Half a Man

By Michael Morpurgo

Illustrated by Gemma O’Callaghan

Revered War Horse author Michael Morpurgo remembers the post-war Britain of his childhood in an unflinching and poignant tale inspired by the tireless work of one WWII plastic surgeon.

A poignant tale of the physical and mental scars of war from the acclaimed author of War Horse, illustrated by a talented new screen printer. From a young age, Michael was both fascinated by and afraid of his grandfather. Grandpa’s ship was torpedoed during the Second World War, leaving him with terrible burns. Every time he came to stay, Michael was warned by his mother that he must not stare; must not make too much noise; must not ask Grandpa about his past. As he grows older, Michael stays with his grandfather during the summer holidays, and as he finally learns the story behind Grandpa's injuries, he gets to know the real man behind the solemn figure from his childhood. Michael can see beyond the burns, and this gives him the power to begin healing some of the scars that have divided his family for so long.

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 8+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Hardback
  • ISBN: 9781406351330
  • Published: 02 Oct 2014
  • Price: £7.99
  •  
  • Size: 185 x 156 mm
  • Pages: 64

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Customer reviews

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'A small book but a thoughtful one that wastes nothing in the telling … the mood is perfectly captured in O’Callaghan’s illustrations' Guardian

'Excellent design and high production values make this story by renowned Michael Morpurgo stand out ' Carousel

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