Conrads War

This book had a heavy influence on my thought when I was 10 years old, although I could not explain why. As an MA student in teaching, I reread it for a presentation, and was shocked at its psychological depth. The reviews seem to see this book as a simple morality play, but its quality far outstrips the heavy-handed allegory of Lord of the Flies, which is more commonly used in education. No, this is a top-notch book by the most talented screenwriter in the UK (ever heard of "Masterpiece Theatre"?), and is a work of "psychological realism," in which the emotions of "growing up"--of awakening to one's individuality and confronting one's father--are represented by a half-fantastic world just as real as the unconscious. I.e., this is Heart of Darkness for middle school children. It is, however, only intelligible to imaginitve and intelligent kids--or those with an insightful teacher trained in developmental psychology and literary analysis. An excellent choice for guidance counselors, as well. Conrad's War is true challenge to the monolithic cognitive-behaviorist system--do not expect to teach "practicalities" or the EOC tests, but a classical-idealist and psychodynamic world of thought. Challenge your students!!!

I first read Conrad's War as a young boy who was very much into war and guns. The summary provided by my library card-catalogue suggested it would be right up my alley, and it was. The funny thing is that as I read I began to take Conrad's journey along with him into the scary, dirty and cruel side of war. I changed reading this book. There wasn't any huge epiphany, just a slow awakening to the possibility that maybe war wasn't such a game. As an adult I re-read Conrad's War for old time's sake. I can still rank it as one of my favorites - certainly not as well crafted as Tolstoy or Austen, but for sheer fun it will always hold a spot on my shelf. And for what it did in my life it will always be near the top of my list of recommended books for children.

This book was good. I liked how the author has a good imagination. In the book Conrad's Dad didn't help him make the tank. The ending was good. If I was you I would read it.

I read this book as a boy and it cleared my head of many of the illusions that I had harbored concerning the glory of war. The basic plot involves a British boy who discovers that he is fading in and out of World War II. His initial reaction is one of energetic joy at finally getting his hands on some really cool guns. But as the war drags on, and his situations become less glamorous and more real he begins to change his tune. The story is told entirely without reference to the Holocaust, which seems like an enormous omission until one realizes that the intent of the book is to show the horror of war, not just the horror of World War II.