Morris GLEITZMAN (2005), Once, Penguin, Puffin Books

By Paula Otero, 1º Bachillerato EFL

Felix, a Jewish child, lives in an orphanage because his parents decided to leave him there until they resolved some problems with the Nazis. He thinks that his parents are alive, so he escapes from the orphanage and he starts looking for them. He goes to the town where he used to live before, but no one is there. All the Jews had left it. During his journey, he finds a burning house where he rescues a little girl called Zelda. Together, they begin a new adventure.

Felix lives at the peak of the German Holocaust, and he tells us how everything goes for Jewish people while Hitler rules the country. Also, you can find a bit of love between Felix and Zelda and a bit of fear when they are followed by the Nazis. Even though it is a real story, Felix uses a lot of imagination. He thinks that his parents are trying to save him through some clues, like the carrot in the soup at the beginning of the book.

The part I liked the best was the end because everything is so exciting. The Nazis find their cellar and they bring them out pointing at them with guns. Later, he says that his first train journey was not very funny, referring to when he was brought to Poland and he didn't know if he was alive or dreaming.

I really recommend this book, even if you don't like historical novels, because it's based on the German Holocaust, it's very accurate with how everything worked for the Jewish people at that time. Also, Felix's imagination makes it more enjoyable and easier to read. There are a lot of moments, such as the burning house when you can't stop reading.

I truly enjoyed it. It is not too long, so I think everyone can read it, even though they may not like reading.