The Prisoner- Book Review

The Prisoner is a powerful and moving novel written for young readers by English novelist James Riordan, who also wrote 'Sweet Clarinet' and 'The Gift'. The novel is set in World War ll in an unnamed English village and is the story of two young children named Tom and Iris who discover an enemy German pilot in the woods. The pilot becomes 'their prisoner, their responsibility and their contribution to war.

The main characters are Tom, a 10 year old boy who is compassionate, perceptive and concerned. Iris his older sister is judgmental, opinionated and demanding; and Martin, a German pilot, is courageous, gentle and comforting. When the children first meet Martin, Iris is hesitant between the desire for revenge and the need to keep the German alive. She believes he is the hated enemy and considers leaving him alone in agonising pain. Tom is eager to befriend Martin and learn the details of his past and his perceptions on the war. As the novel progresses the reader develops and understanding of the children's character and their emerging relationship with Martin in the railway shed during the air-raid.

Most of the novel revolves around Martin's memories of his past and his route to war. He explains to the children about how he had a best friend named Erich and describes the clashes between their families, as his own family did not support Hitler. Martin reveals that he is forced into joining the Hitler Youth by his headmaster. As the air-raid continues outside, the children grow fearful. Martin takes control as he attempts to comfort the children by sharing stories to take their minds off their terror. For the first time the reader becomes aware that Iris is perceiving the German as a person, rather than the enemy. Martin goes on further to intrigue Iris by describing the heroic actions of an English POW, who helped the German casualties despite having been injured himself. The children's hope is that it may be their missing father who is believed to have died. The author creates a change of mood and tension as the children begin to challenge Martin about the mysterious soldier, leaving the reader enthralled.

One memorable event in the novel is when the bombing begins to draw nearer to the railway shed. Tom and Iris are intensely afraid and begin to cuddle up to Martin for comfort and protection. When the bomb destroys their shelter, they are both saved by Martin's body covering them. Martin's death resonates with the reader with immense significance as he sacrifices himself for the children.

The Prisoner explores several issues of war by outlining its conflicting and unfortunate consequences. The author portrays the characters realistically, depicting Martin's and the children's struggles as they come to terms with the impact of war on their lives. The themes of friendship and courage, leaves the reader inspired. The novel's