First published in 1975, I had the opportunity to read this book in the late seventies when I was around 9 or 10 years old.

Since then, as an adult, I have read it twice more and have always been completely captivated by the excitement, the suspense, the build-up, and the action it contains.

As an adult, I have been able to perceive new aspects of the book. It not only tells tales of friendship but also of evolving relationships that are both heartwarming and heartwrenching at the same time.

Contrary to what some other reviews might suggest, this book is not set in London. Instead, it is set in the northeast of England, north of Newcastle. This is actually an important point because when you imagine the characters speaking in Geordie accents, the book takes on an entirely new life.

For example, you might not have really thought that Nana McGill would actually think 'Germans' was spelt 'Jarmans'.

The book tells the story of a group of children and their own endeavors to defend their country during the Second World War. They first manage to appropriate a machine gun from an undiscovered crashed German plane and later acquire their very own prisoner of war.

If you miss out on this book, you will truly be missing out on a real treat.

Chas McGill resides in England during the era of World War II. The shortages and the continuous German bombing raids have made life extremely difficult. To divert their minds from the unceasing terror, many of the school-age boys engage in collecting war souvenirs. These souvenirs include fins from exploded bombs and spent ammunition cartridges, among others.

One day, following a particularly devastating raid, Chas discovers an enemy bomber that has crashed in the woods. It is truly the ultimate souvenir. Of course, he cannot claim the entire plane, but the machine gun loaded with live ammo is a prize that he simply cannot resist.

Disgusted with the raids, Chas and his friends make a decision to mount their own defense. With a machine gun at their disposal, they are convinced that they will be able to put an end to the bombing runs that have been raining terror on their village for months.

The Machine Gunners, originally released in 1975, has been re-published for its 40th anniversary. It is a captivating story of adventure, boyhood mischief, and humor, set against the dark backdrop of the war. Based on Westall’s wartime memories, this title does not shy away from the bleak and ugly aspects of war. However, it also offers a glimpse into the resilience and camaraderie of the town’s people. Filled with action and intriguing, courageous characters, this title will keep readers on the edge of their seats, guessing until the very end. Additionally, a short biography and interview of the author are included.

I picked this up the other week in Waterstones. At the moment, I am in a huge reading slump. However, I'm glad I pushed through this as it's completely out of my comfort zone.

It did start off slow at first. But then it picked up. I really enjoyed getting to know Rudi and Nicky's relationship. It was interesting to see how they built the fortress. Also, it made you realize how they treated people with mental health issues like John in those days in the book. For example, the sirens triggered his condition so badly.

Moreover, the description of women and breasts is a bit laughable. But I'm not going to go on about it as that wasn't the main focus of the story. Audrey was pretty cool, though. She added an interesting element to the plot. Overall, despite its flaws, this book was an engaging read that took me out of my reading slump.

An incredible and quite disturbing book! It offers an amazing evocation of life under siege. This isn't the traditional walled city siege but the airborne bombing siege of WWII. In an English harbour town, families lived in constant fear of death from the skies every night. Yet, they had to carry on with their ordinary lives during the day. The story focuses on how this constant tension and destruction affects the children of the town. It begins with Chas, a boy who collects war souvenirs. Then, he and a friend discover a working machine gun and decide to use it to shoot down the German planes attacking their homes nightly. As the story progresses, it gets darker, scarier, and more disturbing. The kids become unsure of who is a friend, who is an enemy, and who they are supposed to shoot at.

It's not a cheerful book and doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of wartime life. I was deeply moved by it. However, similar to several other kids' books written in the 1960s and 1970s, I found it quite challenging to relate to the characters as I thought they were all rather unlikeable. (I grew up in the 1970s, and I'm certain that not all children back then were rude, inconsiderate, and selfish.) It's a great book, very thought-provoking, but not much fun.

An easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable wartime story is presented here. It is told through the eyes of children who are living in a coastal town in Northern England. The perspective of these young characters adds a unique charm and authenticity to the narrative.

Although it may well be written with teens and young adults in mind, this story is equally readable for all ages. Its simple language and engaging plot make it accessible to readers of different generations.

The setting of the coastal town during the war provides a backdrop full of historical significance and atmosphere. The children's experiences, their fears, hopes, and friendships, are vividly描绘, allowing the readers to immerse themselves in their world.

Whether you are a young person looking for an exciting adventure or an adult seeking a heartwarming and nostalgic tale, this wartime story has something to offer. It is a wonderful read that will leave you with a sense of warmth and a deeper understanding of the impact of war on the lives of ordinary people, especially children.

We often hear a great deal about the Blitz in London and how it had a profound impact on people's lives. However, we tend to overlook the fact that other regions of the UK were also bombed to the point of being unrecognizable. This exquisitely written story plunges us directly into the harsh reality of life in a small town in the North East during World War II.

We are submerged in the terrifying danger confronted by every aspect of society and the appalling brutality of war, but it is witnessed through the eyes of real people, both children and adults. The story is captivating, and the cast of characters is diverse and entirely believable. I was initially fascinated and shocked by the children's fixation on collecting war souvenirs and the lengths they would go to in order to enhance their collections.

Yet, as I delved deeper into their world, it started to make sense. It also made me reflect on the fact that children today simply do not have the freedom to embark on their own adventures in the same way as the protagonists in this book. For this reason, it is an excellent escapist read. I adored all the detailed and often humorous touches, such as the ungainly posture of a woman revealing her apricot knickers.

Chas's mum putting a copy of the Daily Express on the floor so that her husband could eat his food as soon as he entered without having to remove his dirty boots. I laughed out loud at some of the antics of the Home Guard, like the confusion over the correct password to use on the phone, which was so reminiscent of Dad's Army.

I do not like the distinction made between books for different ages. A good book is a good book, and I would highly recommend this to both younger and older individuals alike.

A great view into the human sides of WW2, the less black and white view.

When I was young, I had the opportunity to read this remarkable piece. It provided a unique perspective that went beyond the traditional, one-sided accounts of the war.

Recently, I decided to re-read it, and my love for it only grew stronger.

The article delved deep into the complex emotions, experiences, and decisions of the people involved in WW2. It showed that there were no simple answers or clear-cut heroes and villains.

Instead, it presented a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the war, highlighting the humanity that existed even in the midst of such chaos and destruction.

By reading this article, I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of those who lived through WW2. It served as a reminder that history is not just a collection of facts and figures, but a story of real people and their lives.

I would highly recommend this article to anyone interested in learning more about the human side of WW2 and gaining a deeper perspective on this important period in history.

It was truly a remarkable experience to revisit a beloved classic from my childhood.

The Machine Gunners, set in northern England during the height of World War II, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of lower-middle-class teenagers.

Amidst the chaos of the nightly air raids, these youngsters find themselves in the midst of an extraordinary adventure.

The story takes an exciting turn when one of them manages to pilfer a live machine gun from a wrecked German bomber.

This act sets off a chain of events that will test their courage, friendship, and resourcefulness.

As they navigate through the dangerous and unpredictable wartime landscape, they learn valuable lessons about life, love, and the power of hope.

The Machine Gunners is not just a thrilling adventure story; it is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and hardships endured by ordinary people during times of war.

It is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Rereading this book has brought back many fond memories and has given me a new appreciation for its timeless charm and relevance.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

I have finally completed reading "The Machine Gunners." Overall, I would rate this book a well-deserved 4 out of 5. The reason for this is that most of the story was extremely interesting and kept me hooked. However, other parts seemed to prolong the plot.

Now, I will write a short summary of the book. This book is about an English boy named Chas McGill, who lives in the town of Garmouth in the Northeast of England. He is a 12-year-old boy who discovers a machine gun from a crashed German plane and cuts it off the tail. Unaware of the trouble he has gotten himself into (it was prohibited to steal plane parts during World War 2), he soon realizes he needs help. So, he teams up with some of his friends and finds a shelter to store the machine gun. While the police search for it, they have to hide. Then, a German survivor named Rudi finds their fortress and starts living there. He is in a very bad condition. But a lot of suspicion is raised among their parents and the police due to the missing parts needed to supply their fortress. In the end, they are eventually caught and are in big trouble.

The most exciting part of the book is when Chas is being chased by Boddser Brown in the swamp area of Garmouth. The suspense in this chapter was very interesting and entertaining, tempting me to read more.

My favorite character in this book is Chas McGill. He is very sneaky and manipulative, which makes it entertaining to watch throughout the story. Also, the way he takes charge makes the plot much more thrilling to read.

I think the message the author is trying to convey is how World War 2 has drastically changed the lives of many and how they have coped with it.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book as it is a thrilling and entertaining read that hooks the audience. I hope to read more of the author's books in the future.

Currently, I have read 49 pages of the book (Chapter 5), and I find it very interesting. The story takes place during World War 2, and the local kids in the town of England are collecting souvenirs from passing Nazi airplanes that have been shot down. Then, Chas, a character in the book, finds a machine gun connected to the plane. He and his friends keep it a secret as it is illegal. I think I will enjoy this book throughout my reading. I would currently rate it a 4 out of 5.

I'm on page 49 of 185 of "The Machine-Gunners." I think the next event in the book will be that after the police finish searching Chas' house, he and Cem will become more careful and cautious. But then, suddenly, the Nazis bomb their town, and the people will be very helpless. There will be sirens going off for evacuation after the bombing. Also, when the town evacuates, the journey will be very difficult.

The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall is a captivating story.

Set in the North of England during the Second World War, it follows the adventures of Chas McGill. Chas has the second-best collection of war souvenirs in Garmouth and dreams of making it the best. However, Boddser Brown currently holds that title. But as the story unfolds, this could change.

One night, a German fighter plane is shot down by the Home Guard in Garmouth. The machine gun detaches and lands in the woods. Chas and his friends discover it and set up a base, vowing to keep it a secret. This powerful weapon can penetrate a brick wall at a quarter of a mile.

The story also highlights the daily hardships faced by the people of Garmouth during the war. The difficulties are palpable throughout. Chas and his friends decide to use their new base to defend their country.

I highly recommend this book. It's an excellent read and suitable for 9-11 year olds, offering an engaging look at war and friendship.

Kodi Botica

The Machine Gunners

Author: Robert Westall

Text type: Novel

Q1) My favorite character has to be Clogger. Clogger is an orphaned boy from Glasgow, Scotland, with only his aunt as the remaining family member. At first glance, he appears to be a dull, dumb, and strange boy because he is a very quiet character, with his vocabulary mainly consisting of "Aye" and "no". However, he is much more than that. He is a strong kid with a good build and the captain of the school's rugby team. In fact, he is not dumb at all. He is probably the second-highest contributor in the gang and is behind many of the mastermind plans. While the fort was up, Nicky and Clogger were thinking about having a permanent residency there. But this changed when the Home Guard took them away after they opened fire on some people on the beach, thinking they were Nazis. Now they live in a foster home.

Q2) The most tension-y part was when Rudi infiltrates Fort Caporetto and is confronted by the gang. Rudi backs away, knowing he can't win because Chas is pointing a machine gun at him, not realizing that the gun is not actually functional. He drops his Luger pistol and hands it over to Chas with his hands up. Then Chas points the Luger pistol at Rudi. Realizing it was a trap and that the machine gun doesn't work, Rudi is angry, but a deal is proposed soon after. He claims he knows how to fix the machine gun, so Chas says if he fixes the gun, he can leave. Then they realize that if they let him leave, he will tell the local authority, so they decide to let him stay until they build enough trust to let him go.

Despite the concise and to-the-point storytelling, The Machine Gunners does not shy away from presenting unconventional turning points in the narrative.

Set during a time of war, the boys in the story exhibit violent and brutal behavior, along with being irreverent and crude.

However, beneath all that roughness lies the unabashed childhood that frequently springs to the surface. This aspect makes the characters in this book fearless and creative.

Their actions and decisions are driven by a combination of youthful bravado and the need to navigate the harsh realities of war.

Overall, The Machine Gunners is an enjoyable and fast-paced read that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

It offers a unique perspective on the lives of children during a time of conflict,展现了 both the harshness and the unexpected beauty that can emerge.

The story's unconventional turning points add an element of surprise and keep the reader guessing about what will happen next.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for an exciting read, The Machine Gunners is definitely worth checking out.