Then Book Review -WW2 Story for Young Readers

What is Then by Morris Gleitzman About?

Then is darker and more survival-focused than Once, as Felix begins to understand the reality of war. Then is particularly suited to advanced young readers who are ready for emotional historical storytelling.

Discover our Review and Summary of Then by Morris Gleitzman

A tale of kindness, horrible realisations, and unravelling mysteries…

Welcome back to 1943, in the middle of World War II.  Felix and Zelda are now stuck in the forest, searching for food and water, when they stumble across a surprise that changes their lives – though it is not what it seems at first.  From then on, Felix and Zelda live a happily life but, in a moment, everything changes and Felix is forced to make the most difficult decision of his life. He finds himself questioning everything he used to think and believe. He begins to feel a desire for revenge.

My favourite part in this book was when Zelda and Felix are wandering around a town, looking at all the different shops and food. I liked this part because it makes me happy that they were finally able to enjoying themselves for once.

My favourite character in this book is Felix because of his bravery and kindness, and how he never gave up, even in the toughest of times.

Is Then Worth Reading?

Overall, I loved reading this book, it has really educated me -not only about the lives of Jewish people during World War II, but also German people, and how life wasn’t fair for them either. I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and thoughtful stories. I also think that you should read Once before you read this book, as it will help you understand the characters better.

If you love Then, 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, which explores the Blitz from a child’s perspective.

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

Private Peaceful, 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