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This title in other editionsKipling's Choiceby Geert Spillebeen
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:As a young man, Rudyard Kipling was devastated when his military application was rejected because of poor eyesight. Although Rudyard would go on to win Englands highest accolades, he never got over this lost opportunity to serve his country. When World War I broke out, John, like his father before him, wanted to fight for his country. When his military application was threatened for the same reason as his fathers—poor eyesight—Rudyard took matters into his own hands. Determined not to let history repeat itself, the elder Kipling applied all his influence to get his son a commission. The teenager who had lived his life in comfort and whose greatest concern had been pleasing his father now faced a much greater challenge—staying alive in his first battle. Geert Spillebeens moving fictionalized account follows the true story of John Kipling, a young man whose desire to live up to the family name threatens his very survival. It also draws attention to the senseless suffering and loss of life in this and every war. Review:"In this fictionalized account of Lt. John Kipling's untimely death, Spillebeen portrays author Rudyard Kipling as a tragically flawed father, whose fiery patriotism costs him his son's life. The story, set during the Great War, begins when John, severely wounded while fighting on the front in France, lay dying. In his last hours, his mind turns backward, replaying scenes from his childhood and teen years, often centered around his famous father. The series of flashbacks characterize Rudyard as overindulgent and prideful — alternately spoiling and pushing his 'undeveloped,' son with his 'extreme near-sightedness.' It is Rudyard who encourages John to 'do his part in the war' and who pulls strings to get his 17-year-old son appointed second lieutenant in an Irish regiment after John is found physically unfit by the British army. More reflective than suspenseful, the novel subtly conveys the complexities and ironies of the father/son relationship. Between the lines readers will detect that John desperately needs approval from his father and Rudyard just as desperately wants his son to become what he could never be: a war hero. ('[Rudyard] has big plans for John. The navy, at the very least. His own childhood dream.') Structured as a series of brief memoirs juxtaposed against the harsh realities of war, this first book of Spillebeen's to be translated into English may appeal more to adult Kipling scholars than to middle-grade war-novel buffs. Ages 12-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Synopsis:This moving fictionalized account follows the true story of John Kipling, the teenage son of famed author Rudyard Kipling, who entered the British Army during World War I and was killed during his first battle. About the AuthorGeert Spillebeen lives in Izegem, Belgium, where he is a journalist and radio presenter. This is his first novel published in the United States. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
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