The Wall
Publisher: Bloomsbury
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.
What you thought...
Average rating:
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Nicola, 28 Mawrth 2021
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The Wall by William Sutcliffe grew on me slowly but surely and, before I knew it, had totally consumed me to the point of me having to read the last big chunk in one go. Based loosely on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the book carefully illustrates how one boy can discover a strength and courage that has been hidden and repressed. Its conclusion and message will stay with me long after I take it back to the library. I'm not sure whether KS3/4 readers will be able to persevere through th...
Chloe, 30 Hydref 2016
Awful. Terribly written. Poorly described characters, little continuity in the world the author has created, irritating narration. I have absolutely no sympathy for the characters. I'm not sure how the author intended us to feel at the end of the book, but I just feel irritated.