Once is a 150 paged fiction book, which belongs in the genre of tragedy, written by Morris Gleitzman which is based on the deadly and woeful 2nd World War.
Felix is a orphan in a Catholic orphange who doesn't know his true identity. He is actually a Jewish orphan who lost his parents due to the Nazis. Nuns found Felix and pitied him so they hid him in their "home". Even when the nuns told him the whole story- about who he is, Felix always stayed optimistic, believing that one day, his parents would show up all healthy and happy. When finally he realised that they weren't coming to "rescue" him, he decided to find them himself without knowing about the Nazis lurking around. This is where Felix starts his dangerous adventure.
It was only a few hours till he met a child around 7-years-old. This child was playing "Capture the Jews" with his sister. He asked Felix whether he wanted to be a Nazi or a Jew. Felix didn't answer. He had no clue what were Nazis. Felix was extremely stunned when the child explained that Adolf Hitler was capturing Jews and torturing them. Until this day, Felix was told that Hitler was a nice guy- who helped people. He just turned away worried and continued his journey. As he walked and walked, he discovered a burning house and rescued a girl, appearing to be the only one inside alive. Soon after the impatient and spoilt girl become conscious, he finds out that her name is Zelda. He fears to tell her the truth about her parents death, she was only 6! She would be heart-broken at such an early age. When they reach the nearest town, they are raised by Barney, a good-natured man who took care of Jewish orphans, treating them like his own children. He tells Zelda the truth but unlike he had expected, Zelda stayed cool because of her pride but in the end, her face gets covered in tears. He also discovers that on Zelda's locket, there is a picture of her parents- her father was wearing a Nazi Uniform!!! For the 1st time after he ran away from the orphanage, he felt at home. But stories always have a twist in the plot. The Nazis discover their shelter and the party is sent straight away to the
Death Camp. Felix tries to stop Zelda from coming as well, but she insisted that he was the only left family for her and that they should stay together. On the way, Felix finds an exit from the train except they needed everyone's help. Everyone kicked and punched one of the wooden walls and eventually, it opened. Felix encouraged many people to jump off the train, it would save them. No-one dared to try. Except for one brave man who jumped off the train. In a flash, he lay dead on the grass. They realised that there were machine guns on top of the train. However, Felix thought that it would be better than dying in the death camp. Maybe, they would be lucky, maybe god would help them and save their lives. Felix and Zelda decided to jump. Fortunately, Chaya was also persuaded. The 3 of them held hands and jumped, the mystery/ question is: Who survives?
I can't answer that question. I have to read the 2nd book to find out. I honestly think that so far, the plot was more than what you would have expected.There were many surprises for young, daring Felix. I admire Felix's character, how he is optimistic and bright. Always looking at the positive side. If I was in his shoes I wouldn't have been able to comfort Zelda as well. I would have probably ended up in tears just the same. I would pour out tears every night wishing to see my long gone parents. I would cry and sob and wail for my parents. Also, Felix is amazingly brave. How could a person take a path when they know that they would be very likely to face death? Not that I fear death but even I wouldn't have thought about such thing. When I read the part when Felix announces his decision to take the risk and jump, I was shocked by how he could say that so easily. However, as he explained, I,like Chaya was persuaded. If I was there on the train leading to my staircase towards death, I would have risked it. I would have jumped. In addition, I feel that Zelda and Felix have a strong connection with eachother. A connection of love and caring for eachother as if they were a family. So strong that you could say that there was a rope tied around them. Felix tries to stop Zelda from facing peril while Zelda, with her stubborn character, required that they were one. When one goes, the other follows. Like when the needle goes, the thread follows. They aren't as useful than when the two are together. This story is truly touching so far, I hope it continues to be. I really do wish for a happy ending, but the story seems to be leading me to a tragic ending.
I can't really say that the story is finished but if I was allowed to give a rating, I would give 5 stars out of 7.