Felix and Gabriek are now living in the bombed out remains of a city. The danger hasn’t decreased as hunger is rife and demand for food, petrol and other life saving supplies is often fought to the death for around them.

Again, Felix’s life changes as a little bundle is pushed into his arms as another gunfight breaks out. The little bundle is a baby boy. Gabriek tells him to take the baby to the local welfare centre, but just like the food packages given out, help at the welfare centre is outstretched a hundred times over by need.

‘Little bundle’ becomes Pavlo and caring for him gives Gabriek something to think about and do besides drink his home-made alcohol. Felix must make deals he’d rather not, in order to get milk powder for the baby.

Ever since he left the Catholic orphanage years before, there has been someone ready to hurt him. This time it is Gogol, the leader of a ruthless gang who believes Felix has crossed him. The only way to appease him is to make more deals. He has met a doctor that is sheltering children he knows in an orphanage. Not only does the doctor offer him hot chocolate and everything he needs for Pavlo, he has an entire library of medical books – heaven for an information starved Felix.

Dr Lipzyk isn’t the caring, generous man he makes out to be. As the truth is revealed, plans go awry once more. Will Felix be able to care for Pavlo, his new friend Anya and also keep Gabriek from doing something incredibly dangerous?

Soon is full of hope. Soon there might be food enough for all. Soon there will be somewhere to live and soon people might stop hurting each other. Soon is a mighty ask though, even if the war is over. Aid is sparse if non-existent and the strong are still stepping on the weak to get what they want. 

Soon shows a city like many in Europe, lying in pieces as its people and refugees try to put some sort of life back together. Smaller wars have taken over between gangs. Working in a gang is a current way to survive, no matter what they have to do. Felix’s kind heart goes out to a baby and also to a new friend who seems strong, clever and brave, but is hiding a secret of her own.

Another great book in the series that portrays the end of the second world war and aftermath, this time through the eyes of a 13 year old Felix.

Author – Morris Gleitzman

Age – 10+

Read the first Chapter of Soon here

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

(2015, Penguin, Puffin, WWII, World War 2, Historical, Series, Russian soldiers, City Rubble, Baby, Medical Experiments, Supplies, Welfare, Food parcels, Food Aid, Gangs, Paintings, Stolen Art, Truth, Facial reconstruction, Prejudice, Racism, Bullies)