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| Calum (11) and "bonny-but-dim" Jackson |
Book review of GUNS OF THUNDER written by Calum Morrison (11) who lives on a farm in Scotland (and who has an amazing mother who home schools him; she did not edit this review, nor have I changed it in any way)
Why would Ian, an American
boy of Scottish descent, grow to love a Red Indian of whom he had been scared?
Read Guns of Thunder to find out. In this historical novel, written by Douglas
Bond, you will get to know Ian, his family, and his friends.
Ian was decended
from Scotland and he was a M’kethe. He was born and brought up in Wallop,
Connecticut, and lived with his mother, his sister, his younger brother and his beloved
grandfather. Before Ian was born, his father had died, so by the time he was
thirteen Ian was plowing, sowing, harvesting and selling the family corn all by
himself. It was in these times he met Watookoog, an Indian who was converted
through Ian’s father’s teaching. When Ian was a little older, war broke out
between Britain and France in the New World. Ian soon joined the Connecticut militas, who were fighting against the French. The book
explains a few reasons for Ian going to war, but it highlights one special
reason. However, at war things didn’t go as planned and it took Watookoog to
save the day.
There was not one
part of this novel I did not enjoy. First of all, I loved the very real
descriptions in the book. For example when Ian and his family were having
dinner, I felt as though I could actually smell and taste the food on the table.
When I was reading the book I often felt like I was right there beside Ian.
Secondly, I enjoyed
how close it was to actual history. From what I had previously read about the
French and Indian war, the events in the novel fitted like a glove. For
example, I knew that Red Indians had pillaged colonial farms, and I also knew
that it had been difficult for the British to destroy the French, just like in
the book. In this and many ways the author kept true to history.
Finally, even
though there are sad, serious and dangerous parts, there are also many funny snippets.
An example could be when Ian’s cousin Roland forgets an answer in school and
everybody laughs at him except Ian who stand up and rattles of an impressive
answer before stating that he disagreed with the question. The teacher agreed
with the question, argues against Ian, and then Roland stands up puts up an
unargueable statement that proves Ian right and leaves the teacher baffled. The
cousins joint effort against the teacher made for a amusing episode.
These are some of
the main reasons I loved this historical novel. Read this book because its
thundering guns will blow you away.
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