Description
Book SynopsisA few months ago fourteen-year-old Ali Banana was apprenticed to a whip-wielding blacksmith in his rural hometown. Now its winter 1944, the war is entering its most crucial stage and Ali is a private in Thunder Brigade. His unit has been given orders to go behind enemy lines and wreak havoc. But the Burmese jungle is a mud-riven, treacherous place, riddled with Japanese snipers, insanity and disease.
Burma Boy is a horrific, vividly realised account of the madness, the sacrifice and the dark humour of the Second World War''s most vicious battleground. It''s also the moving story of a boy trying to live long enough to become a man.
Trade ReviewAs humane, ridiculous and moving as Waugh's novels of the world at war -- Ronan Bennett
A gripping narrative - by turns pathetic, comic and exciting * Sunday Times *
Fascinating...unusual...invigorating...and very funny * Observer *
A superb Second World War adventure... tender and funny * The Times *
Vividly recreates the violence and drama of a forgotten war, describing the camaraderie between fighting men with humour and compassion -- Maggie Gee
