Chas McGill had the second best collection of war souvenirs in Garmouth, and he was absolutely desperate to make it the best.

Chas, who is fourteen years old, lives with his Mum and Dad in the Tyneside town of Garmouth. The war is a complex mix for him. On one hand, it's like a schoolboy's dream with the excitement of getting souvenirs, missing school, and having periods of thrilling moments. But on the other hand, it's extremely terrifying, especially the air raids that force him and his family to spend the night in the Anderson shelter.

One day, when he discovers a crashed plane complete with a machine gun, he decides to take it as a prize and enlists the help of his friends Cem and Clogger. Later, as Audrey, Nicky, and Carrot-Juice join the gang, they come up with the idea of using the heavy gun to defend their town. First, they use it against a German pilot named Rudi, whom they later befriend. And then, they prepare to use it against a supposed invasion.

This story is based on Westall's memories of that time period, and it shows clearly. It's a well-told tale that is immediate, real, and often quite brutal. From the body of the gunner with a missing eye in the downed plane to the realization that a schoolfriend's house has been completely wiped out by a bomb, from the casual way people deal with the realities of war to the camaraderie it generates, this story doesn't hold back. Even with his parents, Chas always thought of his father as a symbol of safety, but he comes to realize that grown-ups can't always keep kids safe. His dad is just a "weary, helpless, middle-aged man." This sequence is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it's echoed by Nicky, who loses both his sea captain Dad to the war and then his Mum when their house is blown up.

When Rudi is discovered, the mutual animosity between them, which is created by their perceptions rather than reality, is well-played, as is the thawing as they come to appreciate each other. The air raids are vividly described, and the characters all feel real. Westall dedicates the book to his "mother and father, who were the mother and father of the book." The grown-ups, such as teachers, "our John" with his cry of "Where you going now?", policemen, and parents, are given as much space as the children.

Surprisingly dark at times, funny at others, and with an abrupt ending that works perfectly, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on the war through the eyes of a young boy and his friends.

This is a truly lovely book.

It is extremely well written, with a style that is engaging and captivating.

The story is so believable that it easily draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are an integral part of it.

Not only does it offer an entertaining narrative, but it also provides great information.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting facts and details in a way that is both interesting and accessible.

Whether you are looking for a good read or seeking to expand your knowledge, this book is definitely worth picking up.

It has the power to transport you to another world and leave you with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.

Highly recommended!

In 1975, the English children's novel "The Machine Gunners" (MacMillan, 2015) was published. It is a story set in the early days of World War II. In the story, a group of children led by a schoolboy named Chas McGill obtain a machine gun from a downed bomber. And then, all kinds of things follow.

From the children's perspective, war is a distant and exciting adventure. School days may suddenly be interrupted by air raid sirens, and the coolest kid in the neighborhood is the one with the most impressive collection of war memorabilia. However, it also reveals its terrifying side when bombs start to fall on the streets of the hometown and the threat of occupation grows. The children also have to redefine the concept of the enemy when they encounter a German fighter pilot who has parachuted to safety.

Although Robert Westall's original novel has won literary awards in his home country, unfortunately, it has never been translated into Finnish. That's a pity. As a child, I would definitely have liked "The Machine Gunners". Even now, it was a quite decent reading experience.

At the end of the book, there is a short interview with the author, a biography (which is probably useful for all the presenters), and as a bonus, a curious story set right at the beginning of the war.

If you liked this, then get your hands on Lasse Raustela's excellent Taivaansavut series, which follows the lives of Turku children and young people during the war years.

The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall is a captivating novel set during the intense blitz of WWII in a northern British city.

It centers around the exciting adventures of 14-year-old Chas McGill and his group of friends. They stumble upon a downed German machine gun and, with great secrecy, build their own bunker to store it. Their aim is to better defend Britain's shores from the feared German invasion. However, their actions do not go unnoticed. The authorities, eager to recover the missing gun, have their movements being closely monitored by a bumbling policeman, a suspicious teacher, and the neighborhood bully.

Chas makes for an engaging hero. He is constantly one step ahead of his antagonists, which makes it great fun to follow his story. Watching him anticipate his opponents' next moves and then cleverly block them and make his escape is truly thrilling. The setting of the novel is equally fascinating. It portrays wartime Britain, where the residents are trying their best to carry on with their normal lives despite facing crippling shortages and nightly bomb raids.

Although the novel has many strengths, I was a little disappointed by the ending. It felt a bit rushed and included a rather slapstick case of mistaken identity. Additionally, the narrative simply stops, leaving the fate of several major characters unknown, which can be quite irritating.

Nevertheless, The Machine Gunners remains a warm and touching novel that I simply couldn't put down. It offers a unique perspective on the war and the experiences of the people living through it.

The last few years have been a bit much, and I think I can say this without fear of contradiction or reprisal.

Lockdowns, pandemics, wars, climate crisis.... There has been so much going on. And we all deal with these things in our own way.

For example, I decided to regress like a wossiname. At the start of 2020, I found myself buying albums for bands I had only vaguely fond memories of. I'm pretty sure I didn't really need an A-ha compilation or a three-disc Human League retrospective, but here we are.

And this has now seemingly bled into my reading.

At some point, something reminded me of The Machine Gunners, a book I read when I was about 10 and, if my failing memory is to be trusted, thoroughly enjoyed.

Naturally, I went from remembering it to owning it within the hour. And then it was only a short year or so before it rose to the top of my ever-growing To Read list.

But, you know, was it actually any good? After all, this is a children's book, albeit an award-winning one. But I'm not 10-year-old me anymore....

As it turns out, it's actually better than I remember. And a lot darker.

Also, if you happen to remember reading this way back when, the German guy turns up a lot later than you think.

Memories, eh?

The first thing you notice when reading this again is how 'in your face' it is. We have a body blown in half within the opening pages and a graphically-described corpse in chapter two.

It's a children's book. Remember that.

We also have a lot of "Nazi pig"ery going on, which, while probably historically accurate, does rather jar with modern sensibilities.

However, that is kind of the book's charm.

Published in the early 1970s, The Machine Gunners is a book about childhood in trying circumstances, about facing bullies (again, very graphically), about friendships, about right and wrong and the grey areas in between, about adults vs children.

And it captures all of that perfectly.

Westall creates a cast of characters you love and care about - apart from the ones you're meant to hate – and, aside from the occasional unnecessary descriptive aside (the size of the woman pushing the push chair is totally immaterial), a world you almost wish you were living in.

If it wasn't for the bombs, rationing, and constant fear.

Looking back on it with adult eyes, you can't help but ask if it was a suitable book for a ten-year-old.

But, at the same time, you would have to admit it made an impact, left a mark, spoke to the young me in ways I probably couldn't quite understand.

In many ways, the book has aged badly – attitudes towards mental health issues and the role of women have thankfully changed somewhat – but in many others, it is as relevant today as it ever was.

Like a significant portion of Westall's work, this particular book is situated in World War II England.

In this era, the boys' perception of enjoyment is centered around gathering various debris from the destruction of the Blitz. This includes fragments of planes and bombs, with the nose-cone of a Messerschmitt being the ultimate trophy.

However, when some boys come across something considerably larger and more perilous, they make a decision that they can play a genuine part in the war effort.

This book is an ideal choice for reluctant boy readers who are proficient in the technical aspects of reading but simply don't see any value in the activity.

It is perfect because it commences with all the high jinks and adventure that boys love, but then irresistibly evolves into a very serious story with a true heart.

Even though the adventure never wanes, the story manages to engage readers on a deeper level, making it a captivating read for those who might otherwise be hesitant to pick up a book.

A group of children engage in the activity of collecting war souvenirs during the intense blitz. Amidst one of their scavenging expeditions, they stumble upon a fully functional machine gun. Immediately, they set to work, determined to build their fortress in order to safeguard their home.

What I found appealing about this story was the element of danger that pervaded throughout. The setting, with the backdrop of war, added a sense of authenticity and excitement. The friendships that developed among the children were heartwarming and added depth to the narrative. Additionally, the character of Rudi was particularly engaging.

On the other hand, there were some aspects that I didn't quite like. The pacing of the story had some issues, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed. There were also no strong plot points or a clear conclusion, which left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. Moreover, there seemed to be an excessive number of names beginning with 'C', which made it a bit confusing at times.

Overall, The Machine Gunners is a classic tale that has the ability to resonate with a wide range of readers, especially young and reluctant ones. Its combination of mischief, friendships, and danger creates a captivating story filled with unexpected twists and turns. However, it is important to note that the book is showing its age, and the issues with pacing and the plot arc could potentially be improved upon.

Every school library used to have a copy of this!

It was a war-within-a-war of adolescence.

Back then, students would flock to the library, eager to get their hands on this mysterious and captivating book.

The story within its pages seemed to mirror the turmoil and excitement that was happening within their own lives.

It was a world of hidden emotions, secret crushes, and the constant struggle to fit in.

The characters in the book became their companions, guiding them through the maze of adolescence.

As they turned the pages, they could feel the anticipation building, wondering what would happen next.

It was a journey that they would never forget, a war within themselves that they had to fight and win.

And every time they picked up that copy from the school library, they knew they were about to embark on an adventure that would shape their young lives.

This is likely the way it felt to be a teenager in Britain during World War II.

The characters in this story seem far tougher than contemporary youngsters. They are driven by the fear, grief, and anger that must have been widespread in a community enduring bombing raids.

Perhaps this is the reason they are so reckless, yet also so loyal. They are willing to lie and steal in order to take their own stand against the enemy.

It is an engaging tale, with characters that feel extremely real and tragedy always lurking nearby.

The experiences of these teenagers during the war were likely filled with both hardships and moments of courage.

Their actions and emotions offer a glimpse into a world that was very different from our own.

Despite the difficult circumstances, they managed to find a way to survive and fight for what they believed in.

This story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of those who lived through this tumultuous time.

Well, I must admit that when I first came across Robert Westall's Carnegie Medal winning WWII themed novel, "The Machine-Gunners", in our school library back in 1980, I was initially turned off. I was a recent German immigrant to Canada and was constantly being bullied and called a Nazi. The WWII premise of the novel, combined with my personal experiences, made me reluctant to even consider reading it. My English teacher had warmly recommended the novel and assured me that Westall's story did not fit the stereotype of all Germans being Nazis. However, at the age of fourteen, I was stubborn and did not believe my teacher.

Looking back now, I realize that I was unfortunately wrong. Westall's text for "The Machine-Gunners" is not at all showing Germans in a negative light. In fact, the German pilot, Rudi, that the main character, Chass, and his friends befriend, is not only likeable but also a kindred spirit to the children. The novel realistically portrays the pain and sadness of war-time, but also shows how a group of children can overcome difficulties and form unlikely friendships.

Some reviews may have issues with the fact that Westall's story is not black and white, but for me, this is what makes "The Machine-Gunners" such a great story. Westall has created nuanced and wonderful heroes in Rudi and the boys hiding him, while the true villains are war itself and the ignorant adults who believe that all Germans are the enemy. The novel's themes are still relevant today, and I believe that more novels on WWII that do not automatically depict Germans as horrible monstrosities should be written and read.

In the world of literature, C. YA fiction has always held a special charm.

Set during WWII in England, this particular story takes an interesting turn. The protagonist discovers Mom's stash of something, which leads to a series of events.

At first, the discovery seems insignificant, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to it than meets the eye.

The protagonist is faced with a difficult decision - whether to discard what has been found or to explore further.

This choice sets the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with mystery, danger, and self-discovery.

As the protagonist delves deeper into Mom's stash, they uncover secrets that have been hidden for years.

The story weaves together elements of history, family, and mystery, creating a captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Will the protagonist choose to discard the contents of Mom's stash, or will they embrace the unknown and embark on a journey that will change their life forever? Only time will tell.

A classic work is truly a gem.

I had the privilege of reading this particular classic as part of a class many years ago.

The experience was truly unforgettable. I vividly recall the excitement that coursed through me, an excitement that was seldom found in my educational journey up until that point.

Each session with this great read was like uncovering a new treasure.

The anticipation for the next session was palpable, as I eagerly awaited to continue delving into the rich and captivating world that the author had created.

This classic work not only expanded my knowledge and understanding but also ignited a passion for literature within me that has endured to this day.

It serves as a reminder of the power of great books to inspire, educate, and transport us to different times and places.

I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity to read this classic and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound and engaging literary experience.