Under a War-Torn Sky

This was an enjoyable book that was both exciting and realistic. Henry was a likeable character, though we didn't get to know Patsy, his love interest very well. I wish I knew what had happened to Claudette, Pierre and the other French characters who helped him, but it looks like I'd have to read the sequel to find out. While I liked Henry, Claudette was a much more interesting character, so it was rather frustrating not to know her fate. Not to know if she realized the evil of shedding blood in revenge. It seemed in the moments before Henry was separated from her (apparently for good) that she may have learned that, but because we didn't see her again, it's possible that her anger, hate and bitterness will come back after her perceived show more loss of Henry. This was a good book. It reminded me of [b: The Violins of Autumn|12987173|Violins of Autumn|Amy McAuley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344316810s/12987173.jpg|18146888] and (the nonfiction) [b: When Hitler Took Austria: A Memoir of Heroic Faith by the Chancellor's Son|13549208|When Hitler Took Austria A Memoir of Heroic Faith by the Chancellor's Son|Kurt Schuschnigg|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331923067s/13549208.jpg|19115087]. show less

This should have been more exciting than it was, but I think part of that was that the narrator was not a good fit. Also, I disliked that it changed from third-person limited to third-person omniscient in the last chapter.

I really enjoyed this YA historical fiction book. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel (A Troubled Peace). The story follows Henry, a 19 year old American pilot during WWII, who gets shot down behind enemy lines and has to depend on the courage and generosity of others to keep him safe from the Nazis and others.

The struggle seems real enough. Elliott wrote from the experiences of her own grandfather and others to composite Henry's story. His will to live and return home and his disgust at what he has had to do to survive rings true.

This is what good historical fiction is....it draws you in to the story and teaches you about that time period without being dull and forcing it on you. Through Henry's life, we get a small show more sense of the horrors of WWII and also the many people who chose to fight against the evil and risked their own lives doing so.

Ever since I read "All Quiet on the Western Front" in high school, I've been a big fan of learning history through stories like these. "Under a War-Torn Sky" does an excellent job of mixing adventure, horrors, heroes, and survival with the true history of WWII. A great book! show less

This novel centers around Hank, a pilot in WW2 whose plane goes down behind enemy lines. On his journey home, he encounters a multitude of people, most of which have a mind to help him, and is kept safe from danger by complete and total strangers. All of these people have distinct personalities, and every one has their own past and goals for the future. I believe this plethora of well-rounded characters and a vast array of settings are what give this book its great appeal.
One of the aspects of this book that really connected me to it was the poem which Hank has hung beside his bunk back at the base. It was written by an anonymous pilot, and this poem was read at my grandfather's funeral. He was a pilot in WW2, and had always loved to show more fly.
Elliott put a lot of effort into writing this book, as she always does, and her extensive research really shows. show less

Amazingly told. I learned things about the war I never knew. This was from the prospective of the resistance in France.

This is one of the best war stories that I have read. Because Henry is only 19 years old, it is suitable for younger readers. I have recommended it to numerous Grade 7 and 8 boys who have really enjoyed it. Shot down behind enemy lines in France during WWII, Henry is helped by the French Resistence. An excellent historical fiction filled with danger, suspense, heartbreak, and romance.

Nineteen-year-old Henry is an American bomber pilot during World War II. After parachuting out of his downed plane, Henry, with an assortment of helpers from the French Resistance, slowly makes his way across France with the hope of returning home to his. The age of the main character makes the story more personal to the reader and makes war a reality.