Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo- 4.9/5 Ratings
I’d reviewed this book when I’d completed it half way in the June meeting, and I don’t have anything more to add to what I’d already mentioned then as I’d not like to spoil the story for anyone.
It is about a young boy named Will who is on a vacation with his mother in Indonesia, when the elephant he’s riding on makes a sudden dash into the jungle minutes before a tsunami (this book is set in the backdrop of the 2004 tsunami and the Iraq war)
The rest of the book is about his experiences and struggles to survive with wild animals for company. There are many important issues covered in this book and I like how this novel educates children about wildlife and mankind’s destructive habits.
I wouldn’t call this a sad book but it definitely has its moments, where it is quite realistic in its portrayal of loss, and the effects of environmental destruction and war. However, this book, to me, carries the message of hope rather than despair. The writing is wonderful.
Thank you Irwin for lending this book to me. I’ll keep an eye out for more books by this author.
