Soon

Morris Gleitzman's "Soon" is a poignant and unflinching exploration of a young boy's resilience and the enduring search for safety in the shadow of unimaginable loss. The narrator, Elias, recounts his experiences during the Holocaust, from the terror of having his parents taken, to the searing anger born from the murder of his best friend. His journey is marked by a flicker of hope ignited by joining the partisans and contributing to the Allied victory, a hope that fuels his desperate mantra, "Soon, we'll be safe." However, this fragile optimism is ultimately shattered, revealing the devastating reality that the end of the war did not immediately translate to true security or peace for those who had endured such trauma. Gleitzman masterfully captures Elias's emotional arc, making "Soon" a powerful addition to his body of work. The novel stands out for its raw honesty, its refusal to shy away from the grim realities of war and persecution, while simultaneously highlighting the capacity for courage and the desperate, yet often tragically misplaced, human longing for a return to normalcy. Much like other acclaimed titles such as "Once" and "Then," "Soon" is not simply a historical account, but a deeply personal narrative that delves into the psychological impact of trauma and the complex process of healing. Gleitzman's ability to convey profound sorrow and enduring hope through the eyes of a child makes "Soon" an unforgettable and essential read, solidifying its place among his most impactful books.