Once
Morris Gleitzman
21 min
9 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Experience a heart-wrenching tale of a young Jewish boy navigating through the horrors of World War II, in a desperate search for his lost family.
Key points
01Innocence Amidst Chaos
In the heart of the Polish mountains, nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks, was a Catholic orphanage that was home to a ten-year-old boy named Felix. He was a bright spark in the gloomy world, a child with an imagination as vast as the universe itself. His parents, Jewish booksellers, had left him in the orphanage three years ago, a decision born out of love and the desperate need to protect him from the horrors of the world. Felix was a storyteller, a weaver of tales that brought a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times. He was blissfully unaware of the grim reality of the Holocaust, his innocence painting the world around him in hues of hope and optimism. He believed that his parents had left him to shield him from the Nazis, who he thought were on a mission to burn books. He spent his days dreaming of a grand reunion with his parents, spinning tales of their heroic deeds to save books from the clutches of the Nazis. One day, a whole carrot found its way into Felix's soup, a rare occurrence that he interpreted as a sign from his parents. Convinced that they were coming for him, Felix decided to embark on a journey to find them. He packed his few belongings, including a cherished notebook gifted by his mother, and set off into the war-ravaged landscape of Poland. As Felix journeyed through the ravaged lands, he met a myriad of people, each with their own tales of sorrow and survival. Among them was a girl named Zelda, a survivor whose parents had been brutally taken away by the Nazis. Yet, amidst the grim reality of war, Felix's innocence remained unscathed. His belief in the power of stories remained unwavering, providing solace to Zelda and others they met on their journey. Felix's journey was a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a beacon of innocence in a world consumed by chaos. His unwavering faith in his parents and his belief in the power of stories painted a poignant contrast to the horrors of the Holocaust. His tale was a reminder of the resilience of hope, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
02Escape and Discovery
In the heart of a world darkened by the shadow of the Nazis, a young Jewish boy named Felix embarks on a perilous journey. His heart is filled with a desperate hope, a hope that his parents are still alive, a hope that he can save them from the impending danger. The walls of the orphanage, which had been his sanctuary, could no longer contain his restless spirit. With a courage that belied his tender years, Felix escapes into the unknown, his determination as unyielding as the steel of a soldier's resolve. As Felix traverses the treacherous landscape, he stumbles upon a scene of devastation - a house consumed by flames. The fire roars like a wild beast, but within its deadly jaws, Felix spots a young girl. Her name is Zelda, a child orphaned by the fire, her world reduced to ashes. Fear and mistrust cloud her eyes, but Felix, driven by an innate sense of compassion, extends a hand of friendship. His bravery and kindness chip away at her defenses, and a bond, as strong as the hardest diamond, is forged in the crucible of their shared adversity. Together, they navigate the labyrinth of a world torn asunder by war. The innocence that once veiled Felix's eyes is stripped away as he witnesses the monstrous face of the Nazis. Their brutality, their reign of terror, shatters his illusions, but it also hardens his resolve. He vows to shield Zelda from their malevolence, to find his parents, to fight against the darkness. Their journey is a gauntlet of trials. Hunger gnaws at their bellies, the cold bites into their flesh, and the specter of capture looms over them. Yet, amidst the despair, they find glimmers of hope. Strangers, whose hearts have not been corrupted by the war, extend moments of kindness. These acts of compassion fuel their determination, and their bond deepens. They become more than friends; they become a family, bound not by blood, but by shared experiences and mutual trust. Felix's journey is not merely a physical odyssey, but an emotional and psychological voyage. He is forced to grow up too quickly, to confront the harsh realities of life. Yet, despite the grim circumstances, Felix clings to his hope, his determination to find his parents. His courage and resilience, his unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity, become the pillars of his character. His spirit, though battered, remains unbroken, a beacon of light in the darkest of times.
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03The Harsh Reality
04A Glimmer of Hope
05The Brutal Truth
06The Final Stand
07Survival and Reunion
08A New Beginning
09Conclusion
About Morris Gleitzman
Morris Gleitzman is an acclaimed Australian author, known for his engaging children's and young adult books. Born in England in 1953, he moved to Australia in 1969. His work often tackles serious subjects with humor and sensitivity, earning him numerous awards and international recognition.