'Now’, written by Morris Gleitzman, is the final book of a trilogy beginning in 1942 and ending in the present. We first meet the main character Felix, a ten year old Jewish boy, in the first book, ‘Once’, set in Poland, in 1942, during the Holocaust. He is a refugee who escapes from an orphanage, in search of his parents. He is on the run from the Nazis and must survive in harsh and dangerous conditions. He meets Zelda, an six year old girl, who he rescues after her parents are killed. They form a friendship and a bond that sees them through events of peril and despair. Felix is a brave and compassionate boy who protects Zelda from the violence and oppression that they have learnt to endure.
In the second book, ‘Then’, Felix and Zelda are still on the run, again pursued by the Nazis and in constant fear of their lives. They meet a kind and sympathetic farmer’s wife named Genia who, at the risk of her own life, harbours them and cares for them in her own home. After many harrowing incidences and through tragic circumstances, Zelda is killed.
‘Now’ is the final book of the trilogy, set in the current day. It tells the story of Felix, now a successful, retired surgeon, a father and a grandfather living in Australia. Felix is now leading the life he so desired and promised to himself, ‘to be the best human being I can for the rest of my life’. His granddaughter, named Zelda, comes to stay with him while her parents, both doctors, are away. Felix had buried the painful and horrendous memories of his past, however, now he must relive the trauma that dominated his young life. Zelda is dealing with personal issues at school, ones of bullying and harassment,she turns to her grandfather for advice and support. Together, Felix and his granddaughter, deal with the past, live in the present and look towards the future.
The trilogy is one of relationships, tragedies, survival and hope. A great read for any age!
