An Eagle in the Snow: A classic children’s wartime story of a soldier’s courage

An Eagle In The Snow by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful historical children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. It is based on fact, on the actions of Private Henry Tandey in World War I. It is an inspiring and amazing tale. It will educate you as you read. At the end of the book is a brief history of Henry Tandey’s life. War is futile. Politicians send young men on both sides to be slaughtered. No one wins. Everyone loses. “We had won, but it didn’t feel like winning, it never does.” Young men were changed by war. Some lived. Some died. Survivors were wracked with guilt. No matter how many years had passed, you couldn’t escape the war. “The war stayed in his head… It’s the same for all of us who’ve fought in a war. You don’t forget. You can’t. You want to, but you can’t.” We see World War I through the eyes of a veteran and a son of Coventry, who is on a train journey during World War II. We are shown the terror of being strafed by a Nazi plane whilst on a train. We hear of the bonds made in the Pals regiments during the first World War. And we see how a snap decision had far reaching consequences down the years. An Eagle In The Snow has a superb, jaw-dropping ending. I found it such a powerful read.

I didn't know this was written as a children's book and felt a bit foolish once it arrived and I realised my "mistake" (?). I'd caught part of a piece on TV (the One Show) with Michael Morpurgo who was talking about his inspiration for writing this book and I was intrigued; I thought to myself "I'll have to get that book". And you know what, dispute my initial feeling of foolishness and even disappointment when it arrived, there was no way I wasn't going to read it. I'm glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed this tale along with the accompanying illustrations as it reminded me just how a simple story, well told, can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things in life. It's not a children's story - it's a brilliant story and you will love it.

If your on this page and find this book then read it. Yes it is aimed as a childs book however I am an adult and love Michael Morpurgo as an author regardless. A simple story but with a truth at heart, I had to read it to the end. I have given it to my sister to read as the subject matter is something she is interested in.

I've read out loud most of Michael morpurgo books to my late wife during her illness. This one and most of the other ones I've choked up and had tears in my eyes.

i have read Most of michael morpurgos books and i ove them all. this one was great and i really liked the story line. if you have ANY common sense BUY THIS IT IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! honestly tho, i recomend it to 8+. if you are 12 or 42 this book will be a grear buy for you!!!!!!!!!! (plz buy it. its seriously good. well, r u gonna do ift or not???!!!!)

My daughter and I were fortunate to be able to hear Michael Morpurgo speak at our local library recently, and we were entranced by his storytelling. This book, An Eagle In the Snow, was to be his next release after the talk, so I went home and preordered our copy. We have been reading it together and have not been disappointed. The story, full of image inducing description, is another example of how skilfully he is able to weave truth with fiction to produce a thoroughly good read! (Oh yes, and as usual, it made me cry!)

I had only read one of MM books before (Listen to the Moon) which was suggested by my book club which is more of an adult novel. I thought this might be of a similar vein. This book has a great story and is a very quick read (read it in a few hours on the same day) but is written more for children complete with pictures. A story based on fact of a World War One war hero and his story which you just get wrapped up in and makes it a real page turner.

This novel had many of the loved hallmarks of Morpurgo's writing. The characters were from the working class, were believable, speaking in a vernacular tied to time and place. Other features were that some aspects of the plot were rooted in real events, the ending had a surprise twist and a theme was certainly the pity of war. However, the plot twist was all to obvious and the ending came too quickly.

An Eagle In The Snow est un roman jeunesse de Michaël Morpurgo, publié par les Editions HarperCollins et vendu à 9€. C’est un petit roman avec une police de caractère assez importante. Le texte est parsemé d’image et rend la lecture plus agréable. J’ai donc lu ce livre en VO et je l’ai trouvé magnifique ! L’anglais y est très accessible. De plus, l’histoire est magnifique, superbement bien menée et captivante. Même si je me doutais un peu du dénouement, j’ai vraiment eu plaisir à lire ce roman. Je vais essayer de le lire en français maintenant, pour voir si ça rend aussi bien et si j’ai tout compris !

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy reading and one wonders how different the world might have been had the young man decided not to do what he did. It is a thought provoking read, and it makes you realize how, what we think is an insignificant decision can affect world events.

Very interesting one again from Michael Morpurgo...

There has not been a story Mr. Morpurgo wrote we have not enjoyed. But this one is on the favorite list. We gave this as an audio book to our 12 year old son. He has listened a number of times. The story is superb! It is thought provoking and the WW1 historical facts are correct. The audio quality on this recording is great. The pleasant voice drew us in right from the start. Appreciated the historical note on the end of the book. We hope Mr. Morpurgo will write many more such stories!

I am still waiting to read an audiobook by Michael Morpugo that hasn't fascinated the whole family and An Eagle in the Snow is no exception. A great story and the twist at the end....oh my goodness, wait and see. Really great.