3.5 out of 5 stars
Davey comes from a poor Irish family. His mother works as a maid at the Lewis household, and when he comes to help with her work, he befriends a young C.S. Lewis, nicknamed Jacks. The boys bond over their love of stories and imaginative play. Jacks likes to write stories and Davey illustrates them with drawings and sketches. However, circumstances separate the boys when Davey has to take a dangerous job at the shipyard and Jacks is sent off to boarding school in England. Can their friendship survive despite their different paths in life?
I liked this sweet story of friendship! The story is really emotional and inspiring, and the plot is slow and thoughtful.
I love that Davey is inspired to dream of a life beyond the poor drudgery his parents have had. He dares to have hope that his life could change and that gives him courage to continue with his drawing and develop his talents.
Jacks is portrayed as a gentle and sensitive boy who has a wonderful imagination. He takes Davey along in his flights of fancy and they play together that they are knights fighting off dragons, or that they are hiding from a phoenix or a magician. Those scenes when they pretend were really sweet, especially because Davey took their play to heart and it gives him courage later on to make big decisions in his life.
Many of the people in society around them look at the boys askance, seeing Davey with holes in his shoes and Jacks with fancy clothes. Davey’s mother keeps reminding him that they are not meant to be freely socializing with “their betters”. She worries that they could lose their jobs if they are thought to be too impertinent or disrespectful.
However, the boys have such a deep connection that they ignore the weird looks they get. Jacks relies on Davey’s friendship when Jack’s mother becomes ill with cancer. Davey can’t get enough of Jacks’ stories and books, because they give him something to hope for.
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website, because it includes a couple of deaths of minor characters. https://screenitfirst.com/book/giant-2592943
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a free and honest review.
Luminous Libro 