Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden
Scholastic Inc.
Synopsis: http://www.goodreads.com
Brilliant! Even though I had watched the movie before I read the book, which is something that I always deeply regret, I still thoroughly enjoyed its creativity and suspense.
I think the think that I love the absolute most about this series so far is that it is written by an Australian author, set in rural Australia. I loved that I could understand the Aussie jargon, and relate to many of the young characters. It makes me feel, oh so patriotic.
The storyline is something that I guess every Australian has thought about. Being invaded. We do take for granted that every war we hear about takes place in some distant land, and that very few of us are connected with anybody who has to fight in them. But when we let our imaginations run away with us, we wonder why we, who live in a land of plenty, have not yet been invaded and what it would be like if we were..
I would like to think that it is unrealistic that our allies do not come our rescue. However, for that very reason, the story is made interesting. What if nobody came to our rescue? What if I was stranded out in the bush? What would I do?
I also appreciate that the book claims so much more detail than its movie. There is the subplot about the Hermit, the romances between the teenagers, and the lethargic weeks in-between the action scenes. When I read a book like this I question why I would ever watch the movie.
The characters are much more detailed, and sometimes quite different from those chosen to act in the movie. They have deeper connections with their families, and with their fears. Ellie is deeply affected by having 'spilt blood,' which is much more realistic than how she is portrayed in the movie- as a tough gal, who is basically the leader of the group. No, she is still human, as are her eight companions. They constantly battle with their personal morals, whilst facing something that we, as readers have never faced, and never hope to face; war.
If you haven't read this series, the Tomorrow Series, I highly recommend it. Especially if you are a proud Aussie! I am bubbling with excitement to read the next one in the series, In the Dead of Night, and hope it will live up to my expectations.
