17 October, 2015

I am David - Book Review



I am David. “That looks interesting,” I thought after reading the back cover. That’s one thing about shopping at an op shop where books cost 20c each – you grab everything that looks interesting, because there isn’t much to lose. I didn’t recognize the cover, but I realized later I’d read up about I am David before, and marked it as ‘to-read’. 

I am David is the story of a boy called David. (I know, surprise!) He grew up in a prison camp, under the guard of them, and he doesn’t know how, or why, he got there. He gleans pieces of information from other prisoners who come and go, but he’s trained himself not to think. His exposure though, means he can speak and understand several languages. One day, David escapes, and begins a trek across countries, following directions given to him. Along the way, he has some narrow escapes, and several adventures. All the time though, he’s worried that they are just behind him, and he works carefully to be as inconspicuous as possible. He also tries to remember everything he can about life in the outside world, wishing he had paid more attention to what the other prisoners talked about. But he manages, and he learns fast. Along the way he also learns who he is, and where he is going. 

David is a deep thinker, and some of his insights are quite profound. He often remembers statements someone called Johannes told him, and he seeks to live by them. For example:

 “But Johannes had said, ‘Politeness is something you owe other people, because when you show a little courtesy, everything becomes easier and better. But first and foremost it’s something you owe yourself. You are David. And if you never allow other people to influence what you’re really like, then you’ve something no one can take from you – not even they. Never mind what others are like – you must still be David. Do you understand what I mean?’” p92

To me, that is a powerful sentence: “If you never allow other people to influence what you’re really like, then you’ve something no one can take from you.” David lives by that rule, and that’s why he can say, I am David.

Because David has grown up in a dull prison camp, he knows nothing else. Things we take for granted, he sees as wonderful, and worth examining and exclaiming over. He’d never heard music before, he’d never seen a bed before. And he couldn’t understand how children didn’t like being clean or going to school, or appreciate the fine meals. 

David’s relationship with his God of the green pastures and still waters is so sweet. Part way along his journey, David decides he needs a God. So he thinks about all the gods he’s heard about, and finally settles on one another David had once mentioned – a God of the green pastures and still waters. David talks to God, and asks for help when he runs into trouble. Then David feels he ought to repay God for all the help He’s given, so he does something for God.  Along the way, David learns more about His God. 

I like the way it’s written too: every paragraph contains so much; there are no fillers. I am David was actually originally translated from Danish. This book was also good, because although it is set during the Second World War, and although David has been in a prison camp, it doesn’t describe much of the cruelty and violence. So it’s suitable for younger readers, or as an introduction to holocaust stories. It’s a quick, easy read, and yet profound; I know I will be reading it again. So, I recommend you try it out!

15 comments:

  1. This sounds so good! :)
    Have you read 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas'? I've only read tiny bits of it, and they appear somewhat similar.
    I'll definitely have to give this book a look as I especially enjoy 'journey' type books.

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    1. Yes, I'm sure you would enjoy it! No, I haven't read 'The Boy in Striped Pajamas', but I'm planning to someday. Our local library's got it, so it's just waiting on me to find some time!
      Thanks so much for commenting, Mary, and have a great day!

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  2. Sounds good. I might have to read it. I am learning that maybe we actually should let other people influence us. I know it's sounds bad, but I don't mean influence us in a bad way, but more like if they criticise us we should listen to them and see if it's true. The Bible says that's what wise people do and as much as our human nature hates it, we have to fight against it and allow the criticism of others to change us for the better. I don't know if that makes sense.... Hopefully you know what I mean. :)

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    1. I think you'd like it. I'll send it to you. :)
      Okay, yes, I get your point. I didn't stop to think about what I was really saying. We should always take opportunities for improvement; you're right. Though it isn't always fun. I guess in the context of the story, it's more saying don't be impolite because others are impolite or don't change who you are by who you're with. Just be who you really are. Maybe that makes more sense; I know I'm not good at explaining myself. :)

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  3. Ooh...this looks intriguing!

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  4. I saw the movie, and I didn't even realize that it was a book! I will totally have to check it out sometime. :D Your blog header is absolutely GORGEOUS by the way, girl! I love your blog

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  5. I saw the movie, and I didn't even realize that it was a book! I will totally have to check it out sometime. :D Your blog header is absolutely GORGEOUS by the way, girl! I love your blog

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    1. Well, I didn't know there was a movie until after I read the book! :) Thanks so much for visiting, Katie, and leaving behind such a kind comment. xx

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  6. oh, gosh. this book made me cry so hard. <3 <3

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    1. Yeah, it is a bit like that - a good story. Thanks for commenting! :)

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    2. Oh, and I got to thinking the other day, and I bet a book you would love (if you haven't already read it) is Bronze Bow. So, if you ever cross paths with it, check it out!! It's so totally worth a read (or five.) and all the tears you can manage! (ha.)

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    3. Oh thank you for that recommendation, Lottie! Is that 'The Bronze Bow' by Elizabeth George Speare? I have read that, and yes it is really good. Actually, I only got it recently, so I've only read it once, but I definitely will read it again someday. :) Seems we have similar reading tastes! What are some of your favourite books?

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    4. Oh, I'm so sorry! I forgot all about this!! About my favorite books... David Copperfield, Tuck Everlasting, Mara - Daughter of the Nile, To Kill A Mocking Bird, Pictures Of Hollis Woods, Series of Unfortunate Events, any Agatha Christie, the Great Gatsby... haha. Picking a favorite book is pretty impossible, isn't it? What about you?

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    5. Yes, it is close to impossible to pick favourites! I did really enjoy 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and I've been wanting to read 'Mara-Daughter of the Nile' for a while now, so I'll definitely have to look into that now that you mention it. I've also enjoyed 'Unbroken', 'Unspoken Love', 'The People Smuggler', 'Fierce Beauty,' and lots more I can't bring to mind right now!

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