The Wall

The abstract setting of a divided city is never defined in William Sutcliffe’s first book for children, but we can safely assume the situation to be inspired by conflicts between Israel and Palestine. Thirteen year old Joshua is an only child living in a sterile and modern city with his mother and stepfather. But running through the city is The Wall, with no clue as to what lies beyond it. The checkpoint is heavily guarded, but while Joshua knows his people can pass freely back and forth, the mysterious residents on the other side cannot. With his paranoid and volatile stepfather offering daily diatribes on the threat of terrorism from those living beyond the wall, Joshua has never asked questions – until now. 

With the discovery of a tunnel that leads under The Wall, Joshua starts a dangerous journey into unknown territory. A lucky meeting with a girl who saves his life leads to a debt he is desperate to repay – but at what cost?

Whilst you might at first think this is going to be a dystopian tale, Sutcliffe never strays from realism, offering a paced and thought-provoking story that gives insight into the prejudices experienced during a conflict from a child’s perspective. As you might expect, this commands a simplified vision that often leads you to wonder at the mistakes of the adults.