Five Boys

A strange book. Written in the style of a book aimed at young teenagers and with a plot to match it wanders into a metaphysical treatise on beekeeping and morality. With the odd swear word and descriptions of voyeurism and masturbation added to the mix but running at odds to the meandering plot and benign characterisation that makes them ill fitting. The Five Boys of the title never emerge either as a group or as individuals. The sixth boy with which the story starts disappears from the plot altogether. It reads like the author had a whole list of potential novels in his mind and decided to put them all into one book. Not a success.

FIVE BOYS, by Mick Jackson.

A disappointingly trudging novel of England in the days of the blitz. The story of one small boy, Bobby, who is evacuated from war-torn London to a small Devonshire village and how he adapts and fits in with a gang of five boys whose fathers have all gone off to the war. Small effectively written portraits of the old woman who takes Bobby in, an old man who builds ships in bottles, and the boys themselves. Unfortunately, the story moves so slowly, without much happening, that I just lost interest. Gave up after reading more than a hundred pages. There are just too many other books out there waiting, and better ones. Sorry, Mr. Jackson, but you need to pick up the pace. Not recommended.

Interesting tale of boyhood in the England countryside during World War Two. Lots of quirky incidents, and a great cast of well-developed characters, but the narrative is unsatisfying - I was left wondering "yes, but what's it all FOR?" The sum is less than the total of the quality parts...

Very interesting and quick read about life in a small town in England during the years leading up to WWII. I was a little disappointed when the story line took a detour but the story was completely enjoyable. It was a nice, one-day, "just sit in front of a fire and read" book. Would recommend to others.

een excentriekeling die zijn eigen hoofdhuid opensnijdt en vervolgens een gat in zijn schedel boort.