First published in 1984 and now reissued in paperback, a story about the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Simon becomes obsessed by the fascination, horror and reality of war, and wonders if the story in his head belongs to him or Ha, his war orphan brother.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 UpThe War Orphan does not live up to its potential for being an excellent story. Brainy and somewhat priggish Simon has his well-ordered and insulated life as an English schoolboy suddenly disrupted by the arrival of a foster brother, Ha, a young Vietnamese war orphan. This newcomer exhibits baby-like crying, wets and messes his pants, communicates poorly, and rocks the lower berth of the shared bunk bed at night. His disturbing presence soon drives Simon to learn more about the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, Anderson uses the device of dreams and visions to educate Simon about Ha and the war. The resulting descriptions of wartime life in Vietnam are powerful, moving, and graphic; however, the continual shifts in the narrative between Simon and Ha tend to create confusing and irritating disruptions. In addition, Anderson's vignettes of English domestic life fail to match in intensity and interest the views of wartime Vietnam. American readers may be further confused by the many Briticisms. Furthermore, only the two main characters have any real substance and depth to them. As a result, this is a disappointing book. David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School Library, Wash.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Rachel Anderson is a previous winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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