Title: Running Wild
Author: Michael Morpurgo
First published January 1, 2009
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007267019 (ISBN10: 0007267010)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the jungle with Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild. Will and his mother have traveled to Indonesia for an escape, a new beginning, and a chance to leave their past behind.
But when a tsunami hits, their journey takes an unexpected turn. Will and an elephant named Oona find themselves stranded deep in the jungle with limited resources.
As they navigate their way through the wilderness, they form an unbreakable bond and discover the true meaning of survival. Follow Will and Oona on their epic journey and witness the incredible strength of the human-animal connection.
About the Author
Meet Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, a prolific children’s book author who has written many books that have been adapted into films. Aside from writing, he also creates his own screenplays and libretti for opera.
Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War. After the war, he returned to London before eventually settling in Essex.
Initially, he tried his luck in the army but it didn’t work out. He then pursued a career in teaching while also writing on the side.
Eventually, he left teaching to establish ‘Farms for City Children’ with his wife. They have since opened three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, offering inner-city school children the opportunity to stay and work with the animals.
Their work earned them a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognition in 1999 and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003. Sir Morpurgo was also appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004 and was later knighted in 2018 for his contributions to literature and charity.
He is a proud father and grandfather, and his love for children reflects in his works. Every year, he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the location of three of his books.
Editoral Review
Running Wild: A Masterpiece of Children’s Literature
Michael Morpurgo has once again outdone himself with his captivating novel, Running Wild. In this heartwarming story, he takes the reader on a journey through the jungles of Indonesia with a group of escapees from a tsunami.
The novel, first published on January 1, 2009, has become a classic of children’s literature, touching the hearts of readers young and old. Michael Morpurgo is one of the most beloved children’s authors of our time.
His works have captured the imaginations of generations of readers, and Running Wild is no exception. This novel, set in the lush and mysterious forests of Indonesia, delicately combines the themes of adventure, love, loss, and nature into a breathtaking narrative that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
The novel revolves around the character of Will, a ten-year-old boy who is devastated after losing his father. Will takes a trip to Indonesia with his mother and gets caught in the middle of a massive tsunami.
Along with a group of diverse and unlikely companions, Will navigates the treacherous terrain of the jungle, battling the elements and wild animals along the way. But as they make their way through the jungle, they also begin to uncover a web of secrets and mysteries, and Will discovers that the jungle holds secrets that might just help him find the closure he needs.
Morpurgo is a gifted storyteller with a keen eye for detail. His vivid descriptions of the lush Indonesian jungle are so well-written that the book almost feels like a movie.
Along with the thrilling action, Morpurgo has also woven in poignant moments of grief and healing, beautifully capturing the complexities of human emotions with refreshing honesty and sensitivity. Running Wild is not just a story of adventure but also offers a lot of food for thought.
Morpurgo highlights various human-nature issues such as deforestation, animal poaching, and climate change. He has effortlessly managed to infuse the story with relevant issues that make it quite thought-provoking, and all while still capturing the heart of his target audience.
This novel does not disappoint in terms of character development either. Will, as the protagonist, is well-rounded and endearing.
The author creates a believable storyline for each of the supporting characters’ backstories, adding depth and complexity to them. The different supporting characters give unique perspectives on life and resilience, making the story all the more rich and rewarding.
One of the only downsides to Running Wild is that the ending feels too rushed and abrupt, perhaps underserving to the story. It could have benefited from a bit more time for a more satisfying conclusion that didn’t feel so hurried.
In conclusion, Running Wild is an incredible children’s novel that manages to be both a thrilling adventure and an enlightening work of literature that touches on important environmental and social issues. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates good storytelling and is looking for an escape into a world of magic and wonder.
Michael Morpurgo is undeniably one of the best children’s authors around, and with Running Wild, he has solidified his position as a master of the art. We highly recommend it.
The Washington Post gives it a 4 out of 5.
