Synopses & Reviews
On a stormy night, little Yann Doutreleau wakes up his six older brothers, all twins. He lets them know that they must flee their home or risk being killed by their violent father. Without question, the siblings follow Yann into the wet darkness. And so begins their remarkable odyssey toward the ocean as well as an unforgettable story of brotherhood.
The social worker investigating the Doutreleau family, the truck driver who gives the boys a lift, the police officer who believes they've run away, the baker who gives them bread each of the many people the seven boys encounter gives a stirring account of what he or she witnesses. The twins themselves add their voices, as do the Doutreleau parents; but not until the end of the journey does little Yann express his reasons for his galvanizing actions.
Review
"The prose is nightmarish but occasionally lovely, and older readers will appreciate its dark magic." Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Loosely based on Charles Perrault's "Tom Thumb," seven brothers in modern-day France flee their poor parents' farm, led by the youngest who, although mute and unusually small, is exceptionally wise.
Synopsis
The people, including a social worker, a truck driver, and a baker, who encounter the Doutreleau family, a group of brothers on the run from their violent father, provide eyewitness accounts of their interaction with these courageous children who are searching for a place to call home.
About the Author
Jean-Claude Mourlevat is a major author of children's fiction in his native France, where his novels have garnered numerous literary awards. The author lives in France.