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L enfant océan
On a stormy night, little Yann Doutreleau wakes up his six older brothers, all twins. He lets them know that they must flee their home—or risk being killed by their violent father. Without question, the siblings follow Yann into the wet darkness. And so begins their remarkable odyssey toward the ocean—as well as an unforgettable story of brotherhood.The social worker investigating the Doutreleau family, the truck driver who gives the boys a lift, the police officer who believes they've run away, the baker who gives them bread—each of the many people the seven boys encounter gives a stirring account of what he or she witnesses. The twins themselves add their voices, as do the Doutreleau parents; but not until the end of the journey does little Yann express his reasons for his galvanizing actions.★ “A well-crafted mystery awaits anyone reading this fabled jigsaw puzzle. It is a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying.”—School Library Journal, Starred★ “Mourlevat enchantingly blends the harshly real and the make-believe.”—Publishers Weekly, StarredA Mildred L. Batchelder Award Winner A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age An ALA Notable Book A Bank Street College of Education Best Book
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First published January 1, 1999
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About the author
Jean-Claude Mourlevat
68 books145 followersJean-Claude Mourlevat once wrote and directed burlesque shows for adults and children, which were performed for more than ten years in France and abroad. The author of several children’s books, he lives in a house overhanging the River Loire, near Saint-Etienne, France.
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April 7, 2025Man gribētos, lai īsais romāns beigtos pirmajā daļā un paturētu to visu maģisko skudriņu sajūtu, kas radās, lasot burtiski plūstošo tekstu. Žans Klods Murlevā ir nudien burvis, es nezinu nevienu citu autoru, ar kuru spētu pielīdzināt šī franču autora brīnumaino spēju sajaukt pasaku elementus un noskaņu ar bailēm, humoru un tādu sāpīgi skaudru nojautu. Murlevā neizplūst liekos grafomāna palagos, daiļrunīgi aprakstot ainavas vai notikumus, bet viss, ko viņš kodolīgi raksta, ir tik juteklisks un nolasāms no pāris acu skatieniem, gluži kā mistiski noslēpumainais Dutrelo ģimenes īkstītis.
Pirmā no divām daļām, kā jau var nojaust, mani burtiski savaņģoja. Fantastiska. Gan ar sižetiskajiem izmetieniem, saglabājot intrigu par turpmākiem notikumiem, palēnām atklājot daudzslāņaino vienas ģimenes attiecību diagrammu. Te ir tik daudz melnzemes ko rakt, bet pāri visam autors spēj saglabāt kuriozisku ainavu, kurā ir šis piedzīvojumu un pārdzīvojumu pilnais ceļš uz sapņu okeānu. Kāpēc tieši okeāns un vai Dutrelo ģimenes septiņiem bērniem izdosies nokļūt mērķī, atklāj dramatiskā otrā daļa.
Pats interesantākais ir veids, kā tiek pasniegts šis stāsts. Izklāstot to ne tikai no viena vai vairāku varoņu skatu punkta, bet iesaistot ikvienu personāžu, kuram ir mazākā saskarsme ar Dutrelo bērniem.
Man šķiet, katram lasītājam, tāpat kā iesaistītajiem personāžiem, ir savas viedoklis, kas īsti notika. Un, kāpēc. Varbūt nav vienas universālās atbildes, kas saliktu visu pa plauktiņiem, gluži kā dzīvē. Sarežģīti.
Autoram ir fanatastiska valoda, bet sižetiksi beigas man bija ļoti grūti nolasīt. Tik spēcīgam darbam, tik vājš nobeigums.
Dramatiski un sapņaini.
3.8 zvaigznes
Pirmā no divām daļām, kā jau var nojaust, mani burtiski savaņģoja. Fantastiska. Gan ar sižetiskajiem izmetieniem, saglabājot intrigu par turpmākiem notikumiem, palēnām atklājot daudzslāņaino vienas ģimenes attiecību diagrammu. Te ir tik daudz melnzemes ko rakt, bet pāri visam autors spēj saglabāt kuriozisku ainavu, kurā ir šis piedzīvojumu un pārdzīvojumu pilnais ceļš uz sapņu okeānu. Kāpēc tieši okeāns un vai Dutrelo ģimenes septiņiem bērniem izdosies nokļūt mērķī, atklāj dramatiskā otrā daļa.
Pats interesantākais ir veids, kā tiek pasniegts šis stāsts. Izklāstot to ne tikai no viena vai vairāku varoņu skatu punkta, bet iesaistot ikvienu personāžu, kuram ir mazākā saskarsme ar Dutrelo bērniem.
Man šķiet, katram lasītājam, tāpat kā iesaistītajiem personāžiem, ir savas viedoklis, kas īsti notika. Un, kāpēc. Varbūt nav vienas universālās atbildes, kas saliktu visu pa plauktiņiem, gluži kā dzīvē. Sarežģīti.
Autoram ir fanatastiska valoda, bet sižetiksi beigas man bija ļoti grūti nolasīt. Tik spēcīgam darbam, tik vājš nobeigums.
Dramatiski un sapņaini.
3.8 zvaigznes
November 14, 2024
Murlevā ir jauku, bet ne banālu pasaku meistars. Reizēm, lai kaut ko saprastu, ir jāpiedzīvo kāds satricinājums, sāpes, jāatstāj mājas. Reizēm mūs aicina un sauc kalni, džungļi vai okeāns, kas, šķiet, varētu būt mūsu glābējs, un, tāpēc ir jādodas ceļā, iniciācijas ceļā, lai sasniegtu mērķi, lai pārietu jaunā un augstākā attīstības līmenī. Grāmata visiem vecumiem.
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January 27, 2025Man gribētos, lai īsais romāns beigtos pirmajā daļā un paturētu to visu maģisko skudriņu sajūtu, kas radās, lasot burtiski plūstošo tekstu. Žans Klods Murlevā ir nudien burvis, es nezinu nevienu citu autoru, ar kuru spētu pielīdzināt šī franču autora brīnumaino spēju sajaukt pasaku elementus un noskaņu ar bailēm, humoru un tādu sāpīgi skaudru nojautu. Murlevā neizplūst liekos grafomāna palagos, daiļrunīgi aprakstot ainavas vai notikumus, bet viss, ko viņš kodolīgi raksta, ir tik juteklisks un nolasāms no pāris acu skatieniem, gluži kā mistiski noslēpumainais Dutrelo ģimenes īkstītis.
Pirmā no divām daļām, kā jau var nojaust, mani burtiski savaņģoja. Fantastiska. Gan ar sižetiskajiem izmetieniem, saglabājot intrigu par turpmākiem notikumiem, palēnām atklājot daudzslāņaino vienas ģimenes attiecību diagrammu. Te ir tik daudz melnzemes ko rakt, bet pāri visam autors spēj saglabāt kuriozisku ainavu, kurā ir šis piedzīvojumu un pārdzīvojumu pilnais ceļš uz sapņu okeānu. Kāpēc tieši okeāns un vai Dutrelo ģimenes septiņiem bērniem izdosies nokļūt mērķī, atklāj dramatiskā otrā daļa.
Pats interesantākais ir veids, kā tiek pasniegts šis stāsts. Izklāstot to ne tikai no viena vai vairāku varoņu skatu punkta, bet iesaistot ikvienu personāžu, kuram ir mazākā saskarsme ar Dutrelo bērniem.
Man šķiet, katram lasītājam, tāpat kā iesaistītajiem personāžiem, ir savas viedoklis, kas īsti notika. Un, kāpēc. Varbūt nav vienas universālās atbildes, kas saliktu visu pa plauktiņiem, gluži kā dzīvē. Sarežģīti.
Autoram ir fanatastiska valoda, bet sižetiksi beigas man bija ļoti grūti nolasīt. Tik spēcīgam darbam, tik vājš nobeigums.
Dramatiski un sapņaini.
3.8 zvaigznes
Pirmā no divām daļām, kā jau var nojaust, mani burtiski savaņģoja. Fantastiska. Gan ar sižetiskajiem izmetieniem, saglabājot intrigu par turpmākiem notikumiem, palēnām atklājot daudzslāņaino vienas ģimenes attiecību diagrammu. Te ir tik daudz melnzemes ko rakt, bet pāri visam autors spēj saglabāt kuriozisku ainavu, kurā ir šis piedzīvojumu un pārdzīvojumu pilnais ceļš uz sapņu okeānu. Kāpēc tieši okeāns un vai Dutrelo ģimenes septiņiem bērniem izdosies nokļūt mērķī, atklāj dramatiskā otrā daļa.
Pats interesantākais ir veids, kā tiek pasniegts šis stāsts. Izklāstot to ne tikai no viena vai vairāku varoņu skatu punkta, bet iesaistot ikvienu personāžu, kuram ir mazākā saskarsme ar Dutrelo bērniem.
Man šķiet, katram lasītājam, tāpat kā iesaistītajiem personāžiem, ir savas viedoklis, kas īsti notika. Un, kāpēc. Varbūt nav vienas universālās atbildes, kas saliktu visu pa plauktiņiem, gluži kā dzīvē. Sarežģīti.
Autoram ir fanatastiska valoda, bet sižetiksi beigas man bija ļoti grūti nolasīt. Tik spēcīgam darbam, tik vājš nobeigums.
Dramatiski un sapņaini.
3.8 zvaigznes
July 3, 2025
Cik bieži gan gadās iesākt lasīt grāmatu, par kuras saturu nav nekādas jausmas?! Man - reti, bet tas nudien mēdz būt aizraujoši. 🙂
Šādi man sanāca iepazīt šo Bērnu žūrijā 15+ kategorijā iekļauto mazo grāmatiņu. Izlasīju to vienā piegājienā.
Jāteic, ka līdz pat grāmatas izskaņai šķita, ka vākam ir absolūta nesaderība ar stāstu. 🫢🙃 Vienmēr, garām ejot, šim noslēpumainajam izdevumam, iztēlojos kaut ko dikti poētisku un lirisku. Bet tā slēpa ko citu...
Pasaku par Īkstīti neesmu lasījusi, bet šī laikam varētu būt savdabīga mūsdienu versija šim klasiskajam stāstam.
Grāmata ir par trim dvīņu pāriem un vienu pastarīti, kurš desmit gadu vecumā ir divgadnieka izmērā. Viņi visi kopā pamet savus vecākus... un vairāk par saturu neko neteikšu.☺️😉
Atklāšu vien to, ka stāsts sastāv no dažādu šajā bēgšanā iesaistīto cilvēku atmiņām, domām un izjūtām. Šie mazie gabaliņi saāķējas aizraujošā puzlē, kas atklāj mums dažādas personības (ar dažādu valodas un inteliģences pakāpi savā izteiksmes veidā!🌟) un visu patieso notikumu secību. Intriga saglabājas visu grāmatas lasīšanas laiku! Un pirmās nodaļas beigas mani no tiesas pārsteidza 🫢.
Tā nudien ir viena franču mūsdienu pasaka par brāļu mīlestību, atbalstu un sapratni pat bez vārdiem (šoreiz arī burtiski!), kā arī par maza cilvēka vēlmi - par spīti sliktajām nākotnes izredzēm - sasniegt savus mērķus un tiekties uz ko augstāku.
Šoreiz laikam vairāk patika pats sižets un tā izklāsta veids, nevis kāda dziļāka doma, tomēr bija ļoti aizraujoši to lasīt. Mani arī joprojām uztrauc kāds ar elektrības atslēgšanu un telefona izmantošanu saistīts jautājums, bet... lai nu paliek! 😏Un beigu beigās uz grāmatas vāka ieraudzīju ne to vien ar stāstu saistītu😏🙃
"Okeāna bērns" savā ziņā ir savdabīgs pasaku-detektīvs, kas atstāj gardu pēcgaršu.🤍
Šādi man sanāca iepazīt šo Bērnu žūrijā 15+ kategorijā iekļauto mazo grāmatiņu. Izlasīju to vienā piegājienā.
Jāteic, ka līdz pat grāmatas izskaņai šķita, ka vākam ir absolūta nesaderība ar stāstu. 🫢🙃 Vienmēr, garām ejot, šim noslēpumainajam izdevumam, iztēlojos kaut ko dikti poētisku un lirisku. Bet tā slēpa ko citu...
Pasaku par Īkstīti neesmu lasījusi, bet šī laikam varētu būt savdabīga mūsdienu versija šim klasiskajam stāstam.
Grāmata ir par trim dvīņu pāriem un vienu pastarīti, kurš desmit gadu vecumā ir divgadnieka izmērā. Viņi visi kopā pamet savus vecākus... un vairāk par saturu neko neteikšu.☺️😉
Atklāšu vien to, ka stāsts sastāv no dažādu šajā bēgšanā iesaistīto cilvēku atmiņām, domām un izjūtām. Šie mazie gabaliņi saāķējas aizraujošā puzlē, kas atklāj mums dažādas personības (ar dažādu valodas un inteliģences pakāpi savā izteiksmes veidā!🌟) un visu patieso notikumu secību. Intriga saglabājas visu grāmatas lasīšanas laiku! Un pirmās nodaļas beigas mani no tiesas pārsteidza 🫢.
Tā nudien ir viena franču mūsdienu pasaka par brāļu mīlestību, atbalstu un sapratni pat bez vārdiem (šoreiz arī burtiski!), kā arī par maza cilvēka vēlmi - par spīti sliktajām nākotnes izredzēm - sasniegt savus mērķus un tiekties uz ko augstāku.
Šoreiz laikam vairāk patika pats sižets un tā izklāsta veids, nevis kāda dziļāka doma, tomēr bija ļoti aizraujoši to lasīt. Mani arī joprojām uztrauc kāds ar elektrības atslēgšanu un telefona izmantošanu saistīts jautājums, bet... lai nu paliek! 😏Un beigu beigās uz grāmatas vāka ieraudzīju ne to vien ar stāstu saistītu😏🙃
"Okeāna bērns" savā ziņā ir savdabīgs pasaku-detektīvs, kas atstāj gardu pēcgaršu.🤍
December 3, 2017
I was misty-eyed in a couple of times while reading this book. Sometimes, it is a nice to just let yourself be taken for a ride by what you read. But what's surprising even of me is that this is just a simple... children's book! I would expect me to be deeply touched by a biography or by a semi-autobiographical book but not by a children's book. Maybe I was just tired or something but this book made me squirt some liquids from my eyes.
This is a retelling of Tom Thumb, a character of English folklore dating back in 1621. Charles Perrault (1628-1703). Mourlevat's character is not a small as thumb but a midget called Yann. He is a 10-year old youngest of a family of three pairs of twins. "He is like a period of a long sentence" says one of the witnesses-narrators of the story.
The scenes on how the siblings help and protect each other particularly the youngest Yann and the youngest twins are just heart-tugging. Maybe I am also the youngest in the family so that probably hit the inner recesses of my amgydala (that part of the brain where emotions reside).
The only criticism I have for this book is the weak ending. It left a big question both for the main character and of course to what the author would like to send as a message. In my mind, the brothers went back to their parents and the latter became for loving and caring.
But even with that make-believe, it is still a very likable book.
This is a retelling of Tom Thumb, a character of English folklore dating back in 1621. Charles Perrault (1628-1703). Mourlevat's character is not a small as thumb but a midget called Yann. He is a 10-year old youngest of a family of three pairs of twins. "He is like a period of a long sentence" says one of the witnesses-narrators of the story.
The scenes on how the siblings help and protect each other particularly the youngest Yann and the youngest twins are just heart-tugging. Maybe I am also the youngest in the family so that probably hit the inner recesses of my amgydala (that part of the brain where emotions reside).
The only criticism I have for this book is the weak ending. It left a big question both for the main character and of course to what the author would like to send as a message. In my mind, the brothers went back to their parents and the latter became for loving and caring.
But even with that make-believe, it is still a very likable book.
August 13, 2025
J’ai découvert ce livre à l’école primaire. Le souvenir le plus vif que j’en garde est notre stupéfaction collective en découvrant, dès le chapitre 2 (si je ne me trompe pas) quelques gros mots. L’intrigue m’échappe aujourd’hui, mais je sais que je n’en avais guère apprécié la lecture.
April 27, 2015
What a beautiful unexpected read this was! The story was written in a very unique way, every chapter was told from a different perspective and included everyone who this strange group of boys encountered on their way. It was a very unsettling and abrupt book, I can't even deal with the ending. I don't even feel sure about my rating, the ending was something I couldn't even think to expect. The brothers who this book follows are wonderful and so was the concept of this story. I still cannot get over the ending though, the main character Yann is just such a beautiful little boy and he made this story very memorable. 4.5 stars for sure!
December 22, 2024
C'est un livre pour enfant magnifiquement bien écrit. Ce n'est pas du tout dans mes habitudes de lire des romans de ce genre mais là c'était dans le cadre d'un cours (pour pouvoir l'analyser). Quelle agréable surprise ce fut !
Nous partons réellement en voyage avec cette fratrie. De plus, le changement de point de vue à chaque chapitre rend l'histoire encore plus captivante. Je le recommande à tout âge !
Nous partons réellement en voyage avec cette fratrie. De plus, le changement de point de vue à chaque chapitre rend l'histoire encore plus captivante. Je le recommande à tout âge !
November 16, 2024
Skumjš skaistums, kas man šai novembra šļurā bija dikti vajadzīgs.
April 8, 2024
a quick, beautiful story told from several point of views about seven brothers who are convinced by the youngest to flee in the middle of the night from their abusive parents.
it is about their journey and brotherhood and survival. not to mention the people that help them along the way and eventually how they are found (…or not found…) i also feel like the ending is left open ended so you can kind of imagine it how you want to.
i found this gem at the library and read it in about two hours. it’s 190 pages of the power of brotherhood and bravery. i thought this was great and powerful 🥰
it is about their journey and brotherhood and survival. not to mention the people that help them along the way and eventually how they are found (…or not found…) i also feel like the ending is left open ended so you can kind of imagine it how you want to.
i found this gem at the library and read it in about two hours. it’s 190 pages of the power of brotherhood and bravery. i thought this was great and powerful 🥰
April 23, 2025
Kā atvēru grāmatu, tā arī neizlaidu no rokām līdz izlasīju.
Smeldzīgs sākums par anti-mīlošu daudzbērnu ģimeni, kas pārtop kā aizraujošs ceļojums līdz okeānam, lai piepildītu viena bērna sapni…
Spraigs sižets kādi tik piedzīvojumi bērniem bija jāizjūt un pats interesantākais, ka neviens pieaugušais nepalīdzēja kaut vai ar to, ka paziņojot policijai… Šis lika aizdomāties par mūsdienām, kad kāds bērns pazūd…
Smeldzīgs sākums par anti-mīlošu daudzbērnu ģimeni, kas pārtop kā aizraujošs ceļojums līdz okeānam, lai piepildītu viena bērna sapni…
Spraigs sižets kādi tik piedzīvojumi bērniem bija jāizjūt un pats interesantākais, ka neviens pieaugušais nepalīdzēja kaut vai ar to, ka paziņojot policijai… Šis lika aizdomāties par mūsdienām, kad kāds bērns pazūd…
July 16, 2025
Tas bija dīvaini.
March 19, 2015
Yes, I'm an adult who reads children's books like Mourlevat's The Pull of the Ocean.
I can't help it.
As a kid, I've only read Disney classics sent directly by my aunties from the States, the Ladybird books available at the biggest bookstore chain (The Princess and the Pea was my favorite), The Sweet Valley Twins series loaned to me by a school friend, and a mysterious hardbound book of obscure fairy tales that might have been stolen from a library.
I know Hans Christian Andersen's Thumbelina, but I haven't read about Tom Thumb from which Mourlevat based the story of Yann, who is the youngest and twinless of the seven Doutreleau brothers. He is so tiny that he could hide inside a bag and do all sorts of things like steal food from other unwitting bags in the overhead compartment of a train.
The adventures of Yann and his six elder brothers starts on the night that his neglectful and abusive parents argue. Meaning: it was a normal night at the Doutreleaus. Except that Yann is not a normal ten year-old boy living in a French country. He is mute, loves school more than his brothers, and seemed destined to live a sad, tragic life that one can only expect from such impeccable parents.
Mourlevat, a known children's author in France, structured this modern-day fairy tale using multiple points of view, which I've only experienced in GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire and in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. So we read the accounts of people who have met Yann and his brothers at each point in their journey-----the baker, social worker, the grocer, the train passenger, the unemployed jogger, etcetera.
The separate encounters, the bits and pieces of images, alternating with the unique voices of the elder Doutreleau brothers make the story of Yann's decision to run away from their parents all mysterious and enchanting. My favorite parts will have to be the scenes before and after they board the train, when Yann and his brothers are at their cleverest.
Mourlevat only reveals Yann's motivations in seeking the ocean in the last chapter of this short story. And dear reader, when you arrive at that page, I promise you, you will not regret in knowing this tiny hero called Yann.
I can't help it.
As a kid, I've only read Disney classics sent directly by my aunties from the States, the Ladybird books available at the biggest bookstore chain (The Princess and the Pea was my favorite), The Sweet Valley Twins series loaned to me by a school friend, and a mysterious hardbound book of obscure fairy tales that might have been stolen from a library.
I know Hans Christian Andersen's Thumbelina, but I haven't read about Tom Thumb from which Mourlevat based the story of Yann, who is the youngest and twinless of the seven Doutreleau brothers. He is so tiny that he could hide inside a bag and do all sorts of things like steal food from other unwitting bags in the overhead compartment of a train.
The adventures of Yann and his six elder brothers starts on the night that his neglectful and abusive parents argue. Meaning: it was a normal night at the Doutreleaus. Except that Yann is not a normal ten year-old boy living in a French country. He is mute, loves school more than his brothers, and seemed destined to live a sad, tragic life that one can only expect from such impeccable parents.
Mourlevat, a known children's author in France, structured this modern-day fairy tale using multiple points of view, which I've only experienced in GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire and in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. So we read the accounts of people who have met Yann and his brothers at each point in their journey-----the baker, social worker, the grocer, the train passenger, the unemployed jogger, etcetera.
The separate encounters, the bits and pieces of images, alternating with the unique voices of the elder Doutreleau brothers make the story of Yann's decision to run away from their parents all mysterious and enchanting. My favorite parts will have to be the scenes before and after they board the train, when Yann and his brothers are at their cleverest.
Mourlevat only reveals Yann's motivations in seeking the ocean in the last chapter of this short story. And dear reader, when you arrive at that page, I promise you, you will not regret in knowing this tiny hero called Yann.
December 16, 2012
Wow. I loved this. It was a very quick read, perfect for a travel day (less than 200 pages). But I'm not confident enough that OTHER people will love it like I do. In fact, as much as I loved it, I'm not sure there's anyone I'd recommend it to.
I think part of the draw for me was that even though there was no hint of magic at all, there was somehow a feeling that Yann could be. That he might sprout wings like in some magical realism short story.
I know people read reviews to figure out if it's something they should spend their time reading. I don't know why it appeals to me so much, so it's difficult to figure out who would like it. It reminds me of "A Boy and a Bear in a Boat" (another quirky little one that fell into my cart at the library and I LOVED) in that there are plenty of people who do NOT like it, yet some of us find it completely charming and magical. They both also rely more on short episodes that might make you grin rather than one whole story. And they both have endings that could be maddening to someone who needs more closure.
But. Wow. I loved this.
I think part of the draw for me was that even though there was no hint of magic at all, there was somehow a feeling that Yann could be. That he might sprout wings like in some magical realism short story.
I know people read reviews to figure out if it's something they should spend their time reading. I don't know why it appeals to me so much, so it's difficult to figure out who would like it. It reminds me of "A Boy and a Bear in a Boat" (another quirky little one that fell into my cart at the library and I LOVED) in that there are plenty of people who do NOT like it, yet some of us find it completely charming and magical. They both also rely more on short episodes that might make you grin rather than one whole story. And they both have endings that could be maddening to someone who needs more closure.
But. Wow. I loved this.
September 5, 2021
Cette histoire m’a un peu brisée, je crois. Tendrement farfelue, elle m’a donné envie de lire tous les autres Jean-Claude Mourlevat.
May 28, 2021
This charming little French language tale is about a tiny boy called Yann, the youngest of 7 brothers, and the older 6 are all twins. Yann tells the brothers he has overheard that their father is going to kill them and they set off on a journey west to the ocean.
The chapters are then given like a series of witness statements after the fact, and the opening one is chilling, suggesting Yann will not survive the tale. Through these witness statements (including statements from the brothers) we follow the journey west. The first chapter drops you right into the action and it takes the whole book to slowly unravel the mystery of what is happening here and why.
It is a children's book, so it would be unfair to be overly critical of some fantastical elements (a boy so small he can hide in a shopping bag for instance, or that you would get 3 pairs of *identical* twins. Although twins run in families, that is not true of identical twins.) None of the fantastical elements distracted me from what was an enjoyable tale. The conclusion is a little open considering this is a children's book, but that need not be a bad thing.
The chapters are then given like a series of witness statements after the fact, and the opening one is chilling, suggesting Yann will not survive the tale. Through these witness statements (including statements from the brothers) we follow the journey west. The first chapter drops you right into the action and it takes the whole book to slowly unravel the mystery of what is happening here and why.
It is a children's book, so it would be unfair to be overly critical of some fantastical elements (a boy so small he can hide in a shopping bag for instance, or that you would get 3 pairs of *identical* twins. Although twins run in families, that is not true of identical twins.) None of the fantastical elements distracted me from what was an enjoyable tale. The conclusion is a little open considering this is a children's book, but that need not be a bad thing.
November 7, 2020
Encore un roman de Jean-Claude Mourlevat et un nouveau coup de coeur. Décidemment avec lui ça va devenir une habitude.
Ici, on suit une histoire dramatique, sorte de réécriture du petit Poucet où l'on va suivre 7 frères, 3 paires de jumeaux et un tout petit bonhomme prénommé Yann. Issu d'une famille paysanne, avec des parents durs et peu enclins aux cajoleries, ils ne sont pas à la noce. Mais ils sont soudés. Un soir, Yann entend ses parents se disputer et énoncer une grave menace. Pour secourir ses frères, il les entraîne dans un drôle de périple vers l'ouest et l'océan qui l'a toujours fasciné. La narration est très originale puisqu'on suit leur histoire de façon chronologique mais à travers un prisme de points de vue extérieurs à la fratrie et par les yeux chacun des frères de Yann (que l'on entendra lui qu'à la toute fin du roman).
J'ai adoré cette façon de raconter. le style de Mourlevat m'a encore une fois complètement embarquée dans cette aventure terrible et dramatique. le lien qui unit les frères Doutreleau est fort, tissé d'une confiance indéfectible en ce petit bonhomme à la sagacité surprenante. J'ai aimé croisé les destins de tous ceux qui les ont aidé ou pas dans leur quête de liberté. Et la révélation finale laisse comme toujours chez cet auteur une petite pointe d'amertume.
Un superbe roman à mettre entre toutes les mains.
Ici, on suit une histoire dramatique, sorte de réécriture du petit Poucet où l'on va suivre 7 frères, 3 paires de jumeaux et un tout petit bonhomme prénommé Yann. Issu d'une famille paysanne, avec des parents durs et peu enclins aux cajoleries, ils ne sont pas à la noce. Mais ils sont soudés. Un soir, Yann entend ses parents se disputer et énoncer une grave menace. Pour secourir ses frères, il les entraîne dans un drôle de périple vers l'ouest et l'océan qui l'a toujours fasciné. La narration est très originale puisqu'on suit leur histoire de façon chronologique mais à travers un prisme de points de vue extérieurs à la fratrie et par les yeux chacun des frères de Yann (que l'on entendra lui qu'à la toute fin du roman).
J'ai adoré cette façon de raconter. le style de Mourlevat m'a encore une fois complètement embarquée dans cette aventure terrible et dramatique. le lien qui unit les frères Doutreleau est fort, tissé d'une confiance indéfectible en ce petit bonhomme à la sagacité surprenante. J'ai aimé croisé les destins de tous ceux qui les ont aidé ou pas dans leur quête de liberté. Et la révélation finale laisse comme toujours chez cet auteur une petite pointe d'amertume.
Un superbe roman à mettre entre toutes les mains.
June 11, 2022
Kui ei oleks olnud lugemise väljakutset, siis ei oleks see raamat minu lugemise lauale jõudnudki.
Kohe loo esimesest peatükist alates oli põnevus sees ja tundus, et kas tõesti on nüüd nii, et see on üks õnnetu lõpuga raamat.
Ülesehituselt meenutas ühte Liane Moriarty raamatut (“Truly Madly Guilty”). Lugu edeneb nii, et kõik erinevad tegelased räägivad oma vaatenurgast mingit juppi ning nii ta järjest edasi kulgeb. Ainuke, kes sõna ei võta, on peategelane ise. Tema saab alles raamatu päris lõpus oma versiooni avaldada.
Tegemist peaks olema noorteromaaniga, aga minu arvates täitsa korralik lugemine ka täiskasvanutele. Pigem isegi ei liigitaks noortekaks. Kuigi tegelased on noored, 10-14 aastat vanad, ei ole nad lapsikud ning ka lugu ise on pigem tõsisem.
Kindlasti julgen soovitada.
Kohe loo esimesest peatükist alates oli põnevus sees ja tundus, et kas tõesti on nüüd nii, et see on üks õnnetu lõpuga raamat.
Ülesehituselt meenutas ühte Liane Moriarty raamatut (“Truly Madly Guilty”). Lugu edeneb nii, et kõik erinevad tegelased räägivad oma vaatenurgast mingit juppi ning nii ta järjest edasi kulgeb. Ainuke, kes sõna ei võta, on peategelane ise. Tema saab alles raamatu päris lõpus oma versiooni avaldada.
Tegemist peaks olema noorteromaaniga, aga minu arvates täitsa korralik lugemine ka täiskasvanutele. Pigem isegi ei liigitaks noortekaks. Kuigi tegelased on noored, 10-14 aastat vanad, ei ole nad lapsikud ning ka lugu ise on pigem tõsisem.
Kindlasti julgen soovitada.
March 10, 2019
Dévoré en un peu plus d'une heure dans le train, j'ai adoré l'histoire et la construction du récit. Petit bémol sur la personnalité des personnages qu'on ne fait qu'effleurer...
February 21, 2021
C’était un de mes livres préférés quand j’étais enfant du coup j’avais un peu peur de le relire. Je regrette absolument pas, il est toujours aussi beau et touchant..
July 29, 2021
J’ai aimé se livre car il m’a fait rappeler l’histoire du petit poucet
Read
May 7, 2024MIKS SEE NII LÕPPES????
January 20, 2025
3.5, des fois les livres pour enfants c’est cool
May 11, 2025
J’espère que les parents ont retenu la leçon.
September 20, 2021
This was strange and sad and poetic and I wanted to love it for the style? And for the cover. But it felt dark and lonely and heavy and pointless.
But pretty.
But pretty.
December 25, 2024
DNF...only got 2 chapters in....
September 15, 2024
(3.5 ⭐️)
September 30, 2009
The Pull of the Ocean
Written by: Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Published by: Delacorte Press
Copyright Year: 2006
190 Pages
$13.95
ISBN:0-385-73348-8
Reading Level: ages 11-13
This book gets a rating of: 4.5 stars out of 5
Never judge a book by its cover”
The Pull of the Ocean tells a story about not judging a book by its cover but with humans. In this book there is a midget and he is mute. People think small of him, but he is actually a genius. He and his seven brothers run away from home because they hear their dad threaten to kill them in the night. They must survive on their own and Yann the mute boy is their leader. He can speak to his brothers in some type of mental telepathic language that only they can understand.
This book broke barriers to understanding because if someone said there was a mute midget you wouldn’t think that much of him. You would judge him before you met him. But once you actually find out and read about this character you realize that he is a genius and a great leader. Yann is a great leader because he thinks of the plots to get food and shelter on their journey to the sea. Yann had lots of confidence to keep his younger brothers going despite challenges.
The author of this book is Jean-Claude Mourlevat. He used to teach German to young people but then he switched to acting and teaching. Later he started to write kids books in France and then translate them into English and publish them in America.
You should read this book if you like stories about friendship and leadership. You will also enjoy it if you like books about survival. This book has really changed my thought on leadership and hope.
Review written by: Logan M
Written by: Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Published by: Delacorte Press
Copyright Year: 2006
190 Pages
$13.95
ISBN:0-385-73348-8
Reading Level: ages 11-13
This book gets a rating of: 4.5 stars out of 5
Never judge a book by its cover”
The Pull of the Ocean tells a story about not judging a book by its cover but with humans. In this book there is a midget and he is mute. People think small of him, but he is actually a genius. He and his seven brothers run away from home because they hear their dad threaten to kill them in the night. They must survive on their own and Yann the mute boy is their leader. He can speak to his brothers in some type of mental telepathic language that only they can understand.
This book broke barriers to understanding because if someone said there was a mute midget you wouldn’t think that much of him. You would judge him before you met him. But once you actually find out and read about this character you realize that he is a genius and a great leader. Yann is a great leader because he thinks of the plots to get food and shelter on their journey to the sea. Yann had lots of confidence to keep his younger brothers going despite challenges.
The author of this book is Jean-Claude Mourlevat. He used to teach German to young people but then he switched to acting and teaching. Later he started to write kids books in France and then translate them into English and publish them in America.
You should read this book if you like stories about friendship and leadership. You will also enjoy it if you like books about survival. This book has really changed my thought on leadership and hope.
Review written by: Logan M
May 20, 2020
Juvenile lit for the one in all of us who is without a natural pair.... and even more so, just doesn’t fit in. Yann is such an amazing character. His parents are tragic even when they are at their best. I loved the “pull” Yann felt for his brothers. Both tender and brittle.
May 5, 2011
The pull of the ocean is about the twins who want to be live.
One day, 3twins decided to go to the ocean from their parents, because John heard that their parents trying to kill them. They got the train and that smart guys stole tickets to ride. However, they were hungry,and poor. Even one was wearing women shoes. They had a bad smell too. At the train, one women saw everything, even John stealing tickets, but she didn't tell to people. They could arrive near by ocean. They went to a house, and they had to stay at garage without food, water... they couldn't get out...
when Johm brought a telephone, they called to their home and finally, they could go home but John didn't go back to home. That was the end.. I was confusing at the end, but I think that the smartest John wanted to find new life by himself even though he is just 10. The end was kind of sad ending..
One day, 3twins decided to go to the ocean from their parents, because John heard that their parents trying to kill them. They got the train and that smart guys stole tickets to ride. However, they were hungry,and poor. Even one was wearing women shoes. They had a bad smell too. At the train, one women saw everything, even John stealing tickets, but she didn't tell to people. They could arrive near by ocean. They went to a house, and they had to stay at garage without food, water... they couldn't get out...
when Johm brought a telephone, they called to their home and finally, they could go home but John didn't go back to home. That was the end.. I was confusing at the end, but I think that the smartest John wanted to find new life by himself even though he is just 10. The end was kind of sad ending..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews