Customer Reviews

The Silver Sword

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read this book several years ago, but still enjoy favorite reading it. Most books I never read twice, yet this book has transformed me into wanting to read it over and over again. It is a fascinating story of four young children, who over four years travel across Europe in search of their father. Their father, trapped in a prison, has finally escaped, yet to a Warsaw now reduced to little more than rubble. His home was bombed, and his children are missing. He meets Jan, a street urchin and orphan, who helps him "jump" a train. Ruth, Edek, and their younger sister, the three children, now live across Warsaw waiting for their Father's return. When Edek, the only one with a 'job' (smuggling food) is sent to a labor camp, Ruth and her younger sister suffer. Finding the street urchin, Jan, is the only reason they were able to survive. He helps them leave their home, the small cellar of a bombed building in search of their father. After finding Edek in his camp, and convincing the guards to let him go, they resume their dangerous journey. They find a kind farmer and his family, who lets them live on their farm. When a patrolman comes to the farm, the farmer sends the children in canoes down a river. Several Nazis, and trucks deporting 'border-jumpers' almost catch the canoeing children, and Jan's dog Ludwig. They reach Switzerland, where they planned on meeting their parents. A new life and beginning await the three siblings, and Jan, the adopted son. This was a beautiful story of love and devotion of a small, poor Polish family living during WWII. I definately recommend this book for those who want a wonderful story to read with their families.

The Author is Ian Serraillier an it's published by Puffin.
The story is about a family that is seperated during the war and Joseph goes looking for his wife in Switzerland and a few years later the children go looking for there parents they are Ruth,Edek,Bronia and they find a kind helping follower that has got no parents and that is Jan.Jan is my favourite character cause he is daring.Ruth is my least favourite character cause all she does is just and worry.My favourite bit is when Jan gives Bistro the chimp a cigar.The least favourite bit is when the boat crash's.I would reccomend it to all ages from 5 to 13 year olds.

I mistakenly checked this book out of the library when I was in 4th grade (1964), thinking it was going to be about knights ("The Silver Sword"). Imagine my surprise when, upon reading the first page, I discovered it was about a young boy (my age) separated from his family during WWII. Yet, even that first page sucked me in. I was not an avid, or even a good reader at that age, but I couldn't put it down, and finished the book in two days. I proceeded to check it out at least once a year until I could no longer find it in libraries. It was probably the single biggest reason I learned to love reading. My son is now in 4th grade, and I logged on to see if I could find it, and will make sure it becomes a part of his life as well.

What a book to remember! I first read this book when I was around 10 years old (1977), and then again a couple of years later. The book has stayed in my memory all this time and I've actually just today searched the net for more info(2000)! The previous reviews brought back the adventures of the Jan and the rest of the gang with such clarity - not bad for 20 odd years! I must admit, now I have the author's name once again, I'll be heading for the local library to brush off the cobwebs, and settle down to a rollercoaster of emotional bliss! Please, please, please - read this to your kids! They (and hopefully you) will love it!

I believe it was 1959 that this book was issued by the weekly readers book club. I wrote in the front of the book "the best book I ever read". I was an avid 10 year old reader. I highly recommend this book to age 10 and above. I will get the newly printed edition for my grandchildren. Thank you,Ian Serraillier. I still have my original copy. Sincerely, Teresa White

In 1963 my 6th grade teacher read a chapter from this book to our class every day. We were completely engrossed in the story of these children and the sad adventure that they were forced to take in a world gone mad. Their childhood was lost at an early age but they managed to use their good sense and family loyalty to survive. I have recommended this book to other children who have also come to love it. I am happy to see it become available again after being out of print so long.

"Escape from Warsaw", Originally titled "The Silver Sword" was quite an enjoyable book. I raked through a bookshelf of mine, intending to select an appropriate book for a paper, and happened upon this book. Once I began reading, I wasn't able to put it down! It sparked a little voice in my head, beckoning me to finish the book. The story of the family's troubled times and separation are entrancing. Their strong-hearted will and determination for their reunion is admirable. I have recommended this book to several others alike myself, whom love a book to settle down with. I, surprisingly enough, would read this again and again over the years to come, and enjoy every moment of my well-spent time. Bravo! Magnificent! I absolutely adore this book.

I read this book in my first year at secondary school (age 11+ or 5th grade in the US). That was 18 years ago. A few minutes ago the title came to me and I had to look up this book on Amazon to see if it was still available and I'm glad it is.

Even as a young boy this book was captivating. I was never a fan of reading but this drew me in. I've been fortunate, I've read great novels at school. A kestrel for a knave, A man for all seasons, Men and Gods, the old man and the sea, animal farm, Shane, Huckle Berry Finn to name some of the others in the same group as this title.

I can honestly say books like this have made me a collector even though I still don't read. I've been fortunate to collect great novels, leather bound, gold accents, moire end pages and beautifully illustrated and I owe it all to books such as this.

Thank you Mr Serraillier

It is a story of a Polish family being separated, and then being reunited. It shows a lot of emotions & adventure, in style.
It had been one of my school day books, which I treasure even now.

There is a Paperback Edition of the same book called the `Escape from Warsaw'.

Kids will love this book. The authors have transformed their experiences during the war into this book.
It gives a greater picture of Wartime scenarios.

It is a story of a Polish family being separated, and then being reunited. It shows a lot of emotions & adventure, in style.
It had been one of my school day books, which I treasure even now.

There is a Paperback Edition of the same book called the `Escape from Warsaw'.

Kids will love this book. The authors have transformed their experiences during the war into this book.
It gives a greater picture of Wartime scenarios.