Mr Nobody's Eyes [Paperback]

Michael Morpurgo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 1990

After the death of Harry's father, his mother remarries and Harry has a new step-brother. But Harry feels lonely and rejected, and he runs away with his friend Ocky, a chimpanzee from the circus. The author's other novels include "Friend or Foe" and "Why the Whales Came".

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In trouble at school and at home, Harry can do little to please his demanding stepfather; Harry's mother, preoccupied with her new baby, has no time to spare for her eldest son. Harry's world is lonely until he meets two circus performers: Signor Blondini and Ocky, a chimpanzee. When Ocky escapes from the circus, Harry hides her in his secret den, but a complicated chain of events forces the pair to run away from home. Together they hop freight trains, live with gypsies and take part in a terrifying adventure. In a happy ending that may strike some readers as abrupt, Harry gains his stepfather's respect and returns home determined to turn over a new leaf. Perceptive writing, strong characters and scenes of breathless suspense combine to produce an overall compelling novel. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-- It's the '50s and Britain is recovering from the war. Harry's life is a mess. Miss Hardcastle has singled him out as a troublemaker in school, and at home his mother's husband and mother-in-law are preparing for the new baby. No one seems to notice him unless he is in trouble. One day Harry meets Signor Blondini and his chimpanzee companion, Ocky. When he runs into Ocky alone, he takes him back to his secret hideaway in a bombed-out, condemned house. In no time, Ocky and Harry are on the run as a number of events conspire to make Harry distrust everyone around him. In the end, after much excitement and travail, the stepfather proves to be kind and Harry heads happily home. This could have been a gripping novel with logical character development as Harry slowly learns about trust, love, and his own obligations to others. Unfortunately, the whining tone in the early chapters leaves readers with little sympathy for Harry. The ending is abrupt, as readers are not adequately prepared for Harry's sudden discovery that his stepfather and family do care about him. Adventure and suspense abound in this historical (well, to kids the '50s are history) novel, yet little of that time period or the realities of stepfamilies are conveyed. Best for readers who demand fast-paced action and are less concerned about appealing and convincing character growth. --Carol A. Edwards, Buckham Memorial Library, Faribault, MN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: Mammoth (October 4, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0749701048
• ISBN-13: 978-0749701048
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,390,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.