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Pied Piper

By Nevil Shute
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Check link for latest rating. ( 5,177 ratings, 568 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Pied Piper by Nevil Shute is a stirring tale set during World War II. It follows Englishman John Howard, who embarks on an unexpected journey to escort a group of children across war-torn France to safety. As they face numerous challenges and dangers, the novel explores themes of courage and the enduring human spirit amidst adversity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This story may appeal to you if you enjoy tales of courage and resilience set during wartime. It follows an elderly man who unexpectedly becomes responsible for the safety and well-being of two children while navigating the dangers of Nazi-occupied Europe. The narrative is filled with suspense and human warmth, making it a captivating read for those interested in historical fiction with a personal touch.

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Nevil Shute’s classic Second World War novel is an uplifting, satisfying and moving story.

John Howard is determined to brighten up his old age by taking a fishing trip to France.

A classic adventure from the author of A Town Like Alice and On the Beach

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As recommended on BBC4's A Good Read - 'A very good writer...simple, elegant and readable...a fantastic story' Jonathan Coe

Nevil Shute's classic Second World War novel, Pied Piper, is an uplifting, satisfying and moving story.

John Howard is determined to brighten up his old age by taking a fishing trip to France. However, during his stay, the Nazis invade and he is forced to try to escape back to England with the two small children of his friends, who must stay behind to help the Allied war effort. As the conflict grows closer, the roads become impassable, and Howard also comes across five more children who need his help. He ends up leading this motley group of youngsters through the French countryside, constantly beset by danger yet heroically protecting his charges.

With an introduction by John Boyne

'A very good writer...simple, elegant and readable...a fantastic story' Jonathan Coe

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Pied Piper by Nevil Shute is praised for its vivid and exciting portrayal of occupied France, combined with a deep understanding of children. Reviewers describe it as a small masterpiece that explores themes of kindness, courage, and the value of decency amidst danger, all conveyed through Shute's deceptively simple and literary style. The book is recognised for its descriptive writing, suspenseful narrative, and its ability to evoke the atmosphere of the 1940s, thus showcasing the author's talents at their best.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099530220

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by John Boyne

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 225g

Pages: 320

Collections

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About the Author

Nevil Shute (Author) Nevil Shute was born on 17 January 1899 in Ealing, London. After attending the Dragon School and Shrewsbury School, he studied Engineering Science at Balliol College, Oxford. He worked as an aeronautical engineer and published his first novel, Marazan, in 1926. In 1931 he married Frances Mary Heaton and they went on to have two daughters. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve where he worked on developing secret weapons. After the war he continued to write and settled in Australia where he lived until his death on 12 January 1960. His most celebrated novels include Pied Piper (1942), No Highway (1948), A Town Like Alice (1950) and On the Beach (1957). John Boyne (Introducer) John Boyne is the author of fifteen novels for adults, six for younger readers, and a collection of short stories. His 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and has been adapted for cinema, theatre, ballet, and opera. His many international bestsellers include The Heart's Invisible Furies and A Ladder to the Sky. He has won four Irish Book Awards, including Author of the Year in 2022, along with a host of other international literary prizes. His novels are published in sixty languages. Twitter- @JohnBoyneBooks Instagram- @JohnBoyneAuthor

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