This book is one of my favorites. I’ve borrowed it several times from the library to read, and enjoyed it so much, that I bought it for myself. (I rarely buy books for myself, until I’ve re-read them several times.)

Willie Beech is an evacuee, sent to the English countryside to escape the German bombing of London. He has been abused by his mother, and so he expects the same from Mr. Tom, who has agreed to care for him. However, Mr. Tom, while somewhat of a recluse, is a kind man, who grows to love Willie as a son.

This fictional account of a boy who overcomes terrible abuse has a much cleaner ending than the real-life stories that Torey Hayden chronicles. While it may be somewhat sugar-coated, the story still draws you in. I think the magic behind the book lies in Mr. Tom’s character. Mr. Tom takes in a refugee, gives him a loving home, helps him through difficult times, gives him gifts, rescues him from danger, and calls him “Son.” As a Christian, I can’t help but seeing God’s love for us reflected in Mr. Tom’s love for Willie.