Review of The Maple Seed Helicopter
Posted: 10 Nov 2023, 10:54
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Maple Seed Helicopter" by Marco Collina.]
"The Maple Seed Helicopter" by Marco Collina is a captivating journey through the tumultuous years of World War II, narrated through the lens of three resilient young boys who manage to escape the harsh reality of an Italian orphanage. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn world, this fictional yet profoundly moving tale is based on true accounts, shedding light on the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The narrative skillfully unfolds as the trio, devoid of parental love and essential needs, embark on a perilous journey towards freedom. The author paints a vivid picture of the harsh conditions of the orphanage, eliciting empathy for the hardship of these children. Their escape, fraught with danger and life-threatening encounters, sets the stage for the transformative events that follow.
The heart of the story lies in the benevolence of an elderly couple living on a farm in the mountains of central Italy. Their compassion becomes a beacon of hope for the boys, providing them with not only the necessities of life but also the warmth of a loving family. The author manages to capture the contrast between the oppressive environment of the orphanage and the idyllic refuge offered by the kind couple.
As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to two of the boys, George and Marco, who develop a shared dream of traveling to America. Marco's aspirations extend beyond borders, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of the world's intricacies, allowing him to indulge in profound observations on human nature, revealing the strengths and weaknesses that shape our existence.
The writing style is both poignant and evocative, immersing readers in the emotional rollercoaster of the characters' lives. Collina's storytelling prowess keeps the pacing dynamic, and the rich descriptions vividly bring the landscapes and characters to life. What I found challenging about the novel was its lack of professional editing, which noticeably slowed down the reading experience and do not give me the chance of giving more than a 3 out of 5. Punctuation inconsistencies in several passages created difficulties, and frequent typing errors and grammatical mistakes disrupted the flow of an otherwise engaging story. I really wanted the author to tell us more about what was happening to the characters and really dive into their situations. And sometimes, I felt the story could've flowed together more smoothly in certain parts.
In the broader context, immersing oneself in the adventures of children emerging from challenging childhoods proved to be a compelling experience. Witnessing the inception of dreams and hopes, only to witness their direct and tangible clash with the world, added a layer of complexity and richness to the narrative. The journey of growth alongside the protagonists through the reading trajectory was particularly enriching, providing valuable lessons collected from their experiences.
******
The Maple Seed Helicopter
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"The Maple Seed Helicopter" by Marco Collina is a captivating journey through the tumultuous years of World War II, narrated through the lens of three resilient young boys who manage to escape the harsh reality of an Italian orphanage. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn world, this fictional yet profoundly moving tale is based on true accounts, shedding light on the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The narrative skillfully unfolds as the trio, devoid of parental love and essential needs, embark on a perilous journey towards freedom. The author paints a vivid picture of the harsh conditions of the orphanage, eliciting empathy for the hardship of these children. Their escape, fraught with danger and life-threatening encounters, sets the stage for the transformative events that follow.
The heart of the story lies in the benevolence of an elderly couple living on a farm in the mountains of central Italy. Their compassion becomes a beacon of hope for the boys, providing them with not only the necessities of life but also the warmth of a loving family. The author manages to capture the contrast between the oppressive environment of the orphanage and the idyllic refuge offered by the kind couple.
As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to two of the boys, George and Marco, who develop a shared dream of traveling to America. Marco's aspirations extend beyond borders, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of the world's intricacies, allowing him to indulge in profound observations on human nature, revealing the strengths and weaknesses that shape our existence.
The writing style is both poignant and evocative, immersing readers in the emotional rollercoaster of the characters' lives. Collina's storytelling prowess keeps the pacing dynamic, and the rich descriptions vividly bring the landscapes and characters to life. What I found challenging about the novel was its lack of professional editing, which noticeably slowed down the reading experience and do not give me the chance of giving more than a 3 out of 5. Punctuation inconsistencies in several passages created difficulties, and frequent typing errors and grammatical mistakes disrupted the flow of an otherwise engaging story. I really wanted the author to tell us more about what was happening to the characters and really dive into their situations. And sometimes, I felt the story could've flowed together more smoothly in certain parts.
In the broader context, immersing oneself in the adventures of children emerging from challenging childhoods proved to be a compelling experience. Witnessing the inception of dreams and hopes, only to witness their direct and tangible clash with the world, added a layer of complexity and richness to the narrative. The journey of growth alongside the protagonists through the reading trajectory was particularly enriching, providing valuable lessons collected from their experiences.
******
The Maple Seed Helicopter
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon