Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
29(29%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Sometimes, it can be hard to understand a piece of writing. However, this particular article was not only well-written but also provided amazing insights into what had happened. I had to read it for a class, and at first, I was a bit daunted. But as I delved deeper, I found myself really enjoying it. It was like uncovering a hidden treasure trove of knowledge. I learned a great deal from it, and it broadened my perspective on the subject matter. I would highly recommend this article to anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic or who simply enjoys good writing. It's one of those rare finds that can truly make a difference in your understanding and appreciation of a particular subject.

July 14,2025
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Suspense


Swagger


Terror


Hooliganism


Playfulness


Moral ambiguity


Courage


And confusion



This strange and terrible adventure encompasses a wide range of emotions and experiences. It evokes the daily exhaustion and nightly horror that a too-independent child endured during the WWII bombings on England's coast. The child, perhaps left to fend for themselves in the chaos, experienced moments of intense suspense as they wondered what would come next. There was a hint of swagger in their attempts to navigate the dangerous situation, as if they were trying to prove their toughness. But beneath that bravado lay a deep sense of terror, as the bombings rained down and the world around them seemed to crumble. Hooliganism might have emerged as a way to cope with the chaos, with the child lashing out in frustration. Playfulness, too, could be found in rare moments, perhaps as a means of escaping the horror for a brief time. The moral ambiguity of the situation added to the child's confusion, as they tried to figure out what was right and wrong in a world gone mad. And yet, through it all, there was a glimmer of courage, as the child continued to face the unknown with a certain determination. This adventure is a powerful reminder of the hardships and sacrifices endured by those living through the war.
July 14,2025
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My response after reading chapters 1 to 5:


So far in this book, it has been rather interesting, making me eager to read more. It's the first novel I've come across that involves World War II and is set in the town of Garmouth in England. In chapter 1, it begins in the morning after an air-raid. Before school starts, Chas McGill goes off to collect war souvenirs. In chapter 5, Cem enters the forest but unfortunately gets caught by Fatty Hardy, and Boddser gets busted by the police. Then the police visit Chas's house, asking if he has any war souvenirs. The most surprising thing I've learned in this novel is about the weapons used in World War II, especially the Heinkell HE-111. I hope there will be more interesting weapons and items described.


Overall, I think this book is one of the best and most interesting I've read. I wonder what will happen next in chapter 6.


Finished the book now. It's great and quite interesting. Overall, I've given this book a rating of 4 out of 5. I would like to explore other books by Robert Westall. They might be really engaging as I enjoy reading historical books, like those about war. This is a great book, and I would recommend it to people who like fiction and historical novels. It's an incredible book that can teach others about life during those days of invasions and bombs. In this book, my favorite character is Rudi. He was a German pilot sent to invade, but he ended up helping the gang and showing them how to use and reload the machine gun, which was a huge help for them.

July 14,2025
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A decent book about World War II can be a great source of knowledge and inspiration for students. It can provide a detailed account of the events, battles, and people involved in this significant historical period.



Such a book may cover various aspects of the war, including the political, social, and economic factors that led to its爆发. It can also explore the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war, giving readers a more comprehensive understanding of the human cost of war.



Moreover, a good World War II book can help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, research, and analysis. By reading about different perspectives and interpretations of the war, students can learn to evaluate and compare different sources of information and form their own opinions.



In conclusion, a decent book about World War II is an essential read for students. It can offer a wealth of knowledge and insights into this crucial period of history, while also helping students develop important skills that will serve them well in their academic and personal lives.

July 14,2025
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Unsure what to write here.

My review won't be similar to most that I have read about Machine Gunners. They often describe it as a page turner that kept them engaged.

However, for me, I just lost interest. The story just seemed basic compared to other World War stories. It lacked the depth and complexity that I was hoping for.

The characters didn't seem fully developed, and the plot didn't have enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

I understand that this is a children's book, but I still expected more.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend Machine Gunners to others. There are many other World War stories out there that are much more engaging and thought-provoking.

I would suggest looking for something else if you're interested in this genre.
July 14,2025
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This is a truly captivating and heartwarming adventure story that takes place during World War 2. It centers around a group of brave children who find unique ways to fight against the Germans.

The children, with their youthful spirit and determination, embark on a series of exciting escapades. They use their wits and resourcefulness to outwit the enemy and make a difference in the war effort.

As the story unfolds, we witness their growth and development. They learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and sacrifice. Their actions inspire those around them and give hope in the midst of a dark and difficult time.

This adventure story is not only entertaining but also deeply moving. It reminds us of the power of the human spirit and the ability of ordinary people to do extraordinary things. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure and a story that will touch their heart.
July 14,2025
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My response after reading chapters 1 - 5 is that this book has been going really well so far. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and have a strong desire to keep reading. However, I can't as we are reading it as a class. The reason I like Chas is that he is extremely determined to beat Boddser in his collection of war wreckage. He is so keen on this that he even puts his life in danger by sawing off a machine gun and taking it home. The most surprising thing I've learned from this book is that Chas has a tough life, having to hide in shelters at night and search for war wreckage. I can't wait to continue reading and hope that the end is as great as the start.

I have finally finished reading The Machine Gunners! It was an excellent book, very interesting, especially when they found the machine gun. I mean, if you found a machine gun, you would go crazy, wouldn't you? Overall, this book was a great read, and I finished it in just 3 days during the holidays. I would definitely read another book by Robert Westall.

Chas is my favorite character because he is outgoing and has a gun collection that is the second best in his school. When Chas was sawing the machine gun off because Fatty Hardy was coming, he was sawing it off at a furious pace. The language layout in the book was like old English, for example, "Yee harty ol' feed" instead of what we say now, "Mean harty feed bro". It was trying to communicate how hard it was to live back then, running to the shelters while a bomb was being dropped just 2 blocks away. The book had a lot of action and was fun to read. It was different from Cherub because Cherub wasn't as old as this one. I would recommend this book to others. It is interesting because the language layout is old and a bit hard to understand, but you can get it if you say it aloud, which is what makes it interesting. It made me think about how difficult it was to live back then, having to run to bomb shelters.

Thanks, Jonny.
July 14,2025
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I picked up this book for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was on the Guardian’s top 1000 novels list, which immediately piqued my interest. Secondly, since I had never heard of it before, it seemed all the more intriguing. And I have to say, it IS interesting, and perhaps even more so than the title might initially lead you to believe.

There is a certain irony in the title as the so-called “machine gunners” are actually a group of ragged London kids during the blitz. These children are furious that the blitz has disrupted their childhood. The novel does an excellent job of depicting how the kids, in general, put on a show of bravado to hide their trauma, which feels entirely plausible. One of the boys has an impressive collection of war memorabilia and fancies himself as a local expert.

After a recent attack, they are scavenging and come across a downed plane with a dead pilot and what appears to be a slightly damaged but salvageable German machine gun (the kind that would be attached to the tail of a plane with a gunner). So, they cut it out and take it to their secret hideout where they have a club. Later, the authorities become aware of the missing gun and are concerned that a local underground cell has found it. They enlist a local history teacher to help locate it. In the meantime, as a bit of a cat and mouse game begins, the children discover an even more significant piece of memorabilia.

This is a book that is aimed at kids, but it does so in the right way. It respects their intelligence and talks UP to them rather than talking down. These kids have already endured so much, and the language in the novel is both funny and warm, yet also a little dark and a touch cynical. It manages to capture the complex emotions and experiences of these children during a difficult time in history.
July 14,2025
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The Machine Gunners is a captivating tale that unfolds during the second world war. It begins when one of six children discovers a crashed German plane, complete with a dead pilot. The child decides to take the machine gun as a souvenir.

Subsequently, the children build a fort in the garden of another child. Their intention is to contribute to the fight against the Germans, or "Jarmans" as they are locally known in the northeast of England where the story is set. Eventually, they end up keeping an injured German officer prisoner inside the fortress.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is that it was written by someone who had personally experienced that historical period. The detailed descriptions within the book serve as a testament to this. It is evident that some of the events that occur in the story likely happened to the author or something similar.

Moreover, I appreciate the fact that the book does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of war, even though it is targeted at children. During the war, children grew up faster and knew more than we might assume. They were probably more capable of understanding the events around them, despite their parents' efforts to shield them from the grimness of war.

In conclusion, The Machine Gunners is not only one of the best books for children but also one of the finest books written about the second world war from the perspective of a child of that era. It is a must-read that offers a unique and engaging look into a tumultuous time in history.
July 14,2025
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I bought this book while I was travelling. It is a nice short story that truly captured my attention.

The writing style of this story is what I really liked. It was engaging and easy to follow, yet it also had a certain charm and elegance.

The author was able to create vivid characters and a captivating plot in just a few pages.

Reading this story was like taking a short break from reality and escaping into a different world.

It made me feel a range of emotions, from excitement to sadness.

I would highly recommend this short story to anyone who enjoys reading. It is a quick and enjoyable read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Overall, I am very glad that I bought this book while travelling. It has become one of my favorite reads and I will definitely be reading it again in the future.
July 14,2025
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This is a great book.

It is a nice and easy read, filled with memorable characters that truly come to life on the pages.

As I was reading, it dawned on me that I seem to remember seeing this series on TV when I was a kid. The vivid images from the television adaptation started to resurface in my mind, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the reading experience.

The story is engaging and flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to pick up and lose oneself in. Whether you're a fan of the TV series or new to this world, this book is definitely worth a read.

It has the power to transport you back to your childhood or introduce you to a new and exciting adventure.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable and entertaining read.
July 14,2025
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The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall is a remarkable book that has earned its place on the list of 1,000 Novels Everyone Must Read. It is widely recognized as one of the outstanding works for children.

Despite initially thinking it was a children's book, I found myself enjoying it more than I expected. This led me to question if there was something wrong with me, perhaps a sign of decline as Shakespeare described in his works.

The main character, Charles aka Chas McGill, is a good student who has a penchant for collecting pieces from downed Nazi planes. He uses his collection and a bit of cleverness to outwit his teacher, Stan Liddel, who is searching for a missing machine gun.

Boddser, one of the villains in the story, is a bully and a thief. However, he meets his match when he crosses paths with David.

When a bomber is shot down, Chas discovers an intact machine gun and devises a plan to obtain it. With the help of his friends, including Cem, Clogger, Carrot Juice, Nicky, and Audrey, he manages to hide the gun and later use it.

The arrival of a German pilot, Rudi Gerlath, adds another layer of complexity to the story. The children capture him, but instead of treating him harshly, they show him kindness. Rudi becomes attached to his captors and even helps them in the end.

The story is filled with suspense, intense scenes, and moral dilemmas. It explores themes such as bravery, friendship, and the consequences of war.

Overall, The Machine Gunners is a captivating read that appeals to readers of all ages. It offers a unique perspective on World War II and the experiences of children during that time.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking story.

Now, I have a question for you. How do you think we could make more than a million dollars with this unique technique?

Also, there is the matter of my work for AT&T. If you have any ideas on how I can get them to pay their dues or improve the situation, please let me know.

Finally, I want to share some favorite quotes from To The Heritage and other works.

“Fiction is infinitely preferable to real life...As long as you avoid the books of Kafka or Beckett, the everlasting plot of fiction has fewer futile experiences than the careless plot of reality...Fiction's people are fuller, deeper, cleverer, more moving than those in real life…Its actions are more intricate, illuminating, noble, profound…There are many more dramas, climaxes, romantic fulfillment, twists, turns, gratified resolutions…Unlike reality, all of this you can experience without leaving the house or even getting out of bed…What's more, books are a form of intelligent human greatness, as stories are a higher order of sense…As random life is to destiny, so stories are to great authors, who provided us with some of the highest pleasures and the most wonderful mystifications we can find…Few stories are greater than Anna Karenina, that wise epic by an often foolish author…”

“Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.”

“From Monty Python - The Meaning of Life...Well, it's nothing very special...Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.”
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