Customer Reviews

Los Chicos De Diciembre/ the December Boys (Zona Libre/ Free Zone) (Spanish Edition)

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Choker (who tells the story), Fido, Spark, Misty and Maps all live at a Catholic orphanage for boys in the dusty outback of Australia in the late 1930's. They are known as the "December boys" because they all have their birthday in that month. Living inland none have ever seen the sea. Then one December they are sent on a holiday to Captain's Folly, a small seaside settlement that has seen better days. They stay with Mr. And Mrs. McAnsh, an eccentric couple who enjoy the odd bottle of wine. While exploring the beach the boys quickly make friends with some of the permanent inhabitants, especially Teresa and her husband Fearless Foley. Fearless was once a stunt rider in a traveling carnival. As the holiday unfolds adventure after adventure takes place for the boys, but can this paradise last?

This book describes the great exuberance of childhood, showing how, with a little good-will and imagination, life can be filled with joy, even if your circumstances are difficult. Of course with ill-will and narrow-vision life can be spoiled. Poverty is a related theme explored to a lesser extent. The value of friendship is greatly emphasised.

<The December Boys> could be called a 'historical novel' as it describes a lifestyle that existed almost one-hundred ago. A one paragraph "Author's Note" provides the only special information needed to enjoy the story.

A film version of the book was released in 2008, however I should point out that the story is altered a little, I think to the detriment of the original themes. It seems it is still necessary to have a 'Hollywood endings'.

I like to read the same book in two or more different languages. Very helful.