The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day.
Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission.
Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition.
Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . .
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
ISBN: 9780552570589
Number of pages: 288
Weight: 204 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 20 mm
Pat Barker meets Michelle Magorian . . . Comic as well as poignantly enlightening - Independent on Sunday
John Boyne’s children’s novels tackle difficult subjects . . . and this latest book looks at the horrors of trench warfare in World War 1. With the anniversary of that war next year, this is a timely examination of moral, physical and mental bravery and pain - Daily Mail
Beautifully paced and affecting - The Bookseller
Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is beautifully written, as are all John Boyne's books for children. Although it's a book aimed primarily at younger readers, it's equally as satisfying for adults, and should be widely read by everyone - Wondrous Reads
A beautifully paced and affecting tale - Independent on Sunday
With the centenary on World War I looming, this is a perfect read for any child to get them thinking about the subject. Alfie Summerfield is a young boy living in London at the time of World War I and his dad is sent... More
I really want to give this four and a half. But can't, but thats what it deserves.
I received an advanced copy to review from Waterstones.
This is the second book of John Boyne I have read and he is fast...
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This was a fantastic book, one that I really engaged with and found interesting. Whilst the book is set in WW1, the story is more about how the war affected the characters' lives rather than detailing the war... More
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