Review by kathcavin -- Wonks by William Reese Hamilton
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kathcavin
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Review by kathcavin -- Wonks by William Reese Hamilton
[Following is a volunteer review of "Wonks" by William Reese Hamilton.]
The main character of the novel Wonks by William Reese Hamilton is Johnny Oldfield, an American who grew up in China and the Philippines. He recounts his experiences in the Philippines during the second World War. At age eleven Johnny and his mother are forced into an internment camp by the Japanese. The camp was formerly a college and the conditions there are very rough. The Americans and British imprisoned there are not given enough food and are made to do hard labor. Johnny's godfather Harry Barnes, a traveler and author, is interned with them, as well as Southy, a professional boxer and friend of Johnny's father. Johnny is worried about the fate of his father, who lost contact with the family during a business trip. Despite these difficulties, Johnny maintains a semblance of normalcy by playing with his friends in the camp and taking boxing lessons with Southy. Johnny and his friends play marbles and chess, and spend their free time planning mischief. Johnny is exposed to much violence and hardship in the camp, but he remains optimistic that he will be released soon eventually and be reunited with his father.
I rate this book 4/4 stars. Although it was a novel, Hamilton himself was a prisoner in a Japanese camp and he does an excellent job writing with the voice of a preadolescent boy trying to make sense of war. I found only one typo in this manuscript: a misspelling of the world “said” on page 172.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manuscript. I found it to be exciting, but also emotionally gripping. I particularly appreciated the characters in this book. Harry Barnes is a particularly dynamic character. He is fond of telling stories about his alcoholic escapades and his experiences with women. He reminded me of a character Hemmingway might have written; a mouthy man with a deep cynical streak.
There was very little about this manuscript that I disliked. I will say that the book started too abruptly. The beginning needs some kind of introduction or opening scene. It needs to establish empathy for the characters. We are given little information about Johnny and his family at the beginning, so it is difficult for the reader to relate to the hardships they are experiencing.
Although these experiences are told from the viewpoint of a young boy, this is not a book for children. Each chapter contains 2-3 uses of profanity. The first two are the word “whore” on page 13 and the word “ass” on page 37. There were also several racial slurs such as "Japs" and "Limeys". I rate this manuscript a 2/5 for eroticism. There were no sexual acts described, but there was implied sexual acts and references of concubines and harems. Because of its profanity, occasional violence, and sexual references this book is most appropriate for ages 14 and older.
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Wonks
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The main character of the novel Wonks by William Reese Hamilton is Johnny Oldfield, an American who grew up in China and the Philippines. He recounts his experiences in the Philippines during the second World War. At age eleven Johnny and his mother are forced into an internment camp by the Japanese. The camp was formerly a college and the conditions there are very rough. The Americans and British imprisoned there are not given enough food and are made to do hard labor. Johnny's godfather Harry Barnes, a traveler and author, is interned with them, as well as Southy, a professional boxer and friend of Johnny's father. Johnny is worried about the fate of his father, who lost contact with the family during a business trip. Despite these difficulties, Johnny maintains a semblance of normalcy by playing with his friends in the camp and taking boxing lessons with Southy. Johnny and his friends play marbles and chess, and spend their free time planning mischief. Johnny is exposed to much violence and hardship in the camp, but he remains optimistic that he will be released soon eventually and be reunited with his father.
I rate this book 4/4 stars. Although it was a novel, Hamilton himself was a prisoner in a Japanese camp and he does an excellent job writing with the voice of a preadolescent boy trying to make sense of war. I found only one typo in this manuscript: a misspelling of the world “said” on page 172.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manuscript. I found it to be exciting, but also emotionally gripping. I particularly appreciated the characters in this book. Harry Barnes is a particularly dynamic character. He is fond of telling stories about his alcoholic escapades and his experiences with women. He reminded me of a character Hemmingway might have written; a mouthy man with a deep cynical streak.
There was very little about this manuscript that I disliked. I will say that the book started too abruptly. The beginning needs some kind of introduction or opening scene. It needs to establish empathy for the characters. We are given little information about Johnny and his family at the beginning, so it is difficult for the reader to relate to the hardships they are experiencing.
Although these experiences are told from the viewpoint of a young boy, this is not a book for children. Each chapter contains 2-3 uses of profanity. The first two are the word “whore” on page 13 and the word “ass” on page 37. There were also several racial slurs such as "Japs" and "Limeys". I rate this manuscript a 2/5 for eroticism. There were no sexual acts described, but there was implied sexual acts and references of concubines and harems. Because of its profanity, occasional violence, and sexual references this book is most appropriate for ages 14 and older.
******
Wonks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
