It's 1938 at Morison's Haven, a small harbour servicing the Prestongrange coal mine on the outskirts of Edinburgh. War is on the horizon, but for young Charlie it seems remote and unlikely; until the first ripple from the conflict breaks on the shore of the Firth of Forth in the arrival of Jozef, a starving German boy, lost and alone, whom Charlie finds hiding in the woods when his schoolfriend Jean ropes him into searching for a stray dog.
Jozef is tired, hungry, dirty, and utterly terrified of grown-ups in general and the police in particular. He and Charlie struggle to communicate - Charlie knows no German, and Jozef speaks no English. All they have to go on is a name and an address in Edinburgh. Charlie and Jean want to help, but how can they, if Jozef won't trust any grown-ups? All the same, Charlie makes a promise - he'll get Jozef to Edinburgh. He doesn't know how, but he'll find a way.
It's a gripping tale, pitting the young and vulnerable against a world that seems huge and uncaring. The terror that Jozef feels, having lost everything, marooned in a new and frightening place, is almost visceral, and made all the more immediate by being told without words. Charlie's empathy bridges the gap between the boys, and Jean provides a headstrong sense of adventure to keep them moving - even if she doesn't always get things quite right!
It's also a timely reminder of the need for humanity in our approach to people who have lost their homes, their families, their countries, and come to our shores looking for sanctuary. Charlie doesn't know anything about the struggles going on over the sea, but he doesn't have to - he sees a scared and hungry boy, and he knows he has to help.
Charlie's Promise cleverly weaves a story about a single boy into the overall historical narrative, putting a tired and scared human face on the vast forces of history that are raging just over the horizon in the aftermath of Kristallnacht. Highly recommended.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
John Fulton
A gripping adventure, full of heart and humanity
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2017
Pauline
Charlie's Promise delivers it all!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2020