Goodnight Mister Tom is a beloved childhood favourite of mine. My copy is beaten and worn with dog eared pages and the cover peeling away from the text. So to nobody's surprise I adored this. Of course I still adore the main story, but additionally the introduction and the short story about Rachel, Mister Tom's wife, at the end added so much for me. The introduction really delves into why a young woman was able to write such a touching story about a time she didn't live through. And the end chapter is just so beautiful. We of course know the loving side of Tom by the end of the book but seeing him untainted by sorrow and loss was just lovely. I'm so grateful I was able to read these additional sections of the book

I read this book many years ago at school but couldn't remember anything about it. When I had the opportunity to read this 40th anniversary edition, I jumped at the chance.

I remembered loving it as a child, and reading it again, it certainly didn't disappoint. This beautifully written book tells the story of William, a young evacuee at the start of the war, and Mr Oakley (Mr Tom), the old man who he goes to stay with. It is a heartwarming tale of family and friendship with a tragic theme of child abuse and the backdrop of war.

This special edition version contains an extra chapter at the end which tells the harrowing story of Mr Oakley and his wife.

I have thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering this story and would highly recommend it.

Having read it for the first time nearly 20 years ago, I've always remembered Goodnight Mister Tom as a lovely book, but reading it again as an adult only proved to me just how wonderful it really is. Yes, it's a very emotional read that deals with some challenging subjects, but it is ultimately a really heartwarming read, with moments of pure childish joy alongside the heartbreak and hurt. I absolutely loved the short story about Tom and Rachel, and thought it made a wonderful addition to this anniversary edition of the novel. 100% a book I would recommend to anyone and everyone.

This children’s classic has until now passed me by so I was delighted at the opportunity to read this 40th anniversary edition courtesy of Net Galley and Penguin. There is always the risk of disappointment when a classic has become so widely known already but thankfully, not in this case.

Goodnight Mister Tom brings together, in the words of author Michelle Magorian, “two people, hurt by life in very different ways”. Tom Oakley, lonely and withdrawn for many years since the death of his young wife, has eight-year-old Willie Beech foisted onto him as an evacuee from London in the final days before the onset of World War II. Willie’s life until now has been harsh; he expects nothing but more of the same. Life has already taught him that he is worthless and bad. As war is declared, Tom and Will, as he is now known, begin to forge a relationship which offers them both an alternative future.

This is of course, a children’s book. Reading it as an adult it is tempting to critique as an adult. In that capacity I would suggest that the book has some sections which don’t sit comfortably and are perhaps there only as a foil for what follows: the light as a counterpoint to the dark. Other storylines seem too simple or too far-fetched against the background of the war at that point. But really, this IS a children’s book and it’s a triumph in its portrayal of the good and bad in the human spirit; the capacity of love to heal; the joy to be found in the darkest of circumstances. Brutal, tear-jerking and heartwarming.

At the start of World War II Willie Beech is evacuated from London to the countryside and sent to live with Tom Oakley, a lonely old man. As Willie begins to settle into his new life in the village of Little Weirwold, starting school and making friends, the walls both Willie and Tom have built up to keep people out begin to crumble as they let each other, and the villagers in.

I work in a bookshop where teachers regularly buy this book as a class novel. After finally reading it for myself, I won't hesitate to recommend it to any other teachers looking for class novels, teen book club selections or parents hoping to find a new favourite for their child. Truly a modern classic!

'Goodnight Mister Tom' provides insight into how frightening World War II must have been for children, often separating them from their families in order to protect them. It intersperses moments of pure joy with devastating heartbreak. Unforgettable!

I am looking forward to seeing the 40th Anniversary hardback edition in person.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy.

I sim[ply love this book! It unfolds beautifully and the relationships unfurl before you. It makes me laugh, cry and become quite philosophical. Have read it multiple time now nd love it more each time.

Having loved "Goodnight Mr. Tom" when I was a child, I welcomed the opportunity to introduce my children to the book. especially now it's the 40th anniversary of it's release.

It's every bit the emotional rollercoaster that I remembered. filled with both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. We loved the slow burn attachment that develops between Willie and Mr. Tom and how as they become eachother's family, it enriches their lives and is a balm on their past traumas.

It was fantastic to have new content with the short story about Tom and Rachel. Tom is such an amazing character, it was wonderful to have fresh insight into him.

Every family needs a copy of this book in their house!

Calloo callay!!
I had never read Goodnight Mister Tom - it always felt like a huge omission. I had bought it for my children, promoted it when I was a teacher, watched John Thaw become Tom. With the 40th Anniversary this year I felt this was the time!
This is such a well known classic that we probably all know the story of William, an evacuee who is placed with Tom, an older man who lost his wife in child birth and lives a solitary life in a cottage beside the graveyard. Tom does not want company but he rapidly notices William’s bruises, his thin frame and his dreadful fear. Margorian in her introduction for this new edition summarises it as ‘the story of how William and Tom, two people, hurt by life in very different ways, heal each other.’
This is storytelling at its absolute best, filled with wonderful characters, beautiful observation, descriptions that create a vivid picture of the little cottage in your mind. The story is full of wonderful adventure - rushing round the countryside, cycling on a trip to the beach, children’s plans, dreams and imaginings. It is a story of great and memorable friendship between Tom and William, between William and Zack. It is also a very detailed account of daily living through such a dreadful period of our history.
There are some additions to this special anniversary edition- an introduction by the author explaining how the story found her, and the story of ‘Rachel and the Paintbox’ which tells of Tom’s wife Rachel and the days before Rachel’s death. It also includes some lyrics which were written when the author was working on the musical. Especially interesting are the lyrics for William’s Mother - fleshing out a character who we probably have all hated throughout the story.
I laughed and I cried , ordered my hard copy of this special edition and will add it to my special pile of children’s fiction which I will pass to my grandchildren. With thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for a digital copy of this glorious book.

Goodnight Mr Tom is one of my absolute favourite books, despite being in my 40s. I still enjoy reading it and have recommended it to so many people.
I was excited to read that there was a special 40th Anniversary edition. I'm not quite old enough to have read it back then, but I did read it for the first time over 30 years ago.
An English Teacher recommended it to my class. I remember her description, it sounded fascinating and I knew that I just had to read it. Luckily the School Library had a copy, and that day I took it home and I couldn't put it down. I begged my Mum to take me to the bookshop to buy my own copy. I still have it now,very well read and tatty but it's still very precious to me.
This 40th Anniversary edition has an introduction from Michelle Magorian. She tells us what her inspiration for the book was. I found it very interesting to read.
This 40th Anniversary edition also has a short story about Thomas (Mr Tom) and his late wife Rachel during the early years of their marriage This is such a gorgeous and welcome addition to this book. It is also so very sad and upsetting, but it gives such an insight into the character of Mr. Tom.
This is a Children's book, but I would suggest that it is more suited to Secondary School age, due to darker themes of child abuse and death. Amazon have it rated as suitable for age 9-12, but I think that it would be better to read it together if your child is younger. It also makes a good book for older children and also adults.
It makes a good read to teach about the more human side of the Second World War, especially about children being evacuated. Michelle Magorian said that she based it around stories that she had been told by her family.
If you haven't read this then do! It's such a fantastic book. It's the type of book that stays with you after you have finished it. It is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, a rollercoaster of emotions.
If you have read this book before then read it again! There is new content that you will enjoy.
I can't recommend reading this book enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Really enjoyed reading this classic book. I had never read before and I related so much to this book.

Somehow I missed this one growing up. Never mind - it was just as good as an adult. This is the story of eight-year-old Willie, evacuated from London before World War II and consequently away from his abusive mother. He is given into the care of Thomas Oakley, a loner who has been widowed for 40 years. Cantankerous, brusque Tom soon turns out to be kind under his forbidding exterior, while Willie is not the sickly weakling he seems at first sight.

The real magic of this story is that it manages to be gritty, gut wrenching, funny, poignant and heart-warming all at the same time. It is a really sweet story but it never crosses the line into saccharine or sentimental. Add in the tangible sense of place and the fascinating interaction of character relationships, and this book has everything. While some of the storytelling mechanisms my seem a little out of date to those who would notice such things, this isn't a book that will age badly. On the contrary I can see why it's been hailed as a modern classic. I highly recommend this for children aged seven and up and to any adults who missed it when growing up, as I did.

I can tell I'll be reading this one again.

I have always loved the film for this book but had never got round to reading it so I thought I would give it a go!

Set in the second world war this book features winemaking characters that will pull on your heart strings. We meet the lovely characters Willie Beech and Tom Oakley a very unlikely duo, Willie is an evacuee and Tom is a grumpy old man. The relationship between the two grows and as you read it you can feel it, you can feel how much they flourish being around each other. Until Willie has to go home and Tom uncovers a terrible mystery.

The book is a thousand times better than the film , it gets into your head, creates pictures in your mind. The way the characters and descriptions of the settings are described draws your imagination in and keeps you hooked on the book. An absolutely fantastic read and I think a classic that is a must read!

I have always loved Goodnight Mister Tom, even though there are some tough moments in the book.
The way it is written makes you fall in love with the characters and it is wonderful to see the relationship between Tom Oakley and Willie develop throughout the book. I always picture Tom as John Thaw because of the film and I love the way his character opens up as the story progresses and we find out more about his past life. Still a classic 40 years on.

Goodnight mister Tom is so heartbreakingly good. The story is based on a young boy named Willie who is evacuated to the countryside during WWII. It becomes increasingly apparent that Willie has come from a deprived background, however under the care and watchful eye of the Tom oakley, a kind man who takes Willie into his home, Willie begins to flourish out in the countryside. A beautiful story albeit heart wrenching at moments.

This book was beautiful when I first read it as a child and I have come back to it a few times since. There is something about this story that I just love despite the tragic circumstances around it.

On my previous reads, I have always seen the story from Willie's point of view. Always thought about how hard this journey must have been for him, how foreign his life must have become. This time, I was struck by the way Tom dealt with the situation. He was warm and welcoming towards Willie from the moment he arrived on his doorstep despite his history and the upheaval this must have had on his quiet life.

This fantastic story is a rollercoaster of tragedy and love that is so raw and real that you cannot help but fall deeply into it.

The addition of Rachel and Tom's story and the lyrics from the musical for the 40th anniversary edition were fantastic and a real bonus to this reread.

"It occurred to him that strength was quite different from toughness and that being vulnerable wasn't quite the same as being weak."

I received this book from Netgalley for the 40th anniversary edition, I have always loved the film but never read the book.

Wow, for anyone who has seen the film and not read the book I highly recommend it. There is so much extra detail and story in the book.

I loved every word, watching William and Tom's relationship blossom and feeling the heartache when Tom travelled to London.

I dont want to say much in this review as I feel everyone should read and experience the highs and lows for themselves.

In this edition there is a short story at the end about Tom and his wife Rachel and there last few months together. Although it was brief you could feel the love and connection between them. It helps to understand why Tom is the way he is and why his love for William was so strong.

Let’s face it - this is an absolute classic that never grows old. It’s one we all read at school and one which always brings back those childhood memories. This is a story I will treasure forever

I remember the film starring John Thaw being on the telly a lot when I was a kid, but I never watched it as it always looked too sad. My dad always said I should watch it - but even then I wanted to read the book first.
I was shocked that this book was only written in the 80's - I suppose due to the content/themes I expected it to be much earlier.
I don't quite know why but it had a feeling of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' about it - I think it's just the way the plot describes childhood reminds me of the children in Harper Lee's book.
This book was incredibly sweet, and feels very epic - considering its a children's book. I found the pacing to be quite slow, and I'm not sure if I would have made it to the end if reading it as a child. I didn't have the urge to pick the book up to continue reading. Magorian's writing style just felt a bit ploddy.

I enjoyed reading, but it's not quite the classic I was expecting. However, I'm pleased I can finally say (age 31) that I have read this book after a childhood of wanting to read it! Now to watch the film and compare.

Goodnight Mister Tom is as good a book now as it was when originally published. Michelle Magorian is a talented writer with an ability to create engaging characters who draw the reader into their world. The relationship between Willie Beech and Tom Oakley and the Second World War setting have most definitely stood the test of time.

I read this as a child along with Michelle Magorians other books and rereading it as an adult was just as delightful. A true classic following the journey of an evacuee during ww2. The relationship between will and tom is just as touching and the deaths as tragic as I found them 15 years ago.