Soon Book Review -WW2 Story for Young Readers

What is Soon by Morris Gleitzman About?

Soon by Morris Gleitzman is the fifth book in the Once series, continuing Felix’s journey during World War 2 as he faces increasing danger and uncertainty. Soon focuses more on immediate survival pressure and the emotional intensity of wartime danger compared with later reflective books in the series.

Discover our Review and Summary of Soon by Morris Gleitzman

Once, I jumped off a train that was heading to a Jewish camp. Then, I found a loving and happy family, but they got taken away. After, I joined the Partisans with just one motive – to kill the Nazis. Soon, I found out horrible truths about a person I had looked up to as my mentor, and I realised the broken world I live in is beyond repair.

After WWII, Felix and Gabriek are still in Poland, living in secret. Felix continues to look after wounded people, but a scary encounter ends up with an unpredictable surprise. Gabriek is annoyed at first by this surprise but begins to soften as time goes by.

Felix meets Anya and they become friends, but she is bearing a deep secret. Meanwhile, Felix and Anya find themselves under the care of a former Nazi, so they have no choice but to leave. Will they be able to leave and keep their loved one safe?

My favourite part of this story was when Anya confesses her secret to Felix. I like this part because it strengthens their bond even more. Moments like these instil my belief in trustworthy friends.

My favourite character is Anya because of her adventurous spirit and quick-thinking. She stands out as a key character, and I think some parts of her personality are relatable to me.

Is Soon Worth Reading?

Overall, I loved this book and I rate it a 5/5, because of the way it is written and the emotions it aroused in me.

This story follows on really smoothly from After. I think it is a good idea to read other books in the series (Once, Then, After) before you read Soon to give the story greater depth. I recommend this book for ages 12 and above, as a mature readers will be better able to understand and cope with themes of depressing times, as well as sexual abuse towards women and girls.

If you love Soon, the story continues across the full series: Once | Then | Now | After | Soon | Maybe | Always. Each book follows Felix at different stages of his life.

If you enjoy emotional World War stories, you may also like:

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson, which explores the Blitz from a child’s perspective.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which tells the story of a young girl during World War II.

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, which follows a young soldier reflecting on love, family & harsh realities of World War I.

Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll, a historical mystery book during London Blitz.

The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan, a powerful and emotional story set during the Partition of India.

The Breadwinner Series by Deborah Ellis- following Parvana and Shauzia’s lives in Afghanistan.: The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journey, Mud City, My Name is Parvana and One More Mountain.

Ada’s story of strength, courage and belonging by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, The War That Saved My Life, The War I Finally Won