Afghanistan. In the heat and dust, young British army medic Elinor Nielson watches an Afghan girl walk into a hail of bullets. But when she runs to help, Ellie finds her gone. Who is she? And what's happened to her? What Ellie discovers makes her question everything she believes in \- even her feelings for the American lieutenant who takes her side.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Originally reviewed at: booksbiscuitsandtea.co.uk
Rating: 5 out of 5 biscuits
When I first saw David Massey's Torn and what the story's about, I knew I had to read it. Even though the synopsis doesn't give too much away, I had a feeling I'd be in for an emotional ride. My only concern was that (and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way) I don't normally read war books so I was hoping it wouldn't be too... you know, war-like and all about politics. However, I shouldn't have worried - for David Massey makes this difficult subject accessible for the young adult generation with such ease that you just won't be able to put the book down.
Torn is narrated by a 19-year-old British medic called Ellie, who's recently joined the troops in Afghanistan. Ellie is likeable and funny but very down-to-earth and ordinary as well - just like any of us. Massey's aim by writing the story from a young girl's perspective was to raise awareness to the fact that many young adults have died in the Afghan war, as well as adults. In fact, most of the characters in Torn are around Ellie's age, and even younger. There are kids as young as 12 and soldiers around the age of 20-23. Reading what these people have been through was definitely an eye-opener for me. Even though it's not just about people dying but friendship, love, and forgiveness as well, you still can't help thinking about troops who are fighting in these circumstances day by day.
One of the things I loved the most was the friendship between Ellie and a young, twelve/thirteen year-old Afghan boy, Husna who the British troops hold captive after a gunfire attach in a nearby town. I loved the unlikely friendship between captor and captive and how much Husna changed by the end. How he didn't trust anyone at first and slowly but surely he opened up and started to trust the girl. Husna's by far my favourite character, although Ellie is a close second.
All in all, Torn is a definite must read. Don't let the war subject put you off - it's nothing like what you'd expect from a book about such a serious topic. It's fully of mysteries, it's funny, charming and it'll bring tears to your eyes at the same time. It's a heart-pounding adventure about friendship, loyalty, courage, but most importantly, hope.
Rating: 5 out of 5 biscuits
When I first saw David Massey's Torn and what the story's about, I knew I had to read it. Even though the synopsis doesn't give too much away, I had a feeling I'd be in for an emotional ride. My only concern was that (and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way) I don't normally read war books so I was hoping it wouldn't be too... you know, war-like and all about politics. However, I shouldn't have worried - for David Massey makes this difficult subject accessible for the young adult generation with such ease that you just won't be able to put the book down.
Torn is narrated by a 19-year-old British medic called Ellie, who's recently joined the troops in Afghanistan. Ellie is likeable and funny but very down-to-earth and ordinary as well - just like any of us. Massey's aim by writing the story from a young girl's perspective was to raise awareness to the fact that many young adults have died in the Afghan war, as well as adults. In fact, most of the characters in Torn are around Ellie's age, and even younger. There are kids as young as 12 and soldiers around the age of 20-23. Reading what these people have been through was definitely an eye-opener for me. Even though it's not just about people dying but friendship, love, and forgiveness as well, you still can't help thinking about troops who are fighting in these circumstances day by day.
One of the things I loved the most was the friendship between Ellie and a young, twelve/thirteen year-old Afghan boy, Husna who the British troops hold captive after a gunfire attach in a nearby town. I loved the unlikely friendship between captor and captive and how much Husna changed by the end. How he didn't trust anyone at first and slowly but surely he opened up and started to trust the girl. Husna's by far my favourite character, although Ellie is a close second.
All in all, Torn is a definite must read. Don't let the war subject put you off - it's nothing like what you'd expect from a book about such a serious topic. It's fully of mysteries, it's funny, charming and it'll bring tears to your eyes at the same time. It's a heart-pounding adventure about friendship, loyalty, courage, but most importantly, hope.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Purcell
Format:Paperback
I met the author at a book signing while I was in Manchester and bought the book. I had a long drive home and so thought I'd just have a little 'flick' through the book (don't worry, I was the passenger), but instead couldn't put it down! A fantastic read and I hope that there'll be more from this author.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By J.Bann
Format:Paperback
This book follows Ellie, a young medic in the British Armed Forces who has just been sent to combat in Afghanistan.
There is action, emotion and intrigue dripping off every single page!
I simply could not stop reading!
There's a perfect blend of military action, budding friendships, mystery, with a sprinkle of romance and a touch of supernatural.
You will find yourself tearing through the book to get to the ending, then disappointed that it has ended and wanting more.
Ellie is amazing, but believable, flawed and relatable.
You feel for the characters and find your heart breaking for soldiers everywhere because of the realism of Massey's writing.
Adults and teens, male and female alike will be captivated by this gem!
A must-read!
There is action, emotion and intrigue dripping off every single page!
I simply could not stop reading!
There's a perfect blend of military action, budding friendships, mystery, with a sprinkle of romance and a touch of supernatural.
You will find yourself tearing through the book to get to the ending, then disappointed that it has ended and wanting more.
Ellie is amazing, but believable, flawed and relatable.
You feel for the characters and find your heart breaking for soldiers everywhere because of the realism of Massey's writing.
Adults and teens, male and female alike will be captivated by this gem!
A must-read!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant debut novel
Torn is a brilliant debut novel from an author to watch out for. It is a well-crafted story with interesting characters. I read the book in two days as I was enjoying it so much. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unexpected love in a war zone
I really enjoyed this read; unexpected twists and turns and emotional rollercoaster [sensitively written by the author]. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Border Collie Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Young Lives
A few months ago I met a group of young soldiers at a motorway services, on their way to a training exercise on Salisbury Plain. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Colin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!
Honestly, a great book! I'm an 18 year old guy and I'm aware that this book seems to have largely fallen on a female audience, but this really is a truly universal book that's a... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Max7
4.0 out of 5 stars
an unexpected and thought provoking read
I bought this when I met the author at a book signing, mainly as a gift for my 17yr old granddaughter. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mrs. A. Granville
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