all kinds of lovely, friendly gifts for his mother as he leave and promises to write to Mr. Tom as soon as he can. When weeks go by and not letter arrives, Mr. Tom and Sammy take the train to London to find out if things are going well for William, arriving just at the Blitz begins.
And yes, he does find him - locked in a closet, tied up to a pipe in it and holding a baby who turns out to be his illegitimate sister. Traumatized and blaming himself for the baby's death, William is taken to a hospital. Mr. Tom keeps watch and makes himself useful when people injured by the bombing are brought in. After a few days, however, he is told that William is going to be transferred to a home where he will be given psychiatric treatment.
Not agreeing that this is the best thing for William, Mr. Tom resorts to something desperate. Will the two ever make it back to Little Weinwold or is this the end of things for Mr. Tom and William?
Good Night, Mr. Tom is Michelle Magorian's first novel. It was written in 1981 and hasn't lost any of its appeal nor does it have a dated feeling. It is probably her most well-known work, particularly since it has been made into a television movie (ITV in the UK, Masterpiece Theater in the US, and with John Thaw, a favorite) and a play.
I have read Good Night, Mr. Tom a few times and never get tired of it. The writing is elegant, and Magorian has great talent in fleshing out her characters so that they are believable and well-developed. And the same can be said for her settings, actually.
Magorian also has a way of presenting difficult issues without getting too graphic or going overboard. In this novel alone, there are issues of abuse, bullying, anti-Semitism, skewed religious beliefs, the death of children and suicide. These are dreadful things, and yet not presented in such a way that they will disturb young readers, but enough is said to make this book appeal to an adult reader as well. And in the end, it is a novel of healing, hope, love and trust, and these are the issues that predominate, even without a really pat ending.
If you haven't read Good Night, Mr. Tom, be warned - it is a tearjerker, but oh, so worth it. But there is much in the story that will make you chuckle, especially William's very outgoing friend Zack, whom I haven't mentioned much even though he is a good part of the book and who makes me smile just thinking about him.
This old favorite is worthy of a first read if you haven't already read it, or worthy of another read if you have read it before.
This book is recommended for readers age 12+
This book was purchased for my personal library
July 8, 2020
In the tense period just before Britain enters what will be WWII, Will, a young boy from London, is sent as an evacuee to the country where he is going to live with Mr Tom, an uncommunicative and what seem to be (on the surface) a grumpy old man. Their encounter will change them both. It will, above all, radically change Will's life.
Here's a great picture of what it must have been like living during those uncertain time, a picture also of the innocence of childhood ripped apart by a war yet to come. Heartfelt, here's a deep and disturbing read too, as it doesn't shy away from such a tough topic as child abuse (and in graphic detail at that).
I have read this alongside one of my son (12 years old at the time of reading). He loved it and gave it a five star rating, despite regretting the ending chapters dragging in length (a point with which I agree). I would personally have given it a four star rating at best, but I am a grown up so maybe I found how the characters and the overall plot goes quite expected at times? Will's past and story really took me aback though... Whatever: here's a touching classic.
Here's a great picture of what it must have been like living during those uncertain time, a picture also of the innocence of childhood ripped apart by a war yet to come. Heartfelt, here's a deep and disturbing read too, as it doesn't shy away from such a tough topic as child abuse (and in graphic detail at that).
I have read this alongside one of my son (12 years old at the time of reading). He loved it and gave it a five star rating, despite regretting the ending chapters dragging in length (a point with which I agree). I would personally have given it a four star rating at best, but I am a grown up so maybe I found how the characters and the overall plot goes quite expected at times? Will's past and story really took me aback though... Whatever: here's a touching classic.
January 9, 2021
Thomas Oakley was well into his sixties when the Billeting Officer knocked on his front door. To the people in his village of Little Weirwold, Thomas was an isolated, bad tempered, and frosty man, but to the officer, he was the perfect fit for this particular evacuee. Eight-year-old William Beech had come with specific instructions from his mother: either place him with a religious person or near a church. Thomas Oakley fit the bill perfectly. So Thomas, a man withdrawn by choice and grief, and William, a boy withdrawn by abuse and neglect, found themselves together and slowly healing in each other’s company. But when Thomas loses touch with William after being summoned back to live with his mother, Thomas embarks on a journey to find the young boy who had become like a son to him.
I always hold out hope that books for young adults that have important themes may somehow find a way into the hands of younger readers. I thought this might be possible with Good Night, Mr. Tom. Although it carried warnings of child abuse, war, and death, the first part of the book was rather benign and contained mild implications of these subjects: the blacked-out windows, bruises and sores on William’s body, William’s fear of reprisal and constant nightmares, and reports on the wireless or in newspapers. However, once William is reunited with his mother, the tone of the book shifts dramatically and it becomes terrifyingly obvious why this book is recommended for more mature readers. The imagery is horrific and quite contrary to the idyllic life William experienced in Weirwold, which makes it all the more shocking and appalling when William has to relive this horror for a second time.
Magorian, quite deservedly, received the 1982 IRA Children’s Book Award for Good Night, Mr. Tom. She fearlessly delves into the psychological trauma that follows prolonged mental and physical abuse, as well as the impact it has not only on the abused themselves, but also on those around them offering support, healing, friendship, and love. She also explores the emotional toll of the war on a small village as young men are called to service while their loved ones patiently await word of their wellbeing. Thankfully, Magorian gives her readers sufficient mental breaks by balancing tense, emotionally exhaustive scenes with lighthearted moments shared between friends and family. It’s this back-and-forth that makes for a fast-paced story that doesn’t pull any punches in delivering an impassioned, tragic, and dramatic story.
Good Night, Mr. Tom immerses readers with a story about bonds and their importance and fragility. For the first time in his life, William has a best friend, Zach, who values his company, admires his differences, and treasures his friendship. Also, William finally has a parental figure in whom he can trust and depend. Magorian’s overall lesson in her compelling and powerful story is the healing power that comes with unconditional love. William’s mother taught him that love came with strings (“Mum had said that if he made himself invisible, people would like him and he wanted that very much.”), but his friends in Weirwold and Mr. Tom showed him the beauty and power of a love given completely and unselfishly. The Persian lyric poet Hafiz once wrote, “Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” Zach’s kindness and Mr. Tom’s devotion remind us that even in the midst of war and surrounded by the darkest of black shades, love’s light shines bright and can heal even the most damaged and tortured soul.
I always hold out hope that books for young adults that have important themes may somehow find a way into the hands of younger readers. I thought this might be possible with Good Night, Mr. Tom. Although it carried warnings of child abuse, war, and death, the first part of the book was rather benign and contained mild implications of these subjects: the blacked-out windows, bruises and sores on William’s body, William’s fear of reprisal and constant nightmares, and reports on the wireless or in newspapers. However, once William is reunited with his mother, the tone of the book shifts dramatically and it becomes terrifyingly obvious why this book is recommended for more mature readers. The imagery is horrific and quite contrary to the idyllic life William experienced in Weirwold, which makes it all the more shocking and appalling when William has to relive this horror for a second time.
Magorian, quite deservedly, received the 1982 IRA Children’s Book Award for Good Night, Mr. Tom. She fearlessly delves into the psychological trauma that follows prolonged mental and physical abuse, as well as the impact it has not only on the abused themselves, but also on those around them offering support, healing, friendship, and love. She also explores the emotional toll of the war on a small village as young men are called to service while their loved ones patiently await word of their wellbeing. Thankfully, Magorian gives her readers sufficient mental breaks by balancing tense, emotionally exhaustive scenes with lighthearted moments shared between friends and family. It’s this back-and-forth that makes for a fast-paced story that doesn’t pull any punches in delivering an impassioned, tragic, and dramatic story.
Good Night, Mr. Tom immerses readers with a story about bonds and their importance and fragility. For the first time in his life, William has a best friend, Zach, who values his company, admires his differences, and treasures his friendship. Also, William finally has a parental figure in whom he can trust and depend. Magorian’s overall lesson in her compelling and powerful story is the healing power that comes with unconditional love. William’s mother taught him that love came with strings (“Mum had said that if he made himself invisible, people would like him and he wanted that very much.”), but his friends in Weirwold and Mr. Tom showed him the beauty and power of a love given completely and unselfishly. The Persian lyric poet Hafiz once wrote, “Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” Zach’s kindness and Mr. Tom’s devotion remind us that even in the midst of war and surrounded by the darkest of black shades, love’s light shines bright and can heal even the most damaged and tortured soul.
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