Lord of the Nutcracker Men

By: Iain Lawrence

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

10-year-old Johnny's toymaker father has volunteered for service in the British Army of World War I. At first, his spirits are high as he completes basic training, but his tone becomes grim once he reaches the front. To ease his son's worries, Johnny's dad carves him little figurines that reflect his experiences in the war. Comprised of letters from his father, followed by Johhny's feelings, Lord of the Nutcracker Men is a haunting and poignant tale.

Author Iain Lawrence has written numerous books for young adults, including Ghost Boy and The Smugglers.

©2001 Iain Lawrence (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"A thoughtful and thought-provoking novel." (Publishers Weekly)

wyatt

it was really good it was for a class but I toldly recommend it

Amazing look at WWI

Absolutely loved it. Captivating through entire book. The narrator did an amazing job dramatizing the story.

WWI history accessible, interesting to teens!

Learning history is often dull because textbooks are written by committees and filled with dry facts. But the same dull history comes alive when it is wound around the story of someone you can relate to,
I love Johnny. He's like my own son at times, and some of the things he unthinkingly does make me want strangle him.
I adore Mr. Tuttle. I delight in his lessons from The Iliad, his great love of virtue and his desire to cultivate virtue in others.
I relate to the confusion and conflicting emotions that arise when you find that the jolly German neighbor suddenly is standing with rifle in hand on the other side of No Man's Land, shooting at you. Where is the neat place on the shelf of love, hate, or indifference for someone your instinct tells you has betrayed you? Where do you put him when you forgive him for doing his duty?
This is a very good book that parents should read alongside their teens (if it is required reading). There are many refences that may require explanation, and numerous points for discussion.
My 12-year-old daughter greatly enjoyed listening to it! We will read it again in a few years together.
The audiobook reader did a superb job of distinguishing all the voices. I highly recommend this audiobook!