Now by Morris Gleitzman ~ Started: 06.05.10 ~ Finished: 07.05.10
Synopsis ~
Morris Gleitzman's acclaimed story of friends Felix and Zelda in Nazi-occupied Poland has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. In Now he delivers the final chapter, bringing this most moving of stories into the present day.
'Now' is the final book of the series following 'Once' and 'Then', the story of Felix Salinger, a young Jewish boy trying to keep himself and his friend, Zelda safe from the Nazis. 'Once and 'Then' brought tears to my eyes, as did 'Now'
In 'Now' Felix is now 80 years old, a retired surgeon and living in Australia, his grand~daughter Zelda comes to live with him when her parents (both doctors) go to Darfur. Zelda misses her parents and friends but adores living with her beloved grandfather and his dog, Jumble.
Zelda is having some problems at school, she is being bullied, she does not want to worry her grandfather because of the stories her parents told about Felix's childhood and the bullies (the Nazis), Zelda feels it will bring back memories for Felix, Felix knows what is happening and tells Zelda the best thing to do, tell an adult and have a friend to support you, which Zelda does in some way, her new friend, Josh who suffers from asthma.
As the story progresses, Zelda finds out more about Felix as he tells her parts of his story but Felix has left out an important part of the story which he cannot tell Zelda but he may have to.
'Now' is just as powerful 'Once' and 'Then', it is written for children but it is written in such a way that its gets the message across of how much was lost for so many people, especially children, Felix is a strong but subtle character who has a quiet strength, as does Zelda.
All of the books can be read separately and I hope you get the chance to read them.
A wonderful read.