Felix has spent 2 years in a hole underneath a horse stall of Genia’s farm. Now her husband Gabriek has returned from enforced labour in Germany, he looks out for Felix. Felix exercises at night but is hiding when he hears raised voices above him. Gabriek is arguing with a group of men and when he leaves reluctantly with them Felix feels he must follow to help Gabriek if he can.

This is Felix’s first view of the Partisan Army – civilians fighting against the Nazis. Gabriek is injured and they are separated. Not old enough to bear arms at 13 and go on dangerous missions, Felix is put to work assisting the Partisan camp doctor, with no anaesthetic and only salt for infection and vodka for pain relief. Felix has no way of knowing he has just begun his future career as a surgeon.

Still using his imagination and stories to try and combat his fears and the terrible things he sees, he soon becomes a leader of others himself. With news of the war coming to an end, he decides to follow even better news that his parents may still be alive in one of the death camps.

As in all of the books in this series each chapter begins with the title of the book. Felix tells his story directly to the reader, often asking direct questions along the way. Despite all he’s been through he still looks for the best in people. There are many tears too, and a constant fear of the Nazis but courage in spades too.

This series is set at the end of World War 2, at first fleeing, hiding and in this episode – fighting back. After shows the single-mindedness and bravery of the Partisan Army facing a force that eclipses their forces but not their resolve.

Climaxing in the horror story of the death camps left abandoned by the German Army, the reader gets a glimpse of the aftermath.

So powerful, incredibly researched and well-written, this is the 3rd book in this must-read series.

Author – Morris Gleitzman

Age – 10+

Read the first chapter of After here

Read more reviews of the rest in this family of books (Click on a Book Cover)

(2012, Penguin, Puffin, War, Courage, Series, Historical, Animals, Racism, Prejudice, Horse, Partisan Army, Fighting back, Responsibility, Refugees, Hitler Youth, Doctor, Injuries)