Review of Wonks
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Illiad Crisostomo
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Review of Wonks
[Following is a volunteer review of "Wonks" by William Reese Hamilton.]
Wonks by William Reese Hamilton is a historical fiction that follows the adventures of a young boy during the occupation of the Japanese in the Philippines during World War II.
Johnny just turned 12 when the Japanese swept right in the Philippines and put them in a camp as a prisoner. The story centers on Johnny’s life and the people around the camp. It is a tale of survival and hope and fortitude during dark times. Johnny and his friends were likened to wonks, a kind of dog who’s filthy and mangy because they always run around the camp having their small adventures with their skinny bones and filthy clothes.
It is an entertaining read, sometimes funny but also heartbreaking and sorrowful. There was a horrible scene that stuck to me about the three prisoners who tried to escape the camp but, soon they were captured back and later faced execution. They were tortured and forced to kneel in front of their graves as the Japanese Army shot their chests. They tumbled down the dirt but they did not immediately die. They were buried alive. This is one of the illustrations of the atrocious things a person or a nation can do. Reminding us that the past is not far from us, from now.
I like the adventures of Johnny with his friends. A group of young kids trying to find some entertainment during the deadly boredom in the camp. You will also love the characters as you progress in the story and starts knowing them. I especially like Southy who taught Johnny boxing and had a great influence on him. It is easy to get lost in Johnny’s adventures and shenanigans that you will forget that they were in a camp, but reality hits back as it forces Johnny to face their grim situation and what the future holds for them.
I cannot find anything that I dislike in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
It is professionally edited as I have never spotted any grammatical errors and typos throughout the book. The book deserved a 4 out of 4 stars because of its elegant narrative and smooth storytelling that will sweep you right in. This is an engrossing read and you’d be surprised that the story’s already finished. The story sneaked into you like a pickpocket. That’s how it felt reading this, you wouldn’t notice it had stolen your heart until you reached the end. This is the kind of book that’ll stick to you for a while because it leaves a lasting impression and feeling. I love how this book is so simple in every way but will conjure a mixture of emotions.
I will recommend this for those who love historical fiction books but also for those who’re looking for a story that is full of adventure.
******
Wonks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Wonks by William Reese Hamilton is a historical fiction that follows the adventures of a young boy during the occupation of the Japanese in the Philippines during World War II.
Johnny just turned 12 when the Japanese swept right in the Philippines and put them in a camp as a prisoner. The story centers on Johnny’s life and the people around the camp. It is a tale of survival and hope and fortitude during dark times. Johnny and his friends were likened to wonks, a kind of dog who’s filthy and mangy because they always run around the camp having their small adventures with their skinny bones and filthy clothes.
It is an entertaining read, sometimes funny but also heartbreaking and sorrowful. There was a horrible scene that stuck to me about the three prisoners who tried to escape the camp but, soon they were captured back and later faced execution. They were tortured and forced to kneel in front of their graves as the Japanese Army shot their chests. They tumbled down the dirt but they did not immediately die. They were buried alive. This is one of the illustrations of the atrocious things a person or a nation can do. Reminding us that the past is not far from us, from now.
I like the adventures of Johnny with his friends. A group of young kids trying to find some entertainment during the deadly boredom in the camp. You will also love the characters as you progress in the story and starts knowing them. I especially like Southy who taught Johnny boxing and had a great influence on him. It is easy to get lost in Johnny’s adventures and shenanigans that you will forget that they were in a camp, but reality hits back as it forces Johnny to face their grim situation and what the future holds for them.
I cannot find anything that I dislike in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
It is professionally edited as I have never spotted any grammatical errors and typos throughout the book. The book deserved a 4 out of 4 stars because of its elegant narrative and smooth storytelling that will sweep you right in. This is an engrossing read and you’d be surprised that the story’s already finished. The story sneaked into you like a pickpocket. That’s how it felt reading this, you wouldn’t notice it had stolen your heart until you reached the end. This is the kind of book that’ll stick to you for a while because it leaves a lasting impression and feeling. I love how this book is so simple in every way but will conjure a mixture of emotions.
I will recommend this for those who love historical fiction books but also for those who’re looking for a story that is full of adventure.
******
Wonks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Timewise by Robert Leet
