From Publishers Weekly
Despite the title, this is no historical novel, and the eponymous 18th-century war does not enter into the fervid plot. The war here is of the type waged primarily in fiction: an all-out battle at a boys' school. An innocent mistake triggers a series of brutal skirmishes between the privileged students of Redlands, an English boarding school, and the boys from the village. As the "toffee-noses" fight the "oiks," even the headmaster and teachers take sides, and class hatred erupts full force. Morpurgo (Waiting for Anya), however, throws in a wholly unexpected twist in the form of Christopher, a Redlands boy who, by means of a few arguable "miracles," secretly persuades several fellow students that he is Jesus. Desperate to stop the war, Christopher and his apostles turn the other cheek and in fact bring about peace. Morpurgo seems to want the reader to believe in Christopher as a Christ figure, or at least to subscribe to Christopher/Christ's teachings, but the is-he-or-isn't-he puzzle leaves little occasion for contemplating homilies. The various elements of the plots are neither believable nor sufficiently consuming to invite a suspension of disbelief-they are simply incongruous. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9?The new term at Redlands begins routinely for Toby Jenkins, except for the presence of a new boy, Christopher, who confidently stands up to the headmaster. After his initial clash with authority, Christopher becomes a model student and befriends Toby. He tells Toby of his many visions, reveals that he is the reincarnated Jesus Christ, and vows to try to save the world. Aware of Toby's doubt, he promises that a miracle will occur. Several days later, Toby becomes his first disciple. When the students become embroiled in a war with the local village boys, it is Christopher who becomes the voice of peace, tolerance, and love to both sides. School officials eventually find out about the young man's claims, expel him for blasphemy, and force Toby to renounce him publicly or be expelled himself. Worried about his parents' reaction, he forsakes Christopher as a fraud, though in his heart he still believes in him. Through vivid and memorable characters, rich details of the rural setting, and ample dialect to spice the interesting dialogue, Morpurgo captures the flavor of an English boarding school in the 1950s. He tackles provocative themes, dealing with the issues of hate, revenge, prejudice, and especially faith in an intelligent and fresh manner. While this novel is likely to be controversial, it will interest YAs and will assuredly provide them with numerous discussion possibilities.?Tim Rausch, Crescent View Middle School, Sandy, UT
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
