Nine-year-old Frankie and his single mother, Lizzie, have always been on the move. From city to city, they never stay in one place for long. Their latest stop is a small seaside town in Scotland, where Lizzie hopes they can finally settle down.
But there's a secret that Lizzie has been keeping from Frankie. She's been lying to him about his father, who is actually not away at sea on the HMS Accra as she has led Frankie to believe. In reality, they have run away from Frankie's father, and Lizzie has been creating a fictional story to protect her son from the truth.
Every few weeks, Lizzie writes Frankie a make-believe letter from his father, filled with tales of his adventures in far-off lands. Frankie eagerly tracks the ship's progress around the globe, believing every word of his mother's stories.
However, the real HMS Accra is due to dock in their seaside town in just a fortnight. Lizzie is faced with a difficult decision - should she finally come clean to Frankie about his father, or should she find a perfect stranger to play the role of Frankie's father for just one day?
As the arrival of the ship draws nearer, Lizzie grapples with her conscience. She knows that the truth will eventually come out, and she doesn't want Frankie to feel betrayed or deceived by her. On the other hand, she fears that telling him the truth will shatter his world and their relationship.
In the end, Lizzie decides to be honest with Frankie. She sits him down and gently explains the situation, assuring him that she loves him and will always be there for him. Frankie is initially upset and confused, but with Lizzie's love and support, he begins to understand and accept the truth.
Together, they watch as the real HMS Accra docks in their town, but this time, Frankie is not filled with disappointment or longing for a father he never had. Instead, he feels grateful for his mother's love and the life they have built together. And as they watch the ship sail away, Frankie knows that he doesn't need a fictional father - because he has the most important person in his life right by his side.
IMDB : tmdb8981
คะแนน : 7
This heartwarming and emotional story of a mother's love and the lengths she will go to protect her son is beautifully portrayed in The Boy at the Back of the Class. The author, Onjali Q. Raúf, has crafted a touching tale that explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of imagination.
The bond between Frankie and his mother is the heart of the story, and readers will be moved by Lizzie's determination to shield her son from the harsh realities of their situation. The make-believe letters from Frankie's father are a poignant and creative way for Lizzie to keep her son's hope alive, and it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to witness Frankie's belief in his father's adventures.
As the story unfolds and the truth of their situation becomes more pressing, the reader is drawn into the emotional turmoil faced by Lizzie. Her internal struggle between protecting her son and confronting the truth is a powerful and relatable dilemma, and readers will find themselves rooting for her to find a solution that will bring them both peace.
The arrival of the real HMS Accra and the impending meeting with Frankie's father adds a sense of urgency and tension to the story. As Lizzie searches for a stranger to play the role of Frankie's father, the reader is kept on edge, wondering how the situation will unfold and whether the truth will finally come to light.
The Boy at the Back of the Class is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a story of love, resilience, and the power of hope, and it is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who reads it. Onjali Q. Raúf has created a truly unforgettable tale that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.